What is International Dance Day?

Do you know why April is special for dancers all around the world? Because on 29th April, it's the International Dance Day!

Let’s be honest - there’s a day for almost everything now, but International Dance Day (IDD) stands out for anyone who loves movement, music, and the magic that happens when the two combine. IDD has been celebrated every year since 1982, established by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute, a partner of UNESCO. The date? April 29th was chosen to honour the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a name every ballet lover should be aware of.

Who was Jean-Georges Noverre?

Born on 29th April 1727, Noverre was a French dancer, ballet master, and a friend of Marie-Antoinette who changed the course of ballet history. He’s often called the “father of modern ballet” - but not in the sense of 'modern dance' as we know it today. Instead, Noverre introduced ballet d’action, a style that broke away from the decorative, often disconnected dances of his era. Ballet d’action aimed to tell a story through movement alone, using expressive choreography, realistic gestures, and dramatic staging rather than relying on spoken or sung words. The focus was on emotion, character, and narrative. Think of it as the precursor to the full-length story ballets we consider the 'classics', like Giselle or Swan Lake.

A painting Jean-Georges Noverre by Jean-Baptiste Perronneau from 1764

Noverre’s ideas weren’t always popular in his lifetime, but his 1759 book, Letters on Dancing and Ballets, set out his vision for dance as a true dramatic art. His legacy is why, every April 29th, the world pauses to celebrate dance in all its forms.

What happens on International Dance Day?

International Dance Day is all about celebrating the universality of dance-breaking down barriers of language, culture, and politics to bring people together through movement. It’s marked by performances, workshops, and festivals across the globe, from grand galas to community flash mobs.

One of the day’s special traditions is the annual International Dance Day Message. Each year, a renowned dance personality is invited to write an address that’s shared worldwide. The first message, in 1982, was given by Henrik Neubauer (1929-2024), a Slovenian opera director, choreographer, professor, doctor and a ballet historian who was active across internationally and wrote 30 books and over 500 articles on opera and ballet.

Here’s the 2025 address by Mikhail Baryshnikov:

"It’s often said that dance can express the unspeakable. Joy, grief, and despair become visible; embodied expressions of our shared fragility. In this, dance can awaken empathy, inspire kindness, and spark a desire to heal rather than harm.

Especially now—as hundreds of thousands endure war, navigate political upheaval, and rise in protest against injustice—honest reflection is vital. It’s a heavy burden to place on the body, on dance, on art.

Yet art is still the best way to give form to the unspoken, and we can begin by asking ourselves: Where is my truth? How do I honor myself and my community? Whom do I answer to?"

A few authors from the previous years

Robert Joffrey (1983) – Co-founder of the Joffrey Ballet, Joffrey’s address emphasised ballet’s evolution and its role in contemporary society.

Kathryn Dunham (1993) – A groundbreaking African-American dancer and anthropologist, Dunham’s address highlighted dance as a tool for social change.

Maguy Marin (1996) – The French choreographer’s message focused on the creative process and the courage to experiment.

Stephen Page (2008) – Artistic Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre, Page spoke about the deep connection between indigenous culture and dance.

Akram Khan (2009) – The British-Bangladeshi choreographer reflected on tradition, innovation, and the importance of storytelling in movement.

Trisha Brown (2017) – An American postmodern dance pioneer, Brown’s message celebrated dance’s power to connect and transform.

Ohad Naharin (2018) – The Israeli choreographer and creator of Gaga movement language, Naharin’s words inspired dancers to embrace individuality.

Friedemann Vogel (2021) – The German principal dancer spoke about resilience and the healing power of dance during challenging times.

Why celebrate International Dance Day?

Whether you’re a professional dancer, a student, or someone who just loves to move in the kitchen, International Dance Day is for you. It’s a chance to remember that dance is a universal language-one that tells stories, expresses emotions, and brings people together across borders and generations. It’s also a day to honor the visionaries like Jean-Georges Noverre, whose passion and innovation laid the groundwork for the dance we cherish today.

So on 29th April, whether you’re in the studio, on stage, or just grooving in your living room, or your office with headphones on, take a moment to celebrate. Dance, in its essence, is for everyone - no matter your age, background, or experience. Happy International Dance Day!