Did you know that all New York City bars and restaurants are allowed to have live music but most do not allow dancing due to antiquated State liquor laws? The history of regulating dance in New York City reflects the change in our culture over the past century. For decades, a number of advocacy groups have opposed racist era laws that have supressed dance and culture including the Dance Liberation Front, Legalize Dancing NYC, Metropolis in Motion, The Dance Liberation Network, The NYC Artists Coalition, Dance Parade New York, and The Dance Police (NYDP). Now that the Cabaret Law’s administrative code was repealed on October 30, 2017 along with the 2024 revision of restrictive zoning laws in the City Of Yes zoning amendements, outdated State Liquor laws still do not permit dancing. This situation contrasts the zoning of live music as live musical entertainment can be conducted in any bar or restaurant throughout New York City.

Dance is an important form of expression and connection for many immigrant and marginalized communities and is a human right not subject to zoning or any form of regulation. In the Cabaret Law’s 91 year history of the supression of dance and culture, it was found nearly impossible to define what consititues dancing–Rhythmic swaying, foot tapping or striking a pose as with “voguing” are movements and can represent even the absense of movement.

According to a 2023 analysis of the State Liquor licenses in NYC, 11,287 licenses were issued to “Eating and Drinking Establishments On Premises”. Of these, only 278 (2.5%) allowed patron dancing. Dancing should not only be permited in hotels and mega-clubs. This outdated licensing system unnecessarily affects small businesses and their patrons who want to dance.

Members of LegalizeDance.Org want the word “dance” removed as a “Method of Operation” under the State Liquor Authority. We maintain that nightlife (and daylife) in “Entertainment establishments” should be regulated by venue capacity not whether or not people are dancing. We maintain that social dancing is a healthy activity and a 1st Amendment Freedom. There is a long list of city and state ordinances that regulate “Entertainment establishments” and New York carries some of the strictess noise and fire safety laws in the country. And as an activity, dancing contributes to a human communal spirit and has the capacity to create a more vibrant and equitable society.

In each issue of our STEPS! E-Newsletter we try to cast the Spotlight on one of our awesome team members to find out more about where they came from and to suss out their connection to dance and supporting the Dance Parade team.  In this issue, we put the spotlight on Dori Garcia.

Hi Dori, Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us!

How did you first find out about Dance Parade?

I found out through my partner who was taking a Cuban Salsa Class with the organization’s director, Greg Miller.

What is your current role in Dance Parade New York?  

I am the Team Coordinator and Project Manager. I basically work with all the committee chairs to place prospective team members. We are seeking over 200 this year so I’m looking forward to the challenge!

What is your favorite style of dance to watch? to participate in?   
I love the latin dances.   Tango is one of the most expressive dances I know and when I see it, I just get wowed!

What is your background or interest in dance?

I was raised in Alicante, Spain and have been practicing salsa on and off since I was five year’s old.  I would go with my Aunti in Spain and do my own steps on the side. I also learned contemporary after school and now take bachata classes here in NYC.

If you could share the stage with anyone in history, famous or not, living or deceased, a trained dancer or not, performing a routine choreographed by yourself…who would it be?  

I just absolutely love Ataca Y la Alemana, bachatta dancers.

Last year we celebrated the theme “Movement of the People” What does this year’s theme “Dance Without Borders ” mean to you?   

I think Dance Without Borders demonstrates that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what your abilities/capabilities are—There are no limitations in order to dance and you can still share your passion to dance.

What dance group or dance style are you most looking forward to seeing this coming year in the parade? 

I can’t wait to see the Cuban Rueda salsa.  At the Dance Parade event “Winter’s Eve” at Columbus Circle,  I saw Fuakata Cuban Ensemble choreographed and led by Chris Rojecki and they were just amazing.

If you could choose Grand Marshal for next year’s parade….who would it be?  

I would love to see Shakira because she’s so passionate and helps others through her charity work.

If you could pick another country to hold a Dance Parade and Festival….which would it be?

Definetely Spain!

Working for a nonprofit organization can at times be daunting and frustrating with limited personnel and funding….what is it that keeps you coming back for more and more? 

I had heard about Dance Parade before I came to New York and since I’m passionate about dance, it’s just amazing to me that I’m a part of an organization that allows us to express ourselves–and we do it in my favorite form–Dancing!

What pitch would you use to attract a new volunteer onto the Dance Parade team?

It’s a great opportunity to do something that makes a difference for so many people.  And it’s a lot of fun and we put it all together in such a positive way—A lot of work but so worth it!