Ambassador Address on the occasion of International Dance Day
(Monday, 29 April 2024; 1600 hrs)
My dear friends and colleagues,
Friends from the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Evening!
It gives me immense pleasure in welcoming you all to this celebration of International Dance Day by the Embassy of India. This is perhaps the first time that we are organizing this event. I would like to felicitate and thank our Kathak Dance teacher Dr. Rupa Chakraborty and her team for taking this excellent initiative in organizing this event today to mark International Dance Day.
- 29 April is being celebrated as the International Dance Day since 1982 to highlight the amazing diversity and talent of dancers all over the world. It also happens to be the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre who created the modern ballet. This global celebration of dance was created by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in Paris which is the main partner for performing arts of UNESCO.
- International Dance Day is celebrated across the globe crossing geographical boundaries and encompassing a wide variety of dance forms, traditions and cultures. The International Dance Committee and the International Theatre Institute select an outstanding dance personality to write a message for the International Dance Day each year. This year they have selected Ms. Marianela NÚÑEZ from Argentina who is a leading figure in the world of ballet. In her message, inter alia she says, “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”. This Day thus provides us an opportunity to recall and honour the rich heritage of dance by paying homage to both traditional and contemporary forms of dance and various other forms of expression that have evolved over hundreds of years.
- Throughout history, dance has been an integral part of Indian culture serving various objectives ranging from religious rituals and social ceremonies to storytelling and entertainment. The history of Indian dances can be traced back to thousands of years. Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Odissi, Sattriya, Kathakali, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam are some forms of popular Indian classical dance. Each of these dance forms can be identified with a State of India, for example, Bharatnatyam is from Tamil Nadu. The dance form that Rupaji performs and teaches here – Kathak – is popular in North India. There are also many contemporary modern dance forms in India. You will all agree that no Indian film is complete without a dance number be it classical or modern. In all its forms, dance has been used to convey emotions, preserve traditions and foster social unity.
International Dance Day serves as a vibrant testament to the power and beauty of dance, uniting people from all walks of life in celebration of a universal language of movement. From its historical origins to its modern manifestations, this annual celebration highlights the rich cultural heritage and transformational impact of dance on individuals and communities worldwide. As we commemorate this special day, let us embrace the joy of dance. Let us join together in honouring the art of dance and its enduring legacy, inviting everyone to explore and celebrate this remarkable form of expression.
- Let me end by conveying my heartiest congratulations to all of you on this occasion! Without further ado, let us enjoy today’s evening of dance and celebrations.
- Thank you everyone for joining us today.
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