HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY: 29TH APRIL
Written by Roneel Narayan on April 29, 2022
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 honour the world of dance today, together!
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY
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 favourite 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.
3300 BC: The first trace of dance
The earliest signs of dance are found painted on Egyptian tombs and Indian rock walls
1882: Pointe shoes on point
Marie Taglioni premiers pointe shoes during her ballet performance in “La Sylphide”.
The 1950s – 1970s: Dance Craze was all the rage
With the rise in popularity of pop music, fad dances proliferated during these decades; have you heard of the Twist? the Mashed Potato? the Dog? the Hitch Hike?
TRADITIONS OF THE DAY FOR INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY
The only tradition strongly observed on International Dance Day is dancing, dancing, and more dancing! It’s probably the one day you can break into dancing in the middle of the street, like in the movies, and not be called out for it. The whole vibe of the day is letting loose and moving to the beat of your favourite music.
Dance parties and dance competitions are, of course, very popular today so everyone can feel like they are in a “Step Up” movie. People with serious dance skills take over the dance floor and some even demonstrate unique dance sequences that are no longer trendy or from different cultures. Dance studios have great membership offers, which people eagerly take advantage of. Who knows? You may be the next Patrick Swayze!
