Today is International Dance Day – when dance is celebrated across the globe.
Created by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), UNESCO’s main partner for the performing arts, the event takes place every year on April 29, the anniversary of the birth of Jean-Georges Noverre, considered to be the “father” of modern ballet.
The day strives to encourage participation and education in dance through events and festivals.
Every year since its creation in 1982, an outstanding dance personality has been selected to write a message for International Dance Day. ITI also creates a flagship event in a selected host city, where there are dance performances, educational workshops, humanitarian projects and speeches.
The day is a celebration for those who can see the value of the art form and acts as a wake up call for governments, politicians and institutions which have not yet recognised this.
It is certainly recognised in Cumbria, where many children have grown up learning to dance. Our main picture is of Workington Musical Festival in 2016, where Charlotte Godfrey and Ellie Woods from the Amy Richardson Studios are shown rehearsing.
In another image from the same event, Kelise Toland from the Jordan School of Dance & Performing Arts competes in the junior song and dance section.
Ewanrigg Lantern Procession was rounded off by a performance by Jennifer Street from the Matrix Circus, who danced with fire back to the community centre.
Whitehaven’s Mayfield School was delighted when the Francis Dunnery charity funded equipment for its dance club. When Mark Andrew from the charity handed a cheque to dance teacher Alison Forster he got a big cheer from pupils and staff.
On Apple Day at Acorn Bank, a band started playing and Anna Ford found she couldn’t keep still.
Going all the way back to 1973, children are pictured at an old time dance competition at the Market Hall in Carlisle - don’t they look dapper?
In 2016, Denton Holme Community Centre in Carlisle was the venue for a marathon Zumba and Salsation dance exercise session in aid of James Rennie School.
Our final two pictures are of students from the Ignite Dance Academy, many of whom progressed to top schools.
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