We Celebrate Dance as a Universal Language of MovementBallet — 29. April 2026.
On the occasion of International Dance Day, marked each year on 29 April, we honour dance as a universal language of movement, art and emotion that transcends cultural, political and social boundaries and connects people around the world.
This day was established in 1982 by the International Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute, with the aim of promoting the art of dance and strengthening its cultural and social significance on a global level. The date, 29 April, was chosen in honour of the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, one of the greatest reformers of dance and a pioneer of modern ballet.
The core idea of International Dance Day is to remind the public of the importance of dance as an art form and to highlight its power to connect diverse communities and cultures. Each year, an international message by a prominent figure from the world of dance is shared worldwide on this occasion, and its authors have included many great artists such as Maurice Béjart, Merce Cunningham, William Forsythe and Maya Plisetskaya.
Croatia has been marking the occasion since 1999, while the Dance Committee of the Croatian Centre of ITI has, since 2000, organised the celebration and the dissemination of both the international and national dance messages. Over the years, the national messages have been authored by prominent figures of the Croatian dance scene, including Milko Šparemblek, Sonja Kastl, Staša Zurovac, Almira Osmanović and many others.
International Dance Day is an opportunity to once again emphasise the importance of ballet and all dance forms that enrich cultural life, inspire audiences and preserve the rich tradition of the performing arts.
Dance remains a space of freedom, expression and togetherness—an art that speaks without words.
Read the International Dance Day message at the link below.
