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International Dance Day

Shake a leg and join the celebration of International Dance Day - dance away your troubles and have a joyful time!

Thursday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 29

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYHobbies

SUBCATEGORYPerforming Arts

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to move and groove on International Dance Day on April 29! This day has been celebrated since 1982, when the first celebration was held in Paris. It's a great opportunity to express yourself through dance, no matter what your age or experience level. Whether you're new to dancing or have been doing it for years, this is the perfect time to show off your moves and enjoy some fun music with friends and family.

TIMELINE

International Dance Day Timeline

First International Dance Day

International Dance Day was first celebrated in Paris, organized by the International Theatre Institute (ITI).

Annual Messages Initiated

The tradition of an annual message from a dance luminary to promote and celebrate the art of dance initiated this year

Worldwide Recognition

By the 1990s, International Dance Day was being acknowledged abundantly around the world.

Inclusion of Dance Schools

Dance schools started to substantially encourage their students to participate in the celebration globally.

Digital Celebrations

With increased global digital connectivity, dancers began sharing their International Dance Day celebrations online.

Dance Day During Pandemic

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, dancers found creative ways to celebrate the day virtually, uniting people around the world.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Dance Day

Watch a dance performance

Check out what local or international dance performances are happening near you. You can find any type of dance from classical ballet to contempory pieces.

LEARN

Learn some new moves

Take a dance lesson and learn some new moves. Look up a few tutorials on YouTube, or find a local dance school that offers classes in different types of dances.

ORGANIZE

Organize a flash mob

Gather your friends and family together and organize a flash mob to celebrate International Dance Day. Pick out a fun song and choreograph a routine to perform with your group.

START

Start a dance challenge

Challenge your friends and family to come up with their own unique choreography for their favorite song and post it online. The video that gets the most likes wins!

THROW

Throw a dance party

Put on your dancing shoes and throw a dance party! Invite everyone over, put on some tunes, and let the good times roll.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love International Dance Day

Dancing is good exercise

You don't have to be a professional dancer to reap the benefits of movement - any kind of dancing is a great form of physical activity that gets your heart rate up and helps keep you fit. So go ahead and bust some moves on International Dance Day - not only will you have fun, but you'll also be doing your body some good!

Dancing is empowering

Whether it's hip hop, jazz, or ballet, dancing gives us a chance to express ourselves and our creativity. Through dance, you can challenge yourself and build confidence in your own body. Plus, it serves as an outlet for stress relief and even boosts your mood!

Dancing brings people together

Dance has been used throughout history as a way to bring people of all backgrounds together. It serves as an opportunity to appreciate one another's culture and learn from each other. Whether it's through socials, competitions, or live performances, there's a way for everybody to get involved and share in the joy of dance!