• Abdiel leads Natasha in a dance at the Bandshell in Central Park
  • Crowd dancing at Bethesda Fountain with view of lake in the background.
  • An eclectic group of roller skaters dance in unity at Hudson River Park’s Pier 76
  • The crowd gathers for a group shot at the end of the Works & Process event at the Guggenheim Museum
  • Jordan and Cara dance Latin Hustle at Hudson River Park’s Pier 76
  • Natasha Diggs behind the decks atop the Dance Is Life x Soul In The Horn float in the NYC Dance Parade
  • A dancer with her fan amidst the crowd at the fountain on Juneteenth

What is Dance Is Life?

Dance Is Life is a communitarian dance party that celebrates the tradition of Latin Hustle being danced in the streets, parks, and clubs of NYC. We welcome all other street and club dance styles igniting a diverse space for exchange and creativity. Free and accessible to the public, Dance Is Life encourages freedom of self-expression and human connection through shared joy and movement.

Natasha and Abdiel smile and hold hands as they dance Latin Hustle

Co-founders Natasha Diggs and Abdiel at Bethesda Fountain on Juneteenth 2023. Photo by Stephen McFadden

Our Mission…

  • Two generations share a dance of Latin Hustle

    Preserve & Archive Latin Hustle

    There is no time like the present to preserve Latin Hustle, as any “OG” dancer will tell you, the twirls are what keeps them young. Dance Is Life is dedicated to providing the space for intergenerational connection through dance and oral histories.

  • A crowd dances at Bethesda Fountain near a pink disco ball

    Reclaim Cultural Public Spaces

    New York City has a unique backdrop of public spaces where the spontaneity and creativity of NYC culture blossoms. For over 50 years since the early days of Latin Hustle, if you weren’t in the club, you were in the park—which is exactly where you’ll find us.

  • Mr. Magique leads two partners at once, including one in a wheelchair

    Make Social Dance Accessible

    Music has the power to inspire connection through dance and movement. Dance Is Life is dedicated to providing accessible and inclusive experiences for people with disabilities. Here, we are free to express ourselves as a collective act of liberation and joy!

View the Dance Is Life
Photo Galleries

  • “You are the true definition of NYC and faaaaabulous New Yorkers…🕺🏿💃💜❤️🎶”

    Diana E Barnett, NYC

  • “That’s the magic of this amazing beautiful dance. It forces you to be lighter on your feet and smile.”

    @inkedbyflawless.ego

  • “Dance of the summer that we didn’t know we needed.”

    @glittermango_

  • “I think the name of the events should be Dance is Joy because it’s such a joy watching everyone move so fluidly and with such JOY!”

    —@dirtymartini63

PHOTOS Top Gallery: Stephen McFadden (1, 3); Dasha Dare (2) David D.G.Noble (4-5, 7); Loreto “Still1” Jamlig (6);
Menu: Stephen MacFadden (1); Lafotographeuse (2-3); Bottom: Angie Vasquez