World Dance Day was established in 1982 by the International Dance Committee (IDC) in partnership with the International Theatre Institute (ITI). It takes place every April 29, in commemoration of the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), the creator of modern ballet. World Dance Day celebrates the universal language of dance and is a global celebration of the art of dance.

The objectives of World Dance Day are to bring the dance community together, to honor dance in its universality and to unite all humanity in friendship and peace through dance. Each year, on the occasion of World Dance Day, a message from a prominent figure in the dance world is published and widely diffused worldwide. The message aims to pay tribute to the unifying power of dance, transcending all political, cultural and ethnic affiliations through a common language. Dancer and choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov is the author of the 2025 message.

Discover → the message