International Dance Day 2024: Date, Theme, History, and Significance

Every year, International Dance Day is celebrated globally on April 29 to promote the rich variety of dance forms practiced worldwide. It is also known as World Dance Day. The day aims to encourage citizens to immerse themselves in the art and learn more about it. The International Dance Committee and the International Theatre Institute (ITI) choose an outstanding dance personality every year.

This day marks the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre who is called the creator of modern ballet. It highlights the value and importance of dance and encourages people to participate in dance and learn more about it through numerous events and festivals organized worldwide. The creator of modern ballet Jean-Georges Noverre was born on this day.

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International Dance Day 2024: Theme

• The theme for 2024 International Dance Day has not been announced yet.
• The theme for International Dance Day 2023 was “To celebrate the versatility and popularity of dance as an art form”.
• The theme for International Dance Day 2022 was “Dance for Life.
• The theme of International Dance Day 2021:  ‘Purpose of dance’.

International Dance Day 2024: History

In 1982, the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) established the day in collaboration with UNESCO Performing Arts and started celebrating the day every year on April 29. It marks the birthday of famous French dance artist Jean-Georges Noverre. He was born in 1727 and is known as the creator of modern ballet.

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International Dance Day 2024: Quotes:

• “Almost nobody dances sober unless they happen to be insane.” – by H.P. Lovecraft
• “Dance first. Think later. It’s the natural order.” – Samuel Beckett
• “Dance is just like film in that it allows for thoughts in movement”. – by Twyla Tharp
• “I see dance being used as communication between body and soul, to express what is too deep to find for words”. – by Ruth St Denis
• “Life is short and there will always be dirty dishes, so let’s dance.” – by James Howe
• I see dance being used as communication between body and soul, to express what is too deep to find for words. –by Ruth St Denis
• “Dance, when you’re broken open. Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you’re perfectly free.” – by Rumi
• “When you dance, you can enjoy the luxury of being you.” – by Paulo Coelho

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International Dance Day 2024: Types Of Classical Dance

• Bharatanatyam
• Kathak
• Odissi
• Kuchipudi
• Manipuri
• Mohiniyattam
• Kathakali
• Sattriya
• Chhau

International Dance Day 2024: Quotes

1. “To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking.” — Agnes de Mille
2. “You were once wild here. Don’t let them tame you.” — Isadora Duncan
3. “Learn the craft of knowing how to open your heart and to turn on your creativity. There’s a light inside of you.” — Judith Jamison
4. “Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.” — Martha Graham
5. “Follow your passion. Find that something that makes you want to work at it. Work hard. Nothing comes without hard work.” — Thomas Schramek
6. “In a society that worships love, freedom and beauty, dance is sacred. It is a prayer for the future, a remembrance of the past and a joyful exclamation of thanks for the present.” — Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
7. “Dancing is like dreaming with your feet!” — Constanze Mozart
8. “I don’t want people who want to dance, I want people who have to dance.” — George Balanchine
9. “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” — Jane Austen
10. “Dancing is surely the most basic and relevant of all forms of expression. Nothing else can so effectively give outward form to an inner experience.” — Lyall Watson

International Dance Day FAQs