Freedom to Dance
Our Biggest Wins:
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2007 Launched Dance Parade, New York City's largest dance event
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2017 Our efforts over 10 years helped repeal the racist Cabaret License Law
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2024 We reformed zoning laws that restricted dance. Now you can dance anywhere that allows music.
Our Next Action:
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2025 Lobby New York State Liquor Authority to allow dance as a 1st Amendment Right
Dance Police, Cabaret Law & Historic Injustice:
Freedom to Dance 2024-2025 Campaign
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 Now that the Cabaret Law's administrative code was repealed on October 30, 2017 along with the 2024 revision of restrictive zoning laws in the City Of Yes zoning amendements, outdated State Liquor laws still do not permit dancing.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 This outdated licensing system unnecessarily affects small businesses and their patrons who want to dance.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.
From the Creative Protests of the 1990s...
...To the 2017 Repeal of the Cabaret Law
Heading 2
...To the January 24, 2024 City Planning Commission Hearing
City of Yes, Zoning for Economic Opportunity Intro Presentation, Matt Waskiewicz, 2hr 56min
Proposal 9 Testimony: (O) denotes oppositiion; (S) denotes support
(O) George Jane, Consultant to CBs 3:30:15
(S) Rob Bookman, Hospitality Alliance 3:42
(O) Council Member Christopher Marte 5:25:45
(S) Jerry Goldman, Dance Parade NY 6:22
(S) Council Member Keith Powers, 6:33
(S) Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, 6:40:20
(S) Jeff Garcia, Exec Director Office of Nightlife 6:50
(O) Laura Sewell, East Village Community Coalition, 7:04
(S) Laura Goshinski, 7:10
(S) Mark McNulty, 7:14
(S) Deputy Commissioner of DOB, G Palmo 7:14:50
(O) Susan Stetzer, CB3 District Manager 7:30
(O) Andrea Gordilo, CB3 Board Chair 7:36:35
(S) Greg Miller, Exec Director Dance Parade & LegalizeDance.Org 8:51:15
(S) Sommay Jaijong Thai Restaurant Owner 8:54
(S) Funmilayo Chesney,Artistic Director Fusha Dance Company 8:58:50
(S) Parker Rameriez, Dancer & Choreographer 9:02:30
(S) Sandra Jaquez, Director of NYS Latino Bar, Restaurant & Lounge Association 9:08:30
(S) Michelle Joni, Owner/Operator Glinda the Good Bus 9:19:30
Our Work Continues -- Join us!
House Coalition
Supporters are asked to sign and post the Petition to Social Media:
Join the Dance Police (NYDP) Squad
Press inquiries: info@legalizedance.org Voicemail: 267-350-9213