Dance Dialogues

Advocacy in Motion
with Reshma Patel and Karesia Batan

Originally published July 17, 2024.

We had the honor of engaging not one, but two vital resources to our community who have collectively been part of Dance/NYC for over 20 years: Dance/NYC board member Reshma Patel and Dance/NYC advisory committee member Karesia Batan. We had the distinct opportunity to ask both to share their unique insights on the pulse of advocacy and what donors can do to support.

Pictured left: Reshma Patel; Pictured right: Karesia Batan

Reshma Patel (RP): Hello, I’m Reshma Patel, and I’ve proudly served on the Dance/NYC board since 2018. What initially drew me to this organization was its commitment to fostering equity within the dance community. I also serve as an elected District Leader in the 74th Assembly District Part D and sit on Manhattan Community Board 6. These roles allow me to advocate for dance funding and support at both the city and state levels. Additionally, I co-chair the Chhaya Community Development Corporation, focusing on creating housing stability and economic empowerment within Indo-Caribbean and South Asian communities.

Karesia Batan (KB): Hi, I’m Karesia Batan, the Founding Executive Director of the Queensboro Dance Festival. My relationship with Dance/NYC began as a freelance dancer seeking opportunities and community support. Over time, I’ve had the privilege of serving on Dance/NYC’s advisory committee, funding panels, and various task forces. Dance/NYC’s dedication to equity and advocacy strongly resonates with the mission of Queensboro Dance Festival and my personal commitment to arts and culture in Queens.

On the Importance of Advocacy

RP: I believe art can build empathy and transform ideas. Dance can do what words often can not. Dance is an important part of civic life but unfortunately, often its importance is overlooked. It is critical for those of us connected to dance to educate and inform elected officials, the public, and the media about the vital role dance plays in New York City.

In my capacity as a District Leader and Community Board member, I interact with elected officials regularly. This allows me to advocate for dance either in direct conversations with elected officials or by bringing up funding needs in meetings and writing resolutions in support of the dance community.  

KB: Perception is the seed of political will. Our sector is often overlooked by the city and undervalued by society at large. Advocacy is our tool in changing this perception; to demonstrate that we are an interwoven part of a healthy, thriving society and do not function nor contribute in a silo.

How You Can Support and Engage in Advocacy

RP: Donors can support advocacy efforts by writing to their elected officials to request more funding for dance, attending local Community Board meetings, supporting community programming that includes dance, attending rallies, and providing testimony at City Council hearings on arts funding. Their voices and actions can make a significant impact.

KB: In addition to financial support, donors can engage in advocacy by being present and vocal. Attending meetings, supporting public art projects, and participating in rallies are just a few ways to make a difference. Advocacy efforts need to be visible and sustained to protect public funding for the arts.

RP: I want to thank our donors for their generous support and for recognizing that dance is more than just big productions. Your support allows Dance/NYC to help small, diverse dance companies create inspirational work and grow. Additionally, it supports essential research like the Dance Industry Census, which is crucial for securing government support for the dance community.

Final Thoughts

RP: Culturally, dance plays an important role in the part of India my family is from: Gujarat. There is a folk dance called garba which we perform on important occasions. Growing up in Lowell, MA, this was the one thing that tied me to my culture. In high school and college, I organized dance events and I shared this with the broader community. I also took classes in ballet, jazz, and Bharat Natyam, a classical Indian dance form. I never thought of myself as a member of the dance community until I met the executive director of Dance/NYC in 2017. I want to invite and welcome to the Dance/NYC community others like me who are passionate about dance and who can help move the field forward with their support.

KB: The recent DCLA budget cuts were scary. I’m thankful for the guidance Dance/NYC has provided our sector to remain informed and understand how to take action. To me, it means our dance community needs to get more equipped with budget planning and fundraising skills to diversify our funding sources. We have to continue to be resourceful and work together. But we also have to increase our advocacy to keep public funding protected for artists, which is an undeniable population, economic driver, and characteristic of NYC.