Join over 10,000 dancers moving and grooving to over 100 styles of dance in the 19th Annual Dance Parade & Festival! Our 2025 Parade Earlybird registration is open September 1st, 2024 to everyone who commits to dancing in the parade. Parade participants are eligible to perform or teach at DanceFest after the parade (additoinal artistic stipends may be provided). Come dance with our 2025 theme, "Freedom to Dance" Saturday, May 17th!
There is no fee if you're joining an already registered group.
Each year Dance Parade gathers 200+ organizations, 10,000+ dancers and 75 vehicles and floats. We manage these logistics by offering the below sound and vehicle options. Though higher budget options provide the most comprehensive sound for your dancers, low budget scenarios are also available:
1. Cheapest Option - Many of our first time group participants choose to dance with the sound provided by another group. Are you a salsa group? Then we'll have you dance behind another salsa group that is willing to share their sound!
2. Bring your own sound -- Having amplified sound outdoors is always challenging and can be expensive. We allow vehicles to transport up to 6 speakers (preferably 4). Up to 60 vehicles are permitted in the parade. Although there is an additional vehicle fee for gas powered vehicles, this may be a good option. Generator powered sound systems are the best. A 3000 watt Honda Generator require gasoline and can be rented from Home Depot for $70/day.
3. Rent a Sound-Pod from us -- we work with a sound company who provides a single SoundBoks speaker on a wheeled platform. that is known as the loudest wireless speaker in the world. Limited Supply: https://danceparade.org/sound-pods
4. Create and Bring your own Parade Float - Bring your art car, flatbed truck or pickup pulling a decorated trailor. All vehicles will be inspected by NYPD Highway patrol to be safe and street legal. Vehicle fees of $135 applies to all gas-powered vehicles (additional fee after March 1st)
5. Get a Parade Float from us -- We work with the largest, most reliable float company in the Northeast to make your dreams come true with a "Turnkey" solution to have a decorated/moving stage with sound system. After submitting your designs, just show up on Parade Day and dance the day away. Feature up to 3 sponsors. Floats start at $3000 depending on size, design and audio options. $500 Deposit due March 21st. Complete order due April 15th.
Not sure what to do? Our Production Team can help! Leave us a message on 267-350-9213 and we'll get back to you with a solution!
However you participate, please be mindful of our Good Neighbor Policy and Sound Patrol who make ticket you for excessive sound. Repeated violations will result in removal from the parade. See video below for more information about this policy.
Parade Production Assistant Lead Adele Godfrey explains our Sound Patrol and Good Neighbor Policy, ensuring an enjoyable and sustainable Dance Parade.
Escuchar video en español:Audio Player
Parade Grand Stand Lead Red Hayes explains how groups have the exciting opportunity to perform for 40 seconds before a seated audience in Astor Plaza.
