A huge parade went down Broadway yesterday to celebrate the arts and dancing in particular. Some of the participants were there as a symbol of protest against the city's arcane laws against dancing in certain establishments. A law from 1926 prohibits clubs from allowing more than two people dancing without a hard to obtain permit. Only 170 spots across the city have these permits, and that law needs to change. Norman Siegel is fighting to do just that.
From The New York Times:
Norman Siegel, one of the lawyers who filed the suit against the city, boogied in the parade alongside some hip-hoppers and spoke to the crowd afterward. “Dancing is expressive activity, and the government should not be regulating or prohibiting our right to dance,” he said. Two lower courts have already rejected his argument that dancing is a form of free expression, but last month he asked the Court of Appeals to review those decisions.
Though Ms. Tamam said the parade was less about protesting than advocacy and education, many groups took the opportunity to call attention to the law.
“I’ve been screaming, ‘Fight the cabaret laws’ for four hours,” said Luis Vargas, 35, a Manhattan health counselor and a member of the newly formed House Coalition, made up of house music devotees who oppose the cabaret laws. “We refuse to give up the cause. It’s not a crime to dance.”
It isn't a crime to dance, but Bloomberg has been dragging his feet with no rhythm in sight to change the law. He has said in the past he would have it changed, but nothing has been done since. This may seem like a silly little thing, but it is a big deal for many party-goers.
Norman and his supporters have gone to the courts, only to leave in vain. The judges dismissed his argument that dancing is a freedom of expression. That is just ridiculous. The Court of Appeals is going to look into the matter, but Bloomberg can clear it up quickly along with the City Council. So Mr. Mayor, what is the big deal? Get your groove on and update the law already.
