STEP OFF

Last year’s first annual Dance Parade was a nice reminder of the spunk we still have in this town. Created to unify the dance community, celebrate its diversity, and basically have a damn good time, it showed the world that even with all the city’s sanitization, we still know how to work it. Thousands of breakers, hoofers, Irish steppers, and everyone in between put on their dopest gear to swing, tap, and shimmy their way down Broadway. It was the party of the season, and this year will be no different: The dancers and organizations are signed up, the floats are prepped, and the costumes are ready. The best part is, anyone can join in, whether you register to dance or watch from the sidelines. And even if you don’t make it to the parade, there’s always the after-party, a free, four-hour festival in Tompkins Square Park with slick beats (compliments of DJ Jonathan Peters), performances, and dance lessons. Just follow the dancers!

Sat., May 17, 1 p.m., 2008