What is International Dance Day?

History of International Dance Day

In 1982, the International Dance Committee of ITI established International Dance Day, which is observed annually on April 29th, the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), the creator of modern ballet. The International Dance Day Message's goal is to celebrate dance, delight in its universality, break down political, cultural, and ethnic barriers, and bring people together through a shared language - dance.

International Dance Day 2022

On the 29th of April of 2022, we will again celebrate the International Dance Day, and this dance day is simply a tribute to dance, the only art form that is an emotion. Whenever you are happy, you dance. When you are celebrating, you dance. When you are having a good time with your partner, you dance. Dance is part of every life, no matter what. Although dance does not need a celebration, dance is a celebration in itself, yet World Dance Day will be celebrated just as a reminder of the value of dance in our lives. On this occasion, let’s take a look at the history of dance.

History Of Dance

The First Evidence of dance was found in ancient Egyptian paintings. The dance paintings were also found on Indian Rock Wall. Dance has a very deep connection with Indian Mythology. According to which, dance existed even before the universe was created, the Indian God Of Thunder, Indira, used to enjoy dances of Apsaras (Indian Angels) in his Sabhas (meetings).

 Even Shiva (The God Of Destruction) has a dance called (Tandav), which is said to be the dance of destruction. Nobody can tell exactly when this art form was born, but we can be sure that this art has existed for a very long time. In the year 1832, Marie Taglioni gave birth to the Pointe Shoes Dance while her ballet performance in a “La Sylphide.”  

The 1950s- 1970s was the era when the dance spread like a fever, the rise of pop music gave birth to the rise of different dance forms. You might remember some of these. the 1980s was the era that gave rise to the street form of the dance; Popping, B-boying, Punk, Old School Hip-Hop, and every dance form rose during this era. And who can forget the legendary Micheal Jackson, who gave birth to a totally different dance form everyone went absolutely crazy about MJ. He was one of the greatest dancers of all time and also a full-packed package. To date, people are trying to copy his epic Moonwalk, but no one has achieved perfection like Micheal Jackson. 

Dancing with the Stars, now in its 28th season, premiered in 2005 and has since captured America's passion for dancing on television by matching a celebrity with a professional dancer and allowing fans to vote for their favorite dancers throughout the season.

In 2012, Gangnam Style was released on Youtube and went viral because of its energy and unique dance moves. Then came the era of the World Of Dance. Every artist wanted to get featured on this page and became the most popular dance community. 

The Dancing Legends

A dancer is a person who dances professionally in front of everyone. Dance is an art and a way of communication and expression, and it is also said to be a passion and source of joy. These days most people's profession has become dancers as they are immensely talented, but, somehow, their talent becomes hidden because of their personal reasons.

1. Micheal Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson was a prominent music artist and dancing sensation in the 1980s. He was a singer and lyricist as well as a dancer. Jackson wowed the crowd with his video performance, live performance, and dance moves, particularly the "moonwalk," which gave the robot style its name. He holds the record for having received the most music awards in history.

2. Mikhail Baryshnikov

Mikhail is a Russia born American dancer, choreographer, and actor. He used to be a classical dancer but eventually became a dance director. He is known as the world's best ballet dancer and used to be an artistic director of the American Dance Ballet Theater. He professionally debuted with the "peasant Pas de Deux" of "Giselle" in New York City in 1974.

3. Madonna

Madonna Louise Ciccone is an actress, singer, songwriter, recording artist, and dancer from the United States. The best-selling albums from Madonna were "Madonna," "true blue," and "like a virgin." According to Guinness World Records, she is the best-selling female recording artist of all time. She's known as the "Queen of Pop." "Like a Virgin," "Like a Prayer," "La Isla Bonita," "Take a Bow," "Vogue," "4 Minutes," "Hung Up," "music," and "Frozen" are some of her most hit tracks.

4. Joaquin Cortes

Joaquin Cortes is a trained ballet, flamenco, and contemporary dancer. He was brilliant at dancing since his childhood and later decided to get trained professionally. Cortes mostly performed in New York City in the Metropolitan Opera House. He became a principal solo ballet dancer of Spanish national ballet. He is recognized for his stamina and phenomenal athleticism.

5. Martha Graham

Martha Graham was a choreographer and modern dancer from the United States. Martha has been a dancing instructor for over seventy years. Her technique, style, and reshaping of American dance made her famous. She was the first dancer invited to the White House to perform. Graham was awarded the honor of Paris, as well as the city's key. She received the national medal of arts as well. People adored her because of her incredible dance moves.

6. Usher

Usher Raymond is an American-trained dancer, singer, producer, lyricist, actor, and businessman. His moves are admired by most, and most of his dance moves are inspired by Old-School Hip-Hop. He gained popularity because of his signature move called, “slide guide”. Though his dance moves are great, he has mostly won awards for his spectacular singing. 

7. Shakira

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, philanthropist, producer, and actor who goes by the stage name Shakira. She is known as the Latin music queen. Shakira debuted at the age of thirteen. She is the world's best-selling music artist, with over 80 million albums sold. Shakira has won countless prizes for her singing, but her dance routines are as impressive. Everyone is enthralled by her dance abilities and the fluidity with which she moves her body. Her dance style is a cross of Latin and Middle Eastern belly dancing.

Health Benefits Of Dance

Dance is not just a way to enjoy and is also not limited to an art form, dance has its mental and physical health benefits. Let’s take a look at some of those benefits, and that will be the conclusion of this conversation:

• your heart and lungs are in better shape

• Muscle strength, endurance, and motor fitness have all improved.

• improvement in aerobic fitness

• muscular tone and strength have improved

• control of weight

• Osteoporosis risk is reduced as a result of stronger bones.

• coordination, agility, and flexibility are all improved.

• increased spatial awareness and balance

• improved physical self-assurance

• enhanced mental performance

• enhanced physical and mental well-being

• more self-assurance and self-esteem

• better social abilities

If you have enjoyed reading this blog and want to read more about pop culture, you could check out "Explore the Forgotten Artists Who Got Lost In Time!" Click on the Image Below!