The official message for World Dance Day 29 April 2011

Mr. Moshe Lévy, Chicago (U.S.A.)


The official message for
World Dance Day
29 April 2011


For the greater part of the history of mankind, dance took place outdoors. People would gather in forest glades, village squares, churchyards, or on threshing floors, to enjoy dancing for hours on end. Nowadays, dance mostly takes place in ballrooms, clubs, theatres, school halls, studios and discotheques.

This year we propose making a step back towards nature by celebrating World Dance Day in open spaces: streets, squares, parks, stadiums, beaches, parking lots, clearings - anywhere under the sky.

The urge to dance is a natural impulse; dancers worship nature in their way, connecting with the universe and feeling its juices flow into them.

All through the year we teach dance, we rehearse, we perform within four walls. On this special day dedicated to dance, let us mark the difference by practising, teaching or performing for everyone to see. It might be cold and rainy, the floor is certainly not good enough, and the wind takes the music away, but the beauty in those movements and the joy on those faces will brighten the hearts of the spontaneous audience of passers-by.




Prof. Alkis Raftis
President of the International Dance Council CID
UNESCO, Paris


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1. The official Dance Day message is mailed to over 150,000 dance professionals in 200 countries. It is translated to dozens of languages. Please ask for a translation, or translate the message to the language of your country; send it to dance organizations and the media. You can find guidelines and previous messages at www.unesco.org/ngo/cid

2. World Dance Day, every year on 29 April, established and promoted by CID, aims at attracting attention to the art of dance. It is celebrated by millions of dancers around the globe. On that day, dance companies, dance schools, organizations and individuals, professionals as well as amateurs, organize an activity addressing an audience different from their usual one.

3. The International Dance Council (Conseil International de la Danse - CID) is the official umbrella organization for all forms of dance in all countries of the world.
- CID is recognized by UNESCO, national and local governments, international organizations and institutions.
- Its members are the most prominent federations, associations, schools, companies and individuals in more than 150 countries.
- It brings together international, national and local organizations, dance schools and companies, as well as prominent individuals active in dance.
- It was founded in 1973 within the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where it is based.
- UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.


International Dance Council - CID - Conseil International de la Danse
UNESCO, 1 rue Miollis, FR-75732 Paris, France
www.cid-portal.org ExecSec@CID-portal.org