DANCE PARADE Announces Grand Marshals

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.

"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."

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.

"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.

Camille A. Brown:

Camille A. Brown is a prolific choreographer and artistic director of Camille A. Brown and Dancers. Her work reclaims the cultural narrative of her African American heritage, tapping into both ancestral stories and contemporary culture to capture a range of deeply personal experiences. Her many accolades include a Bessie Award, four Princess Grace Awards, a Ford Foundation Art of Change Fellow, a Jacob's Pillow Dance Award, Guggenheim Fellowship recipient, and TED Fellow, and her work has been commissioned by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Broadway productions, and other prominent institutions.

www.CamilleABrown.org

Mickela Mallozzi:

Three time Emmy award-winning host and executive producer of Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi. Ms. Mallozzi has journeyed around the world with her camera, following dance in the lives of everyday people, "experiencing the world, one dance at a time," she explains. A professional dancer and trained musician, Mickela has been featured in major publications, has danced on Sesame Street and The Doctor Oz Show, among others, and is Director of the Women's Travel Fest, an annual conference whose mission is to inspire, empower, educate, and connect women through travel. www.TravelBareFeet.com

City Council Member Rafael Espinal:

The lifelong resident of Brooklyn is a Brooklyn City Council member for the 37th district, which encompasses Bushwick, Brownsville, Cypress Hills, and East New York. He is chair of the Council's Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing. A hero in the dance world, Mr. Espinal recently made dance history by passing legislation to repeal the antiquated 1926 cabaret law which required a license to dance. He also led the nation by creating the United States' first Office of Nightlife to support nightlife businesses and local communities.

DJ Doc Martin:

The renowned DJ, known as "The Resident Mixologist," has spun records for appreciative admirers for over three decades and hosted at NYC's legendary radio station WBLS 107.5 FM. The Connecticut native has a vast music collection for all demographics and generations, and is constantly surprising and delighting audiences The good Doctor is in - check him out!

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