WORLD DANCE DAY-2023

Every year on April 29th, International Dance Day promotes the art of dance and raises awareness of its cultural, political, and educational value. The International Dance Committee of UNESCO established the day in 1982 to commemorate the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a French dancer and choreographer known as the “Father of Modern Ballet.”

To commemorate the occasion, the International Dance Committee of UNESCO selects a prominent dance personality to deliver a message. This message is meant to inspire and encourage dancers and dance enthusiasts all over the world.

International Dance Day is observed in a variety of ways around the world, with dance organisations, schools, and companies organising performances, workshops, and other events. It is a time to celebrate the diversity of dance styles as well as the power of dance to unite people and express a wide range of emotions and experiences.

YEARWISE DANCE REPRESENTATIVES

From 2006 to 2022, UNESCO has chosen the following prominent dance personalities to celebrate International Dance Day:

• 2006: Maurice Béjart (France)
• 2007: Akram Khan (UK)
• 2008: Jin Xing (China)
• 2009: Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (Belgium)
• 2010: Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker (Belgium)
• 2011: Mats Ek (Sweden)
• 2012: Carolyn Carlson (USA)
• 2013: Jiří Kylián (Czech Republic)
• 2014: Angelin Preljocaj (France)
• 2015: Israel Galván (Spain)
• 2016: Trisha Brown (USA)
• 2017: Ohad Naharin (Israel)
• 2018: Karima Mansour (Egypt)
• 2019: Akram Khan (UK)
• 2020: No message was issued due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• 2021: Friedemann Vogel (Germany)
• 2022: William Forsythe (USA/Germany)

These dance personalities were chosen for their outstanding contributions to the world of dance as well as their ability to inspire others through their work. The message they deliver each year on International Dance Day is intended to promote the art of dance and encourage dancers and dance lovers worldwide.

IMPORTANCE

• Dance is a powerful and expressive form of art with significant cultural, social, and personal meaning. Here are some of the most important reasons why dance is important:
• Dance is an important part of many cultures around the world, serving as a way to celebrate traditions and express a community’s values and beliefs. It can also be used to preserve and pass down cultural heritage to future generations.
• Emotional and physical expression: Dance allows people to express their emotions in a variety of ways, from joy and excitement to sadness and grief. It also allows people to communicate through movement and provides a means of physical expression.
• Physical fitness: Dancing is an excellent way to maintain physical fitness and health. It can help with cardiovascular health, balance, flexibility, and strength while also being a fun and enjoyable way to exercise.
• Mental health: Dancing has been shown to improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression and increasing self-esteem and confidence.
• Dance can bring people together and foster a sense of community and connection. It allows you to meet new people, make new friends, and bond with others through your shared love of movement and expression.

TYPES

There are numerous dance styles, each with its own distinct style, technique, and cultural significance. Here are some of the most popular dance styles:

• Ballet is a graceful and precise classical dance form that is typically performed to classical music.
• Jazz is a high-energy dance style that combines elements of ballet, hip-hop, and other styles and is frequently performed to upbeat music.
• Hip-hop is a type of street dance that originated in African American and Latino communities and is distinguished by popping, locking, and other acrobatic moves.
• Tap is a dance form in which the dancer wears special shoes with metal plates on the soles and uses their feet to create percussive rhythms and beats.
• Contemporary dance is a modern dance style that combines elements of ballet and other styles and is distinguished by fluid and expressive movements.
• Ballroom is a social dance style that includes waltz, foxtrot, and tango, and is typically performed with a partner.
• Latin is a group of Latin American dance styles that include salsa, bachata, and merengue and are distinguished by lively and sensual movements.
• Folk dance styles are traditional dance styles from various cultures around the world that are typically performed in traditional costumes and accompanied by traditional music.

