The International Dance Day is celebrated on April 29 and was established by Dance Committee of the UNESCO International Theater Institute in 1982 with the purpose of draw attention to the art of dance.
It was instituted from the proposal of the Russian master Pieby Gusev of Leningrad to honor the French choreographer Jean-Georges Noverre.
The objective is to introduce the dance as a universal and diverse art disciplineas a form of expression without cultural, political and ethical barriers.
Who was Jean-Georges Noverre?
He was a French dancer and writer born April 29, 1727. Noverre left a remarkable legacy of choreography and publications related to the practice and theory of ballet. Because of this, it is considered the creator of modern ballet.
He had his court debut of Louis XV at Fontainebleau in 1742. He was invited by the prince from Prussia to Berlin. To come back to Paris would join the ballet of the Opera-Comique to later go to Strasbourg and Lyons, where he danced until the year 1794.
In 1754 he composed the choreography of his first ballet Fêteschinoises (Chinese festivals). Later he was dance teacher at the court of Marie Antoinette and ballet teacher of the opera. He died in 1810, in Saint-Germain (Laye, France).
What is dance?
Through body movements, human beings have expressed and communicated since ancient times. The dance is, then, a form of expression and social interaction accompanied by acoustic rhythmsfor entertainment, artistic, cultural and religious purposes.
The dance is known as the “body language”, being an expression of emotions that communicate feelings through the movements.
Currently, there are several styles and genres, ranging from the traditional and academic to the everydayaccording to different cultures such as:
- Popular or folk dance: expresses the cultural values and traditions of a locality, such as flamenco, Arab dance, tango and ballroom dancing.
- Classic dance: corresponds to the execution of harmonic and coordinated movements, coming from the classical period of medieval antiquity: ballet dance.
- Modern dance: their movements and clothing reflect a social identity: popping, funky, break dance, jumpstyle, hip hop.
Every style and genre of dance must have the following elements:
- Space: selection of a suitable physical space for the execution of training sessions and presentations.
- Choreography: based on the coordination of body movements to form a dance, under the direction of a choreographer.
- Training: through study and continuous practice to achieve optimal execution of the choreography.
- Clothing: clothing and accessories appropriate to the style and genre of the dance.
How to celebrate International Dance Day?
Numerous shows are presented to honor this day. and dance activities worldwide. On the streets, theaters, schools and common spaces, the dancers They take the stage to delight us with their techniques and movements.
In this celebration we can enjoy:
- Open classes.
- Festivals in different spaces and locations.
- artistic samples.
- Conversations, seminars and talks.
- Online Ballet Galas.
At UNAM 115 companies will celebrate Dance Day
International Dance Day returns to face-to-face UNAM. On Saturday, April 30 at the University Cultural Center, from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.more will meet of 115 companies to celebrate together “The power of reunion”. For 10 hours attendees will enjoy the plurality of thought around the body and movement.
There will be nine scenarios that, simultaneously, will receive the public to appreciate various genres: classical ballet, neoclassical, flamenco dance, contemporary dance, ballroom dance, Arab dance, Mexican folklore, Polynesian dance, as well as urban dances and performances.
The spaces of University Cultural Center where the activities will take place are:
- Juan Ruiz de Alarcón Theater the Miguel Covarrubias Hall
- Dance Hall, Foro Sor Juana
- Carlos Chavez Room
- Open forums located in the Spike, the Fountain, the Julio Castillo Garden
- Esplanade of the Nezahualcóyotl Hall
Various groups will participate in this event, such as:
- Mutable Body
- contemplation
- nemian
- burning
- Aksenti
- Tandem
- Barro Rojo and 115 other companies and soloists
In addition, the house companies will be present:
- UNAM Choreographic Workshop (TCUNAM)
- UNAM Contemporary Dance Youth Company (DAJU)
Free and Recreational Dance Workshops UNAM will share 15 artistic proposals that they have developed throughout the semester.
The choreographer and dancer from India, Shampa Gopikrishna, will work a colorful Bollywood-style play with dancers from Mexico.