April 29 is International Dance Day, so put your dancing shoes on and get ready to step out. Dancing is universal — woven into virtually every society all over the world. Humans simply love dance. It brings us together whether we are the ones on the dance floor or are watching the professional performance of others. Dancing is exhilarating and impressive. Let’s honor the world of dance today, together!
When Is International Dance Day?
Lindy hop, jitterbug, freestyle, tango, ballet, and more, the art of grooving and swaying our bodies is celebrated on International Dance Day on April 29.
History:
The Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) established April 29 as International Dance Day in 1982 to highlight the amazing diversity and talent of dancers all over the globe. This date was chosen because it marks the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), the creator of modern ballet.
The International Theatre Institute created this holiday to promote dance across the world, to make people aware of the value of dance, and to enable the dance community to promote their work on a broad scale. The hope is for governments and opinion leaders to become increasingly aware of the value and importance of dance in all its forms and support it. On top of all this, International Dance Day was created for us to just enjoy dance for what it is and share the joy with others.
Every year the ITI selects an exemplary choreographer or dancer to write the official holiday message. Their website lists the location of their annual gala as well as other advertised events worldwide.
Evidence of dance has been found dating back 9,000 years and it has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. This holiday encourages people to celebrate their favorite type of dance while also learning new styles. There are dance styles for people of all ages and rhythm capabilities; so there’s no excuse for you not to get involved.
How to celebrate Dance Day:
When looking for ways to enjoy Dance Day, the best advice comes from Lady Gaga. Just dance!
Thousands of performances and hardcore dance fans may flock to the country of the Gala each year, but the whole point of the event is that it can be enjoyed by everyone in their own way. For members that are part of a group or class, this is the perfect to put on an event at the local hall or even on the street. Street performances can attract a lot of donations, especially when the Dance Day celebrations are promoted – just remember that sharing $100 between five people is a lot more enjoyable than splitting it between 43.
Ultimately, though, everyone has their personal relationship with the art of dance. There are literally no limitations to how Dance Day can be celebrated. Even individuals stuck at home can partake in the experiences of the day. Reading up on the traditions of a dance online can be supported by watching the latest addition to the Step Up franchise or learning new dance moves via video tutorials. The event is a great excuse to watch a local show or invest in new dance shoes too. After all, the true success of the event is that it encourages people to take dance more seriously in their day-to-day lives.
Whether the celebrations are enjoyed alone or with others, it’s never a bad idea to tune into the streams of the ceremony, or at least catch up on them later on. Another top tip for performers is to record some dances on this day and then revisit them next year. The progress that can be made in 12 months is mind-blowing.
Significance of International Day of Dance:
International Dance Day is a global celebration of the universal language of movement and expression. Established by the International Theatre Institute, it honours the artistry, cultural diversity and transformative power of dance, uniting communities worldwide in appreciation of this ancient form of human communication. Beyond its artistic merits, the Day serves as a platform to advocate for the importance of dance in education, health and social cohesion, fostering understanding and dialogue across borders while celebrating the unique traditions and innovations within the world of dance.
International Dance Day Facebook Banners, Posters & Covers
Goals of the International Dance Day:
- To promote dance in all its forms across the world.
- To make people aware of the value of dance in all its forms.
- To enable the dance community to promote their work on a broad scale, so that governments and opinion leaders are aware of the value and importance of dance in all its forms and support it.
- To enjoy dance in all its forms for its own sake.
- To share the joy of dance with others.