Dance Is Life closes out the season at the iconic Naumburg Bandshell, a beloved gathering spot just steps from Bethesda Fountain. With its wide stage and open-air dance floor nestled at the foot of Central Park’s Mall, it’s the perfect place for dancers—and skaters!—to shine or flow freely among the crowd. There’s plenty of room to move, celebrate, and soak in the energy. Stay tuned for special guest announcements and surprises as we wrap up the summer with one unforgettable finale!
Dance Is Life is a free, intergenerational, and communitarian dance party that celebrates the rich tradition of Latin Hustle being danced in the streets, parks, and clubs of NYC. Emerging in the early 1970s South Bronx and created predominantly by Puerto Rican and Black teenagers, Latin Hustle is a partner dance that defies traditional gender norms—welcoming any gender to lead, follow, or even swap roles—and honors its many LGBTQ+ innovators. While Latin Hustle remains at the heart of the gathering, Dance Is Life welcomes all street and club dance styles, igniting a vibrant space for cultural exchange, creativity, and self-expression. Open to all, it fosters human connection through shared joy, movement, and a deep respect for NYC’s dance legacy.
HOSTED BY
Natasha Diggs
Abdiel
DJ
Natasha Diggs
+ Special Surprise Guests!
WHEN
Monday, September 15, 2025
5pm-Sundown
WHERE
Naumberg Bandshell
Central Park NYC
ACCESSIBILITY
Download the Central Park Access map to navigate the terrain of Central Park, including where accessible restrooms are located.
Download directions and parking information, including accessible public transit, for help getting to the bandshell.