FAMOUS DANCE PERSONALITIES OF INDIA

Over the years, India has produced a number of well-known and influential dance personalities. Here are some of India’s most well-known dance personalities:

• Uday Shankar: Known as the “Father of Modern Dance in India,” Uday Shankar was a pioneering dancer and choreographer who combined elements of Indian classical dance with Western ballet and modern dance styles.
• Rukmini Devi Arundale: Rukmini Devi Arundale, a key figure in the revival of Bharatanatyam, founded the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, which is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian arts.
• Birju Maharaj: Birju Maharaj, a leading exponent of Kathak, is known for his fluid movements, intricate footwork, and expressive storytelling.
• Kelucharan Mohapatra was a renowned choreographer and dancer who helped popularise Odissi in India and around the world.
• Mallika Sarabhai: A contemporary dancer and choreographer, Mallika Sarabhai has used her dance performances to advocate for social and environmental issues.
• Shovana Narayan: A well-known Kathak dancer and choreographer, Shovana Narayan has received several awards and honours for her contributions to the arts, including the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

These are just a few of India’s many famous and influential dance personalities. Each has made significant contributions to the world of dance and has assisted in the promotion of Indian dance styles both in India and around the world.

FAMOUS CHOREOGRAPHERS  OF BOLLYWOOD

Bollywood has a long history of dance and music, and choreography is essential in bringing the songs to life on screen. Here are some of the most well-known Bollywood choreographers who have made significant contributions to the industry over the years:

• Saroj Khan: Known as the “Mother of Bollywood Dance/Choreography,” Saroj Khan choreographed over 2,000 songs during her career, including many iconic numbers such as “Ek Do Teen” and “Dola Re Dola.” She was awarded the Padma Shri and three National Film Awards for Best Choreography.
• Farah Khan: Farah Khan, a former background dancer, made her debut as a choreographer with the film “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar” and went on to become one of Bollywood’s most sought-after choreographers. She choreographed several popular songs, including “Chaiyya Chaiyya” and “Munni Badnaam Hui.” She has also directed films such as “Main Hoon Na” and “Om Shanti Om”.
• Vaibhavi Merchant: Known for her unique dance style and innovative choreography, Vaibhavi Merchant has choreographed some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, including “Dhol Baaje” and “Kajra Re.” She has received a number of honours for her work, including the National Film Award for Best Choreography.
• Prabhudeva: Prabhudeva is a well-known actor, director, and choreographer who is known for his high-energy dance numbers and distinct style. He has choreographered several popular songs, including “Muqabla” and “Go Go Govinda,” . He has also directed films such as “Wanted” and “Rowdy Rathore”.
• Ganesh Acharya: With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Ganesh Acharya has choreographed many popular songs, including “Chikni Chameli” and “Maston Ka Jhund”. He has also received a number of accolades for his work, including the National Film Award for Best Choreography.

These are just a few of the many talented Bollywood choreographers who have made significant contributions to the industry over the years. Their imagination and hard work have contributed to Bollywood dance sequences becoming some of the most memorable and iconic moments in Indian cinema.

DANCE BASED MOVIES

• “Dil To Pagal Hai” (1997) – Bollywood This romantic musical drama directed by Yash Chopra follows the story of a dance troupe as they prepare for a performance. It contains some of Bollywood’s most memorable dance numbers, including “Le Gayi” and “Dholna.”
• “Dirty Dancing” (1987) – This iconic film, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a dance instructor while on vacation with her family. The soundtrack and choreography for the film became instant classics and are still popular today.
• “ABCD – Any Body Can Dance” (2013) – Bollywood This film, directed by Remo D’Souza, tells the story of a struggling dancer who finds hope and inspiration in a dance instructor. It incorporates a wide range of dance styles, such as contemporary, hip-hop, and classical Indian.
• “Black Swan” (2010) – Hollywood This psychological thriller, starring Natalie Portman and directed by Darren Aronofsky, follows the story of a ballerina as she prepares for a role in “Swan Lake.” The dark and intense choreography in the film contributed to its critical and commercial success.
• “Aaja Nachle” (2007) – Bollywood This film, starring Madhuri Dixit, is about a choreographer who returns to her hometown to save a local theatre. It includes dance styles such as classical Indian, folk, and contemporary.
• “Step Up” (2006) – This film, starring Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, tells the story of a street dancer and a classically trained ballerina who team up to compete in a dance competition. The film’s high-energy choreography contributed to its success and spawned several sequels.

Let’s get down to the beats of India’s most heartfelt song in the video below: