Every year on 29 April International Dance Day is celebrated across the world. In 1982, the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) decided that International Dance Day will be celebrated every year on 29 April, the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), creator of modern ballet. International Dance Day was created by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute ITI, the main partner for the performing arts of UNESCO. Since its formation in 1982, the International Dance Committee and the International Theatre Institute ITI select an outstanding dance personality to write a message for International Dance Day each year.
This day is a celebration day for those who can see the value and importance of the art form “dance”, and acts as a wake-up-call for governments, politicians, and institutions that have not yet recognized its value to the people and to the individual and have not yet realized its potential for economic growth (international-dance-day.org).
It may be mentioned here that the International Theatre Institute (ITI) has announced that the International Dance Day 2022 Online Celebration will take place on 29 April 2022 online, organized by the General Secretariat of ITI. Further, on International Dance Day 2022, which will be the 40 Anniversary of the Day, the celebration will present one video from this year’s Message Author and five dance productions, each from one region (Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Europe, and Arab Countries). The objective of the celebration is to gather people together and show the world the beauty and diversity of dance art. All the videos of the dance productions will be seen on the official website of International Dance Day on 29 April 2022. In addition to the online celebration, the South Korean Centre of ITI, together with the General Secretariat of ITI will also organize an on-site celebration in Seoul, South Korea (international-dance-day.org/mainevent.html). Like swimming, cycling, and any other games and sports, dance is an art that helps to keep the body fit. By referring to the website, danceadvantage.net/the-benefits-of-dance, it may be mentioned that dancing helps keep any person irrespective e of gender physically fit and healthy. Further, it is observed that dance is good for the heart, lungs, and bones. It is important activity increases strength, stamina, and flexibility. Also, dancing encourages good posture, body awareness, and control which help in the later stage. The study reveals dance facilitates commitment, communication skills, passion, perseverance, and the ability to take and respond to constructive (or not-so-constructive) criticism (danceadvantage.net/the-benefits-of-dance).
Indian classical dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Sattriya, or Sattriya Nritya, etc., exist in India from time immemorial.
So, I suggest to the parents if your child is interested in dance please encourage him /her, because from childhood onwards, if one performs then he/she can be fully skilled in that field.
Dr. Shankar Chatterjee
Former Professor & Head (CPME), NIRD & PR (Govt. of India), Hyderabad,
Dt 29 April 2022
Dear Dada, Namaskar. Congratulations. Traditional Dance is the essence of Culture and Heritage of any Country. Fortunately India has numerous traditional Dances, rich in culture, civilisational value, heritage, and the extraordinary art forms. Kind regards. 🙏
Prof Madhav Rao, former Prof n Head (GIS), NIRD&PR, Hyderabad