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Dancers Joan Bradford, Jessica Lee, Candance Sumpter, Rebecca Gual, Lorena Jaramillo of SLMDances, and Reyna Nunez, Alora Martinez, Cocoro Carr, Imani Arrington of Ladies of Hip Hop kneel and sit in a circle surrounding J. Bouey as they perform during the State of NYC Dance event.

Our New York City Dance

Join us in building Our New York City Dance.

Our New York City Dance is a shared vision for a dance ecosystem where artists, workers, and communities can thrive. It imagines a city where dance is recognized as cultural expression and common good, where creative labor is valued, and where sustainable, equitable careers are possible across the five boroughs.

Realizing this vision requires collective action. Together, dance workers and supporters have the power to influence the policies, funding, and practices that shape our field.

Learn more about our shared vision

Taking Action for Our New York City Dance

This year’s advocacy priorities focus on advancing conditions that support the stability, sustainability, and dignity of dance workers and organizations in New York City. From public investment to workforce protections and sector-wide practices, these efforts center the needs and realities of the dance community.

PRIORITY 1

Just funding for the dance ecosystem

Act on Priority 1

PRIORITY 2

Fair pay and protections for dance workers

Act on Priority 2

PRIORITY 3

Dance education for all

Act on Priority 3

PRIORITY 4

Affordable living and working space for dance

Act on Priority 4

Action Spotlight

Pass the NYC Artist Housing Bill

A new artist housing bill would reduce the barriers to creating new affordable artist housing complexes like Westbeth and Manhattan Plaza.

Contact City Council to support artist housing

Join the #OurNYCDance Action Crew

The #OurNYCDance Action Crew brings together dance workers and supporters committed to advancing policies, funding, and conditions that help our field thrive. Crew members receive timely advocacy updates and clear opportunities to engage—from contacting decision-makers to participating in rallies and submitting testimony at hearings.

This is about more than staying informed. It’s about showing up in ways that feel accessible, and strengthening our shared impact as a community.

Be part of the movement shaping the future of dance in New York City.

Join the Crew
Dance/NYC staff at rally smile while holding signs that read 'We are building Our New York City Dance' and 'Help us build Our New York City Dance'.

Making moves to strengthen Our New York City Dance

Tackle the issues that our industry faces in our day-to-day practice as dance workers and organizational leaders.

Issue 1

Dance Workers’ Lack of Value and Protections in Society

Explore Issue 1

Issue 2

Financial Unsustainability for our Workers and Organizations

Explore Issue 2

Issue 3

Justice, Equity and Inclusion are Still Lagging

Explore Issue 3

Important Dates and Events

2026 Campaign Launch

March 25, 2026, 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. ET
Virtual on Zoom

This event has already occurred.

We brought together dance workers, leaders, and advocates to mobilize for a more just, equitable, and sustainable dance ecosystem. Attendees explored key advocacy actions, connected with peers, and learned how others take action in shaping the future of NYC dance.

Learn more about the launch

Experience the Our New York City Dance 2026 launch event on YouTube

Header Image | Pictured: Dancers Joan Bradford, Jessica Lee, Candance Sumpter, Rebecca Gual, Lorena Jaramillo of SLMDances, and Reyna Nunez, Alora Martinez, Cocoro Carr, Imani Arrington of Ladies of Hip Hop kneel and sit in a circle surrounding J. Bouey as they perform during the State of NYC Dance event. Photographer: Jeffrey Lee/On the Spot Image