Every year, Battery Park transforms into a full display of all things dance. This year marks the 41st annual Battery Dance Festival, where more than 12,000 in-person visitors come, and another 35,000 virtual attendees watch the various dance performances slated to take place over an entire week. Mark your calendars and keep reading. The Battery Dance Festival is happening this year from August 13th through the 19th, with the Indoor Closing Event and VIP Reception taking place on the 21st. You don’t want to miss this awe-inspiring dance experience!
New York City’s Longest-Running & Totally Free Public Dance Festival
It’s the longest-running dance festival in New York that’s open to the public and features an entirely free lineup of incredible dance performances. From August 13th through the 19th, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM, guests can head over to Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park and Battery Park City. This highly celebrated event will have its Closing Event and VIP Reception at the Schimmel Center on August 21st from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The Battery Dance Festival is brought to you by the Battery Park City Authority and a host of local and regional sponsors who help bring dancers and visitors together for this extraordinary, free-to-the-public event.
See the Full Performance Lineup
So, what kind of dance performances can you expect at the Battery Dance Festival? Check out the full lineup online and prepare to be blown away by the artistic talent of this year’s performers. Beginning Saturday, August 13th, enjoy the Young Voices in Dance. This is the festival’s newest addition, celebrating a whole new generation of choreographers. August 14th will feature six diverse dance companies demonstrating Mexican Folklorico and percussive dance. Dancing Wheels will also perform, a company whose choreographer hails from Romania and is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of The Vanaver Caravan.
Day three is India Independence Day, and day four will feature performances from Singapore. Day five is your day to see tap, modern dance, folk dance, and circus-inspired routines from companies from the U.S. and abroad. And day six features additional companies from Spain, Canada, and New York City. All of these incredible performers are a must-see!
Getting to the In-Person Dance Festival
Check out the Battery Dance Festival’s website and sign up for free alerts and live-streaming throughout the week. If you need directions, you can explore both subway and driving options to Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park and the Schimmel Center at Pace University. There are also resources for those traveling from New Jersey, as well as hotel accommodation suggestions for anyone planning to spend more than one day at the event.
If you’re looking for cultural and revolutionary dance performances that the whole family can enjoy, definitely check out the Battery Dance Festival!
As New York event planners, you’re always looking for new events and festivals to explore for inspiration. Keep up with our ongoing blog series for more insights about the goings-on in NYC and also a host of event planner tips and suggestions for growing your business! Don’t forget, too, The Event Planner Expo 2022 is coming up in October, so book your exhibitor space today!
