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.
“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 evening will feature performances by an array of acclaimed dance artists and companies, celebrating the diversity and richness of American dance traditions. The program includes Daystar’s contemporary dance-drama of Indian America, featuring Wolf: A Transformation and Dances for Joanne and Mother Earth choreographed by Daystar/Rosalie Jones, as well as a Hoop Dance performed by Sandra Lamouche (Cree). Audiences will also experience Weaving of Worlds …We Dream in a Multiverse… by Dancing Earth, an offering created by the company’s associate artists; Heloha, a world premiere choreographed by Jock Soto and performed by Battery Dance; Martha Graham Dance Company’s Appalachian Spring; Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet’s Mothers of War choreographed by Christopher Huggins; and a new world premiere by Sidra Bell for Battery Dance.
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. For more information, visit batterydance.org/.
Dancing Earth in The Confluence , photo by Audrey Derrell