A sound for sore ears, Azusa SHESHE Dance performs in Union Square and other subway hubs around the city. She’s as bold in her fashion as she is in her soulful, bluesy voice — dressed in hot pink, big earrings and a pretty smile that is always in style.
NYC transit hubs are bustling underground cities within a city, filled with people getting to work, school, fun times, or just getting their errands done. Smiles are not abundant on trains, and many people are likely worried about getting to their destinations on time. Serious scowls, poker faces, and even the occasional nappers are often found in the packed subterranean train maze.
But all that changes when commuters pass the beautiful Dance, who sings with a warm voice that gives commuters a welcome respite from the usually harsh subway soundtrack of screeching trains, construction work and inaudible broadcasts.
The Chattanooga, TN, native has lived in the Big Apple for nearly 10 years. She sings songs made famous by iconic music legends.
“I play whatever I like to sing,” Dance said. “It could be Etta James, it could be Patsy Cline, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin.”
On a recent Saturday evening in March, she belted out “These Boots are Made for Walkin’” by Nancy Sinatra at the 14th Street-Union Square subway station. Commuters through the busy hub stopped in their tracks to dance, hug, and sing along with Dance.
And Dance welcomes them with open arms, knowing how music can help people in a stressful environment.
“It’s New York, what isn’t there to be stressed about,” she said. “The rent is high. Food is high. Subways are crowded. Everything here stresses you out. But I love it. I wouldn’t give it up for nothing.”
As talented as she is, there is something even more unique about Dance. She’s one of the few subway performers who the MTA officially recognizes through the agency’s Music Under New York program.
Music Under New York is one of several visual and performing arts programs the MTA Arts & Design department offers that aim to enhance customers’ transit environments.
View this post on Instagram
The MTA holds auditions every spring.
“The program seeks quality acts that speak to the diversity of the MTA’s customers. All submissions are welcome and considered for the live Auditions scheduled in the spring,” the website states.
According to the program’s description, a panel of judges from various artist industries evaluates each audition based on quality, variety, and appropriateness for the mass transit environment.
Performers accepted into the program are not paid but can accept donations. They perform in select NYC Transit hubs around the city, including 34 Street-Herald Square, 14th Street-Union Square, Bowling Green, Grand Central-42nd Street and many more.
Dance auditioned for Music Under New York right after moving to NYC in 2016 and was instantly accepted into the program.
“I auditioned my first time, and I got in. And I didn’t know anything about Music Under New York. I just wanted a platform for me to do my thing,” she explained.
Dance, who started singing in church back in Tennessee, said she loves music and making people smile.
“My music is to make somebody else’s day a little bit different. A little happier. Or give them joy on their route going to and from. That’s the whole point of Music Under New York.”
