Partha Roy, Kolkata: International Dance Day was celebrated around the globe on 29th April 2024 to highlight importance of Dance as art form in human development journey path.

International Dance Day was created by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute ITI, the main partner for the performing arts of UNESCO. Since its creation in 1982, the International Dance Committee and the International Theatre Institute ( ITI ) select an outstanding dance personality to write a message for International Dance Day each year. This day is a celebration day for those who can see the value and importance of the art form “dance”, and acts as a wake-up-call for governments, politicians and institutions which have not yet recognised its value to the people and to the individual and have not yet realised its potential for economic growth.

This year San Martin, Argentina, born Dancer Marianela Núñez, selected to write message for International Dance Day 2024. Dancer Marianela Núñez born on March 23, 1982 ,in the same year International Dance Committee was created. In her message Dancer Marianela Núñez said ” …. I am with you all in the commitment to rescue and revitalize the history of masters, artists and choreographers who have enriched the world of dance, deserving of being heard by future generations.

Let us all know that we are not Spectators, but inheritors of a tradition forged with art, dignity and
sacrifice, nourishing our path with vocation and love for beauty. Although the future and the present
capture our attention, without the solid foundation of the past, without the fertility of our land, the dance
tree cannot flourish. The roots are tradition and at the same time… nutrients. ” The original message is in Spanish language.

In Kolkata, International Dance Day was celebrated by many organisations and individuals. Bangiya Nrityakarmi Oikyomancho celebrated World Dance Day at East Zone Cultural Centre ( EZCC ) where Gaudiya Nritya Bharati performed Ganesh Vandana. Prof. Dr. Mahua Mukhopadhyay rediscovered and revived Gaudiya Nritya – the dance form which has its origin in Bengal. International Dance Day was celebrated at Raj Bhavan Kolkata where talented young dance students and scholars performed .