Celebrating the universal language of dance
The intention of International Dance Day is to bring all dancers together on this day, to celebrate this art form in its universality to cross all political, cultural and ethnic barriers and bring people together in peace and friendship with the universal language of dance.
Every year a message is circulated around the world. This year's message is by Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia. Born in Cambodia, King Norodom Sihamoni is the son of King Norodom Sihanouk. He took several courses on dance, music and theatre at the National Conservatory of Prague. He also received first prize in a course on classical dance from the same place in 1971.
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Dancing requires neither pen nor paintbrush. Only one instrument is needed, the human body. