Dancing in the Park: How an M.T.A. Worker Spreads Joy

Even in New York City, where more than eight million people are largely accustomed to sticking to themselves and often expect the worst from each other, it’s possible to build a relationship with a stranger.

For some Brooklynites, that stranger is a man often seen dancing in Prospect Park. Claiming a space near its northernmost corner, he spends hours marching in place, punching the air and circling his fists, as Soca or disco music blasts from his portable speaker.

Some call him the music man. Others refer to him as the dancing dude on the hill. His name is Anthony Johnson, and he is drawn to the park after long, unsung shifts working on the city’s subway tracks.

“Can you feel the love that’s in the air?” he sang along to the music on a recent afternoon, a big smile on his face. “Peace and blessings,” he called out to people.

Bikers saluted him and rang their bells. Some raised their hands from the handlebars to clap and dance as they glided past. A woman pushing a stroller danced as she walked by. Parks workers in a white van honked at him, and police officers on patrol slowed down and smiled.