International Dance Day

A Global Celebration of Movement and Expression.

The world celebrates “International Dance Day” on 29 April. It is to pay tribute to one of humanity’s oldest and most universal forms of expression. Dance is more than just entertainment. It is a form of communication, a means of storytelling, a way to heal, and a source of pure joy. Indian classical dance is deeply tied to spirituality. All dance forms have storytelling as the focus. UNESCO estimates that dance remains one of the most widely practised art forms globally. Dance profoundly impacts society, influencing culture, social movements, and personal well-being. The joy and happiness seen on the faces of the performing artists reflect the same. It is a good reason to be inspired and start dancing. Fine arts go beyond the physical, manifest in spirituality and absorb individuality. The beauty of dance is to bring joy to the performer and for whom it is being performed. If you can walk, you can dance. It is time to celebrate all dance forms. 

Yato hasta stato drishti, Yato drishti stato manaha,
Yato manaha stato bhava, Yato bhava stato rasa.

Where the hand is, the eyes follow,
Where the eyes go, the mind follows.
Where the mind is, there is the feeling,
Where the feeling is, there is mood.
Natyashastra

The essence of dance is captured with subtlety. The world celebrates “International Dance Day” on 29 April. The International Dance Committee of the UNESCO International Theatre Institute was established in 1982. It is to pay tribute to one of humanity’s oldest and most universal forms of expression. The date was chosen to honour the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a French ballet dancer often regarded as the creator of modern ballet. Dance is more than just entertainment. It is a form of communication, a means of storytelling, a way to heal, and a source of pure joy.

Dance: Humanity’s First Language.

Archaeological evidence connects the dance to religious ceremonies and storytelling. Cave paintings found in Bhimbetka rock shelters in India, Spain, and France show figures who appear to be dancing. Ancient Egyptians incorporated dance into religious ceremonies, funerals, and festivals. Natya, an Indian Classical Dance, dates back to before Christ. Natya Shastra, an ancient performing arts treatise, is written around ~200 BCE. 

Indian classical dance is deeply tied to spirituality. All dance forms have storytelling as the focus. Western ballet focuses on technical precision, Chinese classical dance blends dramatic acrobatics, and Japanese classical dance emphasises symbolism and subtle emotion. Middle Eastern classical dance is rooted in celebrating the body and rhythm. India’s major recognised classical dance forms are Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam and Sattriya, each of which adds a regional cultural aspect.

At Any One Moment, Millions of People are Dancing Somewhere Around the World.

UNESCO estimates that dance (folk, classical, and contemporary) remains one of the most widely practised art forms globally. Dance is part of daily life in many cultures, in ceremonies, festivals, religious rituals and social gatherings. Dance-related content is the most popular on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Dance is becoming a part of fitness, and programs like Zumba have millions of participants worldwide. 

Dance is the Hidden Language of the Soul.
Rukmini Devi Arundale

There are thousands of schools teaching dance in one form or another. Children start very young, some continuing their pursuit even when they grow old. Schools like Kalakshetra are epitomising excellence with several eminent alums from the school. Organisations like Sangeet Natak Akademi and state cultural bodies support and certify. Many academic institutes offer programs in classical arts to formalise learning. There is a challenge of becoming financially adequate for people who are pursuing dance as a career. Many struggle to make ends meet, but they continue their passion-driven pursuit.

The world has seen legends like Michael Jackson, Anna Pavlova (Russian ballerina), Fred Astaire (Ballroom and tap dancing), and Mikhail Baryshnikov (Ballet). There are many in India, too. Rukmini Devi Arundale, known for revising and modernising Bharatanatyam, Pandit Birju Maharaj (Kathak), Uday Shankar (known for blending classical Indian styles with Western ballet), Kelucharan Mohapatra (Odissi) and Mrinalini Sarabhai (a Bharatanatyam dancer who contributed to arts education) or  Vempati Chinna Satyam remembered for popularizing Kuchipudi.

Through Dance, We Can Experience the Divine.
Mallika Sarabhai

The dance goes beyond providing entertainment. It is a powerful means of expression, communication, and cultural preservation. Dance profoundly impacts society, influencing culture, social movements, and personal well-being. Learning dance offers a wide range of benefits, both physical and mental. When one is performing, individuality is lost, and it enables going beyond the life of the present. The joy and happiness seen on the faces of the performing artists reflect the same. It is a good reason to be inspired and start dancing. Fine arts go beyond the physical, manifest in spirituality and absorb individuality. The beauty of dance is to bring joy to the performer and for whom it is being performed. If you can walk, you can dance. It is time to celebrate all dance forms.  

Every Movement in Dance Has a Meaning and a Story to Tell.
Uday Shankar

Toon: Advika 
Log: M Sai Baba
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