In 1982 the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute founded the International Dance Day (IDD) to be celebrated every year on the 29 April, the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), creator of modern ballet.
The intention of the IDD Message is to celebrate dance, revel in the universality of this art form, cross all political, cultural and ethnic barriers, and bring people together with a common language – dance.
Every year a message from an outstanding choreographer or dancer is circulated throughout the world. The author of the message is selected by the International Dance Committee of ITI and the Executive Council of ITI. The message is translated into numerous languages and circulated globally. World Dance Alliance is a member of the ITI Dance Committee.
This year the Dance Committee of the ITI has selected Latvia/USA dancer Mikhail BARYSHNIKOV to provide the 2025 Message.
"It’s often said that dance can express the unspeakable. Joy, grief and despair become visible;
embodied expressions of our shared fragility. In this, dance can awaken empathy, inspire
kindness, and spark a desire to heal rather than harm.
"Especially now—as hundreds of thousands endure war, navigate political upheaval, and rise in
protest against injustice—honest reflection is vital. It’s a heavy burden to place on the body, on
dance, on art.
"Yet art is still the best way to give form to the unspoken, and we can begin by
asking ourselves: Where is my truth? How do I honour myself and my community? Who do I
answer to?"