International Dance Day 2023 [29th April]

International Dance Day is an annual event celebrated on 29th April to show appreciation for the global art form of dance that breaks all cultural, ethnic, and political barriers. The day celebrates the universality of the art form where artists speak the common language of dance. On International Dance Day, people are encouraged to participate in dance and gain knowledge about different dance forms.

International Dance Day is also celebrated in memory of Jean-Georges Noverre, credited with creating modern ballet dance. Discover more about Dance Day, its history, significance, and how it is celebrated here.

International Dance Day 2023

To celebrate the versatility and popularity of dance as an art form, International Dance Day is celebrated annually on 29th April. It is the perfect day to put on your dance shoes and become a part of the celebration. Dance Day is observed by all United Nations Member States.

World Dance Day is a great occasion to equip oneself with knowledge of different dance forms, their history, and more. Get an overview of what this day entails here.

International Dance Day Theme

The theme for World Dance Day 2023 will be announced shortly. Each year, a new theme is chosen to celebrate this day. Based on the theme, people observe the day and plan their celebratory events. Check out the previous year's theme and meaning of Dance Day here:

• International Dance Day 2022 Theme - Dance Your Way to Boost Physical and Mental Health.
• The previous year's theme was a call to action for everyone to explore dance as an activity that boosts physical and mental health.

World Dance Day History

The first evidence of dance can be found in paintings made in caves more than 10,000 years ago. As such, dance is one of the oldest forms of human expression. Dance was earlier performed to worship gods, tell a story, etc. Modern dance forms are performed for self-expression, entertainment, education, etc. They range from classical forms of Indian dances to ballet, waltz, tango, jazz, tap, hip-hop, etc.

The history of International Dance Day can be traced back to 1982 when it was first celebrated on the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre. Established by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), a partner of UNESCO performing arts, Dance Day is celebrated on 29th April every year.

The ITI created an international day to promote dance forms across the globe. Every year on World Dance Day, the International Dance Committee of ITI and the Executive Council of ITI select an eminent dance personality, a choreographer, or a dancer to write a message stressing the significance of the art form. The message is then translated into various languages and circulated worldwide.

Significance of International Dance Day

World Dance Day celebrates the beauty and power of the creative art form of dance. Dance is an ancient art form that is universal and accessible to everyone. In today's diverse and global world, the occasion of International Dance Day uses dance as an excellent medium to strengthen ties and exchange dialogue.

Dance is not only a beautiful and creative form of self-expression but is also diverse and has strong unifying power. The ITI proclaimed 29th April as Dance Day to -

• Raise awareness in the general public about dance's creative and therapeutic value and its various forms.
• Promote and appreciate dance in all its forms across the globe.
• Assist and encourage the global dance community to promote their art form on an international scale so that its value is known to governments and country leaders, and they can extend their support.
• Enjoy and appreciate dance in all its forms.
• Share the joy of dance without boundaries of race, ethnicity, and culture.

International Dance Day Celebration

International Dance Day 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the international day. The occasion will be celebrated online on 29th April 2022 on the official website. Every year on this day, a flagship event is celebrated in a host city. This year, it will be in Korea.

The Dance Day celebration will begin with a video from this year's chosen message author KANG Sue-jin, artistic director and dancer at the Korean National Ballet and will be followed by five dance productions, each representing the region of Asia-Pacific, Africa, America, Europe, and the Arab Countries.

In addition to the online celebration of World Dance Day, the South Korean Centre of ITI will collaborate with the General Secretariat of ITI to organize a celebration on 29th April 2022 in Seoul, South Korea.

FAQs on International Dance Day

Q1. When is International Dance Day?

International Dance Day is celebrated on 29th April every year. It is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre, the father of modern ballet. Dance Day was first celebrated in 1982 by the International Theatre Institute.

Q2. Why is International Dance Day celebrated?

International Dance Day is celebrated to promote the creative form of dance and all its forms. International Dance Day also raises awareness and educates the general public about the beauty of dance and its universal nature that brings together people from all backgrounds and cultures.

Q.3. Who founded International Dance Day?

The International Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), a partner of UNESCO, created International Dance Day in 1982. Since then, Dance Day has been celebrated annually in all parts of the world.

Q.4. Why is International Dance Day celebrated on 29th April?

International Dance Day marks the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), the creator of modern ballet. Therefore, World Dance Day is celebrated on his date of birth to honor him and the beautiful dance form he developed.

Q.5. How is International Dance Day celebrated?

Every year on International Dance Day, the International Dance Committee of ITI and the Executive Council of ITI select impressive and outstanding dancers or choreographers to write a global message which is translated into various languages.