Battery Dance Presents America 250: Moving Together

On Saturday, July 25, 2026, Battery Dance presents America 250: Moving Together, a one-night-only performance commemorating the U.S. semi-quincentennial. Set against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty, the evening honors the many histories, cultures, and communities that have shaped this land for generations—highlighting the Indigenous peoples who stewarded these territories long before the founding of the United States. Through the expressive power of dance, the performance invites audiences to reflect on the evolving story of identity, resilience, and belonging in America. For more information, please visit here.

Presented in partnership with Battery Park City Authority.

“This performance honors the land we dance on, and the people who have created the dances that make our country a magnificent project,” said Executive Director Emad M. Salem. “With the Statue of Liberty in view, we highlight our founding ideals and honor those who have contributed to its foundation.” 

“We’re delighted to welcome Battery Dance’s return to the waterfront for this historic summer of America’s 250th anniversary,” said Raju Mann, President & CEO, Battery Park City Authority. “The performance celebrates not only our nation’s birthday, but also Battery Park City’s decades-long partnership with Battery Dance and commitment to the arts – past, present, and future.”

The event is part of Battery Dance’s summer season, which returns to the waterfront and transforms Wagner Park into a vibrant hub of movement, music, and cultural celebration in partnership with Battery Park City Authority. The Battery Dance Festival begins on August 10 with dynamic community workshops led by selected local dance groups, inviting New Yorkers of all ages to connect directly with artists through shared movement and cultural exchange. On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the performances officially begin as the Festival proudly celebrates its legacy as New York City’s longest-running free public dance festival—an unforgettable annual tradition that brings together extraordinary artists and audiences from around the world.

Battery Dance Presents 

America 250: Moving Together

Performance Schedule at Wagner Park

Saturday, July 25 at 7pm

Program:

Daystar, Contemporary Dance-Drama of Indian America:

Wolf: A Transformation choreography by Daystar/ Rosalie Jones

Dances for Joanne and Mother Earth choreography by Daystar/ Rosalie Jones

Hoop Dance danced by Sandra Lamouche (Cree)

Dancing Earth

Weaving of Worlds …We Dream in a Multiverse… Artistic Direction by Rulan Tangen

 an offering created by Dancing Earth’s constellation of associate artists 

Battery Dance

Heloha World Premiere; choreography by Jock Soto

Martha Graham Dance Company

Appalachian Spring choreography by Martha Graham

Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet

Mothers of War choreography by Christopher Huggins

Battery Dance

World Premiere by Sidra Bell

ABOUT BATTERY DANCE

Founded by Jonathan Hollander in 1976 in lower Manhattan, Battery Dance now serves as one of America’s leading cultural ambassadors, connecting the world through dance. With its exceptional team of dancers who also serve as teaching artists and choreographers, the Company pursues artistic excellence and social relevance, creating vibrant new works, performing on the world’s stages, presenting dance in public spaces, serving the field of dance with low-cost studios in its home in Tribeca, and teaching people of all ages with special attention to the disadvantaged and areas of conflict. Battery Dance is committed to enhancing the cultural vibrancy of its home community in New York City, extending programming throughout the U.S., and building bridges worldwide through international cultural exchange with programs in 75 countries to date batterydance.org/

SUPPORT FOR THE 2026 BATTERY DANCE FESTIVAL

The 2026 Battery Dance Festival is presented in partnership with Battery Park City Authority. Public Funds have been contributed by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature; and New York City Council member Christopher Marte’s Office. Generous support has been provided by The Shubert Foundation, The Harkness Foundation for Dance, The Seth Sprague Educational and Charitable Foundation, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Consulate General of India in New York, State Bank of India, the Taipei Cultural Center of TECO in New York, the Ministry of Culture in Taiwan, the Consulate General of Spain in New York, the Romanian Cultural Center, the Consulate General of Germany, Weill Cornell Medicine, and many individual donors.

#