World Dance Day
World Dance Day (also called International Dance Day) is on 29 April every year. It was started by an international body for performing arts and the date remembers a famous dance reformer who was born on that day.
Its aims are simple:
- honour dance in all forms: folk, classical, modern and street;
- bring people of different places together through dance;
- tell everyone that dance is for all, not only for experts.
Each year a dancer from a different country writes a message for the day. Dance events happen in schools, parks and on stages.
Dances pictured on stamps
A postage stamp is a small paper picture you stick on a letter to pay for post. Countries print stamps to share their culture, and many show dancers.
How to read a stamp
- Look at the pose: is it a circle, a jump or a stretch?
- Look at the costume and colour: bright festival clothes or simple village clothes?
- Read the name and the country or year printed on it.
- Guess the story: is it for a festival, a harvest or a prayer?
Stamps keep a record of dances, so people can see them even years later.
Class dance day
Plan your own class dance day with three jobs:
- Dance together: a simple circle or line dance everyone can do.
- Stamp exhibition: draw or collect pictures of dances on stamps, with a short note on each.
- Show your own dance: a short piece by a group, with a title.
Make a checklist: place, music, time for each job, who leads and who helps. Keep it safe: clear the floor and give everyone a turn.
Key formulas and definitions
- Key term: World Dance Day = 29 April, a day to celebrate dance
- Key term: postage stamp = a small printed picture used to pay for post
- Key term: exhibition = a show where things are displayed for people to see
- Key term: checklist = a list of jobs to tick off
- Memory: 29-4, dance for all
Worked examples
1. Which date is World Dance Day?
29 April, every year.
2. A stamp shows people in a ring wearing bright red and gold clothes. What can you guess?
It is probably a circle dance for a festival, because the ring shows group dancing and bright clothes are often worn at festivals. The name and country on the stamp can confirm it.
3. Plan a 30-minute class dance day.
10 minutes: circle dance for everyone. 10 minutes: stamp exhibition, groups walk and read the stamp notes. 10 minutes: three groups show their own short dances. Tick each job on the checklist.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the date. It is 29 April, not another day.
- Thinking World Dance Day is only for professional dancers. It is for everyone.
- Looking at a stamp too quickly. Read the pose, costume and name.
- Planning a class day without a checklist, time or safe floor.