NG Farrell Marketing

International Dance Day is celebrated on April 29, as promoted by the International Dance Council, an umbrella organization for all types of dance, at UNESCO.

The holiday was introduced in 1982 to commemorate the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, regarded as the founder of modern ballet.

The goals of International Dance Day are to increase the awareness of the importance of dance among the general public, as well as to persuade governments everywhere to provide a proper place for dance in all systems of education, at all levels.

Vancouver will be celebrating International Dance Day with a series of events held at our own crown jewel of dance resource centres - the Scotiabank Dance Centre. Free events include open rehearsals, classes and performances from a tremendous range of organizations and different styles, including flamenco, salsa/merengue, sound and movement artists, and contemporary dance. Scotiabank Dance Centre’s lobby will also host a new photo exhibit by Lola Dance, in honour of the late choreographer Lola MacLaughlin who passed away last year.

As BC continues to deal with the aftershocks and huge implications of recent declines in government funding, it is important that we also reflect on, and help celebrate, our many success stories. For the dance community, having such an invaluable asset such as the Dance Centre – a result of the combined hard work and resources of the dance community, multiple levels of government and the private sector – has significantly and positively impacted the thriving dance performance scene that Vancouverites and British Columbians enjoy.

For a complete schedule and to read more about the impressive work of the Dance Centre, please visit www.thedancecentre.ca