10 Ways To Give Back: Realty Collective Celebrates the Work of Dance Parade New York
Nov 27, 2023 10waystogiveback,brooklyn,brooklyn real estate,give back,gratitude
As part of our celebration of the holidays — and as a thank you to the larger community that supports us all year long — Realty Collective is proud to feature the work of key non-profit organizations making the borough (and beyond) better every day. We’ve selected 10 non-profits to highlight and we encourage everyone to learn a bit about their respective missions and, if possible, to join us in making a small monetary donation to further their work. We thank them for everything they do and thank you for supporting a small, woman-owned Brooklyn business for nearly 20 years.
During the holiday season, we can often be overwhelmed by the deep well of need that exists in our communities. For all its sparkle, New York City is still a place where many people struggle to get their basic needs met. That often looks like ensuring every resident has access to the fundamental basics of life — including food and shelter. There’s no denying these needs are critical but we can’t forget that being human also means we each have a deep need for expression, freedom, joy. One of the most essential ways we experience these things is through our connections to the arts, including dance, which is why we’re thrilled to highlight the work of Dance Parade New York as our final featured non-profit this holiday season.
Dance Parade’s mission is clear: to promote dance as a force that transcends boundaries and nurtures a communal human spirit, fostering a more equitable and vibrant society. From the preservation of historical dances like Armenian Folk and Bolivian Caporales to the introduction of contemporary forms like Litefeet, Waacking, and Brazilian Zouk, they create a living tapestry of movement that unites cultures.
Beyond just joyous spectacle, Dance Parade believes that dance is not merely an expression; it’s a journey towards self-discovery, building self-esteem, and fostering community pride. Through performances, classes, costumes, parade floats, and even the playful Dance Police, Dance Parade transforms the cityscape into a canvas of creativity in motion.
Education and empowerment are at the core of their work. Certified teaching artists dance to schools and community centers. By supporting emerging dance groups, Dance Parade ensures their artistry reaches broad audiences, serving as a platform for fundraising and promotion.
At its roots, Dance Parade champions freedom and peace. From historical challenges New Yorkers have faced (like the Cabaret Law of the 1920s restricting interracial dancing) to modern concerns (did you know zoning laws still often restrict dancing?), Dance Parade stands against oppressive forces, advocating for the freedom to dance as a fight for social justice, and that’s something we can get behind.
If you’d like to learn more about their work (including their upcoming parade in May of 2024), you can do so here. Want to join them in the cause? How about sponsoring, donating, or even joining the team!