Happy International Dance Day!

International Dance Day (World Dance Day) was first established by UNESCO in 1982 and it is held every year on 29 April, as this is the birthdate of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), creator of modern ballet. The intention of International Dance Day is to celebrate Dance and to cross all political, cultural and ethnic barriers and bring people together with a common language – Dance. Every year a message from an outstanding choreographer or dancer is circulated throughout the world. 2014 sees French choreographer and dancer Mourad Merzouki Mourad director of the Centre chorégraphique de Créteil et du Val de Marne, sharing his thoughts. Born in Lyon in 1973, Mourad Merzouki began practicing martial arts and circus arts at the age of seven. When he was fifteen, he encountered hip-hop culture for the first time and through it, he discovered dance. He experimenting with other choreographic styles and in 1989 he created his first company ‘Accrorap’. In 1994 the company performed Athina during Lyon’s Biennial Dance Festival; it was a triumph that brought street dance to the stage. Dance is a great way to express yourself. Its one of the best forms of exercise and best of all its fun! Around the world, there are events on World Dance Day, such as open-door-courses, exhibitions, articles concerning all kinds of dance, dance evenings, street shows, and special performances, etc. In 2010,Canada's National Ballet School's community members organised an International Dance Day Flash Mob at the Toronto Eaton Centre. So whether you fancy trying something new, or reigniting an old passion make sure you remember to celebrate tomorrow!

Happy International Dance Day Everyone!