International Dance Day

Initiated in 1982 by the International Dance Committee of the UNESCO International Theatre Institute, International Dance Day falls on April 29 of every year, commemorating the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a distinguished choreographer that brought about significant reforms in ballet production. Every year, an international message authored by a well-known dance personality is circulated around the world as part of International Dance Day celebrations. Additionally, since 2005, the Canadian Dance Assembly has issued a Canadian message in conjunction with the UNESCO message.

Here's what Crazy Smooth of BBOYIZM - fresh from a performance at the Grand earlier this month - had to say:

“Dance has the rare and precious power to unite people of all ages, cultures and religions and has an intrinsic value to Canadian society.

Consider the enthusiasm of children as they express themselves through movement; the joy adults exude after a ballroom dance class; the profound emotional response of audiences and their reflections after a powerful dance performance; the incredible energy generated in a room when everybody starts to boogie; and the passion and history reflected in traditional and cultural dances.

Imagine how desolate a world without dance would be.

Dance speaks to the mind, body and soul in a way that goes beyond the power of words and its social impact and capacity to engage should be celebrated. As an art form dance can be impressive but expression is its fundamental nature.”

In Kingston, we're lucky to have a vibrant dance community, with stepdance, bboying, classical, modern, latin and pretty much any other from you can imagine. Celebrate dance this weekend - sign up for a class, boogie around your living room, go see a performance or hit the dance floor at a club. Check out the video below to get you inspired to move!