The rhythms and flashes of "showtime" dancing in New York City's subway trains continue to morph, as dancers shift their moves to accommodate the changing subway cars and the growing evolution of law enforcement's presence. According to a Gothamist report, the MTA's recent upgrade to modern trains on the A and C lines, implementing new features like split hand poles and foldable seats, has compelled dancers to revamp their routines. Gerard Murphy, a 23-year-old member of a dance crew, modifies his pole spins and "flagging" maneuvers to navigate the altered landscape of poles and spaces inside the cars.
Performers previously executed stunts using the older train models' single poles, which allowed for a larger repertoire of moves. "With the single pole, you could do a lot. It's one pole, you could go crazy, but [now] it’s two, you can’t really do as much, but you could make it work,” Murphy told Gothamist. Despite these obstacles, the performers persist, working as a cohesive unit and adapting to the changing times for the sake of their craft, and, the shared goal of bringing in at least $100 each before calling it a day.
Beyond train car design, elements like the pandemic have brought reduced ridership and a move away from cash transactions, affecting the artists' earnings. These subway dancers have adapted by accepting digital payments through services like Zelle and Venom, ensuring they can still receive tips from an audience now less likely to carry cash. "Tourists, they show big love to us 'cause they never seen it before. They're really excited,” Stefan Carasco, also a crew member, explained in a Gothamist interview.
Increased police patrols and law enforcement initiatives in the subway system have introduced another variable that these subway entertainers must navigate. “As long as you come off respectful, you shouldn’t have a problem,” says Britt of the augmented subway cops presence and their approach towards dancers, according to Gothamist. Even with these hurdles, the subway remains a venue of opportunity for these performers, with the ever-present hope of transcending the underground scene into wider recognition and financial security.
That hope, however, is shadowed by fear and the stark realities laid bare in the documentary "We Live This." Facing challenges such as homelessness and low earnings, these dancers continue with the conviction that their talents could lead to a brighter future. "I’m very determined to get famous, or at least make a little bit of money," TyTy, one of the dancers featured in the film, stated with determination, as reported by Bloomberg. The documentary's director James Burns urged viewers to see these young performers "as human beings,” recognizing the cultural importance and the individual struggles within this unique slice of NYC life.
