Dance Parade Reveals Grand Marshals For Parade in May

Over 10,000 dancers will take to the streets in a dazzling display of artistic expression and cultural celebration at the 20th Annual Dance Parade and Festival. The festivities will commence with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 AM on West 17th Street and Avenue of the Americas, featuring this year's esteemed Grand Marshals–Joan Myers Brown, Timmy Regisford, Christine Jowers and Jeff Selby—who are being honored for their outstanding accomplishments in the field of dance. A “New Style Hustle” performance orchestrated by Jeff Selby will set the stage for the vibrant procession.

At 12:00 PM, 150 dance groups will move down Avenue of the Americas, merging traditional and contemporary styles in an extraordinary fusion of movement and music. Dancers will showcase an array of genres from African, South American, Asian, and European traditions, alongside urban styles such as Majorette, Voguing, Breaking, Popping, and House as well as partner dances like Lindy Hop, Ballroom, Salsa, Hustle and Swing.

“Twenty years in, Dance Parade is both a celebration and a call to action. We've helped overturn unjust Cabaret and zoning laws that restricted dance, expanded dance education into schools and community centers, and built a movement rooted in access and equity. Now with our 20th Anniversary parade, themed ‘The Beat Goes On,' we carry that forward—protecting the right to dance and opening doors for every community to be seen, heard, and in motion.” – Greg Miller, Executive Director, Dance Parade New York

“Dance Parade is one of New York's most joyful celebrations of movement, and we're thrilled to be back. After recreating Fame's iconic taxi scene last year, this year LaGuardia's remarkable students take center stage — a diverse, fearless generation of artists, with a surprise or two, of course." – Tadej Brdnik, Program Director and Curator at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School.

“Dance Parade is a powerful platform to celebrate cultural identity, and we're proud to represent Serbian heritage in this global showcase. Our dancers bring vibrant tradition, community pride, and the spirit of the next generation to the streets of New York.” — Silvija Djukic, President of Folklore Ensemble Opančići

“We call it ‘42nd Street' because each group gets 40 seconds to present their culture and choreography,” says Grand Stand Organizer REDness, producer of the 35-year-strong Shelter parties.

“Our curation team focused on uplifting underrepresented dance communities,” says Kanami Kusajima, Parade Programming Lead. “The event brings together professional and student dancers alike in a stunning, inclusive, and joyous display.”

DANCEFEST IN TOMPKINS SQUARE PARK:

At the conclusion of the parade in Tompkins Square Park, the public can enjoy a festival from 3-7pm featuring performances on two stages, a teaching stage, site-specific works, and a dedicated dance party area with DJs spinning an eclectic mix of genres. The festival is designed to be an immersive and participatory celebration of dance.

ABOUT DANCE PARADE NEW YORK:

Founded in 2006 by Greg Miller, Dance Parade New York is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing dance as an expressive and unifying art form. It serves the dance community through education, performance opportunities, and artistic collaborations. Funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the annual Dance Parade and Festival is the organization's flagship event, celebrating the vast diversity of dance styles and cultural traditions in New York City.

ABOUT THE 2026 GRAND MARSHALS:

JOAN MYERS BROWN – Joan Myers Brown is the founder of the Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco!) and one of the most influential figures in American concert dance. For over five decades, she has been a driving force in creating opportunities for Black dancers, establishing a company that has become a vital pipeline for talent into major dance institutions across the country.

Her work blends classical modern technique with African diasporic movement traditions, creating a powerful, expressive style that reflects both cultural heritage and contemporary innovation. Through her leadership, teaching, and advocacy, she has transformed the landscape of dance by elevating underrepresented voices and building enduring institutions that continue to shape the art form today. (see more)

TIMMY REGISFORD – Timmy Regisford is a pioneering DJ, producer, and founder of the legendary Shelter parties—one of the most influential spaces in the history of house music and dance culture. Known for his marathon sets and deeply soulful sound, Regisford has cultivated dance floors that are as spiritual as they are celebratory.

Rooted in New York's underground club scene, his work has helped define house music as a global movement centered on freedom, connection, and collective expression. Through decades of residencies and international performances, Regisford continues to inspire dancers and DJs alike, keeping the pulse of the dance floor alive across generations.

CHRISTINE JOWERS – Christine Jowers is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Dance Enthusiast, a pioneering digital publication dedicated to making dance more accessible, engaging, and visible to broader audiences. With a background as both a dancer and writer, she brings a unique perspective that bridges the worlds of performance and critical discourse.

Her work champions the idea that writing about dance is itself an extension of the art form—capturing movement through language and deepening audience connection. Through interviews, reviews, and community-driven storytelling, Jowers has created a platform that celebrates the diversity of dance while fostering a more inclusive and informed dance community.

JEFF SELBY – Jeff Selby is the creator of New Style Hustle, a contemporary evolution of the classic Hustle that blends partner dance with modern music, technique, and expression. Through decades of teaching, performing, and building a global community, he has introduced Hustle to dancers in over 60 countries—transforming it from a fading social form into a vibrant international movement.

At a time when Hustle risked disappearing, Selby's dedication, innovation, and relentless outreach helped save the genre from extinction. His work emphasizes musicality, connection, and adaptability, ensuring that Hustle continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its New York origins. Today, his influence can be seen on dance floors around the world, where New Style Hustle thrives as both a social and performance art.