On Display NOW!
Orchard Beach, The People's Republic of The Bronx
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Ricky Flores’ “Dance Evolution at Orchard Beach” is a photo essay from the 1980s that depicts the foundational dances that were common in Orchard Beach, where Breaking evolved in the 1970s and 80s. The dance circles at Orchard Beach centered around several popular dance styles like Salsa, Disco, Up Rock, and Floor Work. These circles were mere feet from one another, mostly found near Section 4 at Orchard Beach, which were popular with Puerto Ricans during the summer months.
‘Dance Evolution at Orchard Beach’ is part of the 2025 Photoville Festival’s city-wide exhibition series, which officially runs from June 7th through 22nd, representing the People’s Republic of The Bronx. But beach goers can already see the exhibition in section 6.
TWO FOR ONE
It’s not often that we get a chance to see the historical documentation of a time-honored tradition as captured by a legendary Bronx-born photojournalist and also get to experience it first hand (say what?). But it turns out that not only is Flores’ exhibition already up and on full display (section 6), this coming Sunday, May 25th is also the official annual kickoff of Salsa Sundays at Orchard Beach (section 5)—talk about meta dé·jà vu! And what better way to experience the visuals of this amazing ‘al fresco’ photo exhibition than to also live it back-to-the-future style! C’mon!
ABOUT RICKY FLORES
Ricky Flores was born in New York to Puerto Rican parents in 1961. His father, Pastor Flores, was a merchant seaman, and his mother, Ana Luisa Flores, a garment worker, lived in the Tremont section of the Bronx during the early 60s. Flores started documenting life in the South Bronx in 1979. He began photographing the lives of his friends and family during one of the most turbulent times in the history of the Bronx and New York City. Over the years, Flores freelanced for The Daily News, The New York Times, The City Sun, and The Village Voice. He was also a photojournalist for The Journal News, part of the USA Today network for 25 years. Flores is recognized for covering the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Amadou Diallo, and Superstorm Sandy. Flores has a permanent installation at I.S. 306 in the Bronx commissioned by the School Construction Authority. His work from the South Bronx is on permanent display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Flores is a founding member of the Bronx-based Seis de Sur photo collective. His new book, South Bronx Family Album, is now available from The Culture Crush. |
Supported by
Click on Map for Directions
