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Dance News: The 12th Annual Dance Parade Themed “The Cabaret of Life” Announces Four Grand Marshalls

Camille A. Brown, Mickela “Bare Feet” Mallozzi, DJ Doc Martin and Rafael Espinal Lead the Parade

Dance Parade New York is pleased to announce four Grand Marshals will kick off its street parade and festival with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:45pm on Saturday May 19, 2018 at 21st Street and Broadway.

This year’s Grand Marshals are: Bessie Award-winning choreographer Camille A. Brown; the three-time Emmy® Award-winner Mickela Mallozzi show “Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi;” New York City Council Member, Rafael Espinal, who authored the bill to successfully overturn the prohibition-era cabaret law, and legendary DJ and radio host of WBLS 107.5 FM, DJ Doc Martin.

Photo by Juan P. Zapata.

“This year’s honorees were selected based on their commitment to promoting unity, diversity and humanity in their art and work,” said Greg Miller, Executive Director, Dance Parade.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will include remarks from elected officials, Grand Marshals, and feature a performance by Rhythm Locura, a same gender Salsa Troupe.

“Dance, music, and all forms of the arts are the lifeblood of our city,” said NYC Council Member Rafael Espinal. “I am proud to have led the historic movement to repeal NYC’s ‘no dancing’ cabaret law and to join Dance Parade this year as its Grand Marshal. While we made great progress this past year advocating for the arts and creating the Office of Nightlife, there is  more work to be done. I am looking forward to our continued partnership and the celebration of culture.”

Photo courtesy of Dance Parade New York.

At 1pm the parade unfolds with 10,000 dancers who salsa, Chassé, sashay, 2-step and boogie their way down Broadway from West 21st Street, through Union Square and University Place and across 8th Street/Saint Marks to a grandstand in Astor Place Plaza where performances take place. This year’s theme, “The Cabaret of Life” celebrates diversity and culture in everyday life.

“I am beyond honored to be included as one of this year’s Grand Marshals for the Dance Parade New York – living in the East Village, the Dance Parade has been my favorite weekend for years! Said Mickela Mallozzi. “It is the most incredible feeling to be able to dance down the streets of New York City, surrounded by the diverse music and movement that make up our great city!”  

Ending in Tompkins Square Park, DanceFest comes alive from 3 to 7pm highlighting the artistic excellence and cultural treasures found in the Dance Parade. Festival goers are invited to view the richness of its cultural forms on four stages, participate in social dancing and take dance lessons—all FREE to the public.

DJ and radio host of WBLS 107.5 FM, DJ Doc Martin.

"I am truly honored to serve as grand marshall in this year's parade,” said DJ Doc Martin. “I remember what it was like to party into  the early morning hours in NYC. I drew my inspiration from listening to the DJ legends before me, and I still get a thrill watching an audience react to the perfect track dropped at the perfect time."

On the Main Performance Stage, the Grand Marshals will receive awards in recognition of their career contributions presented by New York City elected officials, and members of the Dance Parade board of directors.

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