Dance with Pride

 

Thank you to all of the the dancers & volunteers who joined us in this year’s San Francisco Pride Parade!

 

SF Pride Parade 2024

On June 30, 2024, Rhythm & Motion, Dancers’ Group, ODC, and Bopsidy  teamed up to form the Dance with Pride contingent in the 2024 San Francisco Pride Parade. Over 130 dancers performed three fun, energetic routines through the center of the city,  celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and welcoming people to San Francisco through the joy of dance.

 

 

Outstanding Musical Entry Award

Our contingent won one of the coveted Pride Parade awards – “Outstanding Musical Entry.” Congratulations to all who participated.  Thank you, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, for recognizing our passion and love for dance, Pride, and our community.

 

Dance with Pride Photo Gallery

(If you download photos, please credit “Frank Spada.”)

Share your own images from the day using #dancewithpride and by tagging @rhythmandmotion and @dancersgroup.

 

A Reflection from Dudley Flores

Last year, the Human Rights Campaign declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ residents and travelers, the first one in its 40-year history. At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security warned about growing threats of violence and extremism against LGBTQ+ people. Alongside the threats to LGBTQ+ rights, the U.S. is grappling with systemic racial inequality, threats to women’s reproductive rights, hostility and discrimination against immigrants, and much more. As these issues converge and with a presidential election approaching, social solidarity and community support feel more urgent than ever.
 
San Francisco, with all of its imperfections and challenges, has always been a model and a global leader in LGBTQ+ liberation and fundamental human rights. People from all over the globe come to the City on Pride weekend to seek respite, to be their authentic selves in public, to hold their partners hand without fear, or to seek a new life. At Pride, people can feel free. At Pride, LGBTQ+ individuals can feel the love.
 
And that’s what we all shared on Sunday – love. Through open arms and an offering of your hand in “Let’s Love”, a smile into the crowd with a saucy hip bump in “Cozy,” and a “Whack it whack it, cross it smack it” from “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” we were very much a part of San Francisco’s beacon of love.
 
Your joy, energy, and enthusiasm was contagious. From where I was standing, I could see all of you and how the crowd reacted. They danced, sang along, waved their pride flags, and cheered…loudly! The Parade judges, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, even awarded us one of the coveted Pride awards – “Outstanding Musical Entry” – and a shout-out: “We love you, Rhythm & Motion. You are wonderful!” That evening, I received an Instagram direct message from one judge saying, “Pride missed you! We’re so glad you’re back!” You all gave so much and there was so much love and appreciation for what you all did on that parade route. I hope you felt some of that as you looked into the crowd.
 
To all of our volunteers, who worked on the sides to help the dancers to shine, you are very much a part of the magic we created. We couldn’t have done this without you. Your efforts in keeping us hydrated, spreading cheer with your sticker distribution and high fives, pulling wagons, carrying banners, driving the truck, and diligently monitoring wheels and our pacing were nothing short of spectacular. Much like the pit crew is essential to a race car driver’s success, your support kept all of us moving smoothly and ensured that we were able to perform our best. Thank you.
 
Our collective energy and spirit made our experience truly unforgettable. Because of you, together, we embodied San Francisco’s beacon of love for both the crowd, and for each other. And because of you, my heart is full. I’m so happy to have commemorated and celebrated Pride with all of you. For that, and so much more, I thank you.
 
With great PRIDE and on behalf of all of us at Rhythm & Motion, Dancers’ Group, ODC and Bopsidy – thank you for sharing your passion, bringing your energy, dancing your hearts out and for coming together to make a powerful and joyful statement. Much love, many blessings and may we all continue to dance with pride every day.
 
In community and with deep gratitude, respect and love,