Happy International Dance Day, dear reader! It’s time to celebrate the art form that makes our toes tap and our hands clap.
Remember dancing with your friends on your birthday? Remember how lively and fun that was? And most importantly, dressing up for the annual function and dancing your heart out on the stage, with your paltan!
But now… when someone asks us to join a dance group at a wedding, we all shy away, saying something like “Oh, I don’t know how to dance” or “I’m clumsy, I’ll fall” or whatever crazy excuse we can think of at the moment. There might be a chosen few who absolutely kill it on the dancefloor, but unfortunately, not all of us were blessed by the groovy gene.
…or were we? Since International Dance Day is a thing, doesn’t it also make sense that dance would be a somewhat universal experience? And honestly, we know you return to your table and tap your foot to the beat after refusing to step onto the dance floor (no judging!). Let’s get to the bottom of International Dance Day; you must be brimming with thoughts like when is International Dance Day, why we celebrate it.
When is International Dance Day?
International Dance Day celebrated on 29th April, is also the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre – creator of modern ballet! But that doesn’t mean the International Dance Day is limited to ballet dancers. International Dance Day is a day to celebrate the art of all dance forms. Dance is not just a cultural representation; it’s also an expression.
Sure, most of us are not training for Jhalak Dikhla Jaa or India’s Best Dancer, but that doesn’t mean your casually practised hook steps don’t deserve acknowledgement. Dance has never been about perfection; sometimes, it’s just surviving your neighbour’s sangeet celebration without falling. And sometimes, it’s doing the I am a Disco Dancer hook step while folding laundry.
This is precisely what dance represents – free will, no judgment, and simple expression. The celebration is the movement; dance breaks barriers, as do you with each jazz hand or thumka.
Why International Dance Day?
Dance is for everyone. It isn’t restricted to the mirrors in a dance studio; it is not just for the instructor’s choreography. Dance is the therapy that helps you move, relax, and release.
Have you heard that actions speak louder than words? That’s the dance funda; it brings people together, overcomes language and cultural barriers, and helps you become part of a happy community with smooth moves.
And remember, dance isn’t all hook steps and perfect formations. Dance is also a form of therapy that helps you stay healthy:
- Dance increases strength and flexibility.
- Improves Cardiovascular function.
- Reduces stress.
- Improves your mood.
- Energises your whole body.
- Boosts your confidence.
So, if you’ve never stepped foot in a dance class or remembered a choreography, International Dance Day is your official excuse to let go of any insecurities and dance your heart out – the way you want to!
Celebrating International Dance Day
Now that we know we don’t have to be Madhuri Dixit or Remo D’Souza to dance (remember, ABCD – AnyBody Can Dance!), let’s see what else we can do this International Dance Day to make it even more special, even if it’s low-key.
Let’s get one thing clear – this is your moment in the spotlight. Set aside whatever you were doing, slip into your most comfortable clothes, and turn up the volume to your favourite song!
Grab your phone and Bluetooth speaker, pick your favourite playlist, and hit play on that iconic Bollywood anthem you can’t help but sing along to.
The World is Your Dance floor
You don’t need to wait for an invitation to the next wedding or family get-together to show off your moves. International Dance Day is about celebrating the joy of movement, and where better to start than in the comfort of your own home?
Let’s be real: how many of us have turned up the volume in our living rooms or kitchen, pretending we’re the next dancing superstar? And that’s exactly the vibe we’re going for. There are no formal routines, no fancy footwork.
Pro tip: If you’re at home, get that broom or mop in hand as your dance partner (trust us, it works!). You’re technically cleaning while burning calories, so you’ve already won on the fitness front, too.
