International Dance Day

International Dance Day History

International Dance Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the art, creativity, richness, and diversity of dance in various cultures worldwide. This day was established by the International Dance Committee of UNESCO in 1982 and is celebrated annually on April 29th, the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a dancer, and choreographer widely considered as the creator of modern ballet. The celebration aims to raise awareness about the significance and relevance of dance, promote its cultural value and promote peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among nations through the medium of dance.

In Canada, International Dance Day has been celebrated since 2005, with events and performances organized all over the country by various dance organizations, schools, and artists. These events include dance workshops, performances, exhibitions, and discussions on the importance of dance in shaping Canada's cultural landscape. The celebration promotes the rich and diverse dance traditions of Canada's various communities, including Indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, Latin, and Asian communities. Dance has been an integral part of Canada's history, and the celebration of International Dance Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the artform's unique contributions to Canada's cultural mosaic. The day also highlights the challenges facing the dance industry, including funding and recognition, and the need to create more opportunities for young dancers to develop their skills and pursue careers in dance.

Facts about International Dance Day

• An important dance personality is selected every year by the International Theatre Institute to write a message. YANG Liping was chosen for 2023. Learn more about her and the message for the year.
• Dancing is a fun way for everyone to stay in shape and meet new friends. According to the Department of Health & Human Services, some of the health benefits of dancing include better endurance and motor fitness, improved muscle tone and strength, weight management, better coordination, and agility and flexibility.
• The Canadian Dance Assembly (CDA), an organization that represents professional dance practices in Canada, plays a significant role in celebrating International Dance Day in the country by organizing events, workshops, and discussions around dance.
• The ITI's Canadian Centre plays an active role in promoting and celebrating International Dance Day across the nation. Each year, the Canadian Centre partners with different organizations to organize events and activities to raise awareness of the significance of dance in Canadian culture.

In the News and Trending in Canada for International Dance Day

Top things to do in Canada for International Dance Day

• If you are performing a dance on this day and would like to promote the message written by one of the chosen personalities, you can say it, or suggest that it be said, at the beginning or end of the show.
• Start a photo challenge. Strike a pose and post it to your favorite social media platform.
• Catch a ballet show at an internationally ranked studio. The Alberta Ballet is a ballet company based in Calgary and Edmonton that often puts on special performances for International Dance Day.
• Attend a performance at The National Ballet of Canada in Toronto. The National Ballet of Canada is one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world and often puts on performances for International Dance Day.