On behalf of the service organization Dance/NYC, I strongly endorse the proposed Let NYC Dance Bill #1652 and call for the repeal of the 1926 'No Dancing' Cabaret Law.

In doing so, I join the Let NYC Dance Coalition (Dance Liberation Network, NYC Artist Coalition, Dance Parade, People's Cultural Plan, House Coalition, The Floasis, Color of Change, and Legalize Dance) and colleague advocates in recognizing the many challenges posed by the Cabaret Law, for example:

• The law prohibits dancing in all establishments without cabaret license, which is virtually unobtainable

• The law drives NYC’s thriving dance culture into rogue, unregulated, potentially dangerous environments

• The law was originally enacted in 1926 to break up black jazz clubs

• Currently less than 0.01% of NYC bars and restaurants can legally allow dancing

• The law restricts economy and freedom of expressions

(Source: Dance Liberation Network)

Dance/NYC opposes the significant barriers to creativity and free expression created by the Cabaret Law and champions the values of equity and inclusion it undermines. Dance/NYC also advocates the growth and vibrancy of social dance and dance outside of theaters and understands these forms as essential to the wider dance ecology—to moving the art form and all of the people of our city forward. 

Dance/NYC thanks prime sponsor, council member Rafael L. Espinal, Jr., and council member sponsors, Antonio Reynoso, Stephen T. Levin, Helen K. Rosenthal, Karen Koslowitz, Corey D. Johnson, Ritchie J. Torres, Jumaane D. Williams, Bill Perkins, Daniel Dromm , Alan N. Maisel, Rosie Mendez, Barry S. Grodenchik, Carlos Menchaca, Mark Treyger, Robert E. Cornegy, Jr.

Dance/NYC's mission is to promote the knowledge, appreciation, practice, and performance of dance in the metropolitan New York City area. It embeds values of equity and inclusion into all aspects of the organization.  It works in alliance with Dance/USA, the national service organization for professional dance.