Ed Note: Not wanting to be hypocrites, we constantly encourage ourselves to be curious about what the world has to offer. We jump into new experiences feet first and tell you all about it, in hopes that you’ll do the same and discover something new. If you think you have a bit of street beater in you and would like to join us on our next Square Rootz Tries adventure, or want to recommend something we should try, hit us up: info[at]squarerootz.net.

JUST GIVE ME A BEAT

This past weekend, folks from all over New York unabashedly popped, locked and shook what their momma’s gave them, while professional dancers and expert two steppers shared the same street all in the name of the city’s second annual Dance Parade.

Onlookers encouraged the feet stomping, hand clapping and hip swinging celebration - many even coming off the sidewalk to join the fun, a true testament to dance being infectious and Gloria knowing what she was talking about when she said, “the rhythm is going to get you.”

Sounds of tambourines, drums, castanets, Slick Rick’s “Children’s Story” and shouts of “Ole!” filled the air as teenagers 5,000-ed and elders put us on to the fancy footwork that got the party started back in their day. Flags were waved and banners held high with feverish pride for individual and collective identities.

New York’s dance crews, companies and performers at heart boldly shimmied down Broadway passed shops and office buildings, brazenly sticking it to the state’s 2006 Supreme Court ruling that deemed dance to be a form of expression that is unprotected by the Constitution. Parade-goers proved that “protection” isn’t necessary when dance comes from the people, people who know that it’s all about exposing your soul for the world to see.

Katherine Dunham, Alvin Ailey, Lola Montes, Gregory Hines and Carmen Amaya  must be proud. Ashe!

Thinking of being a part of next year’s Dance Parade or finding a dance class or company to join? Check out: www.danceparade.org for more info.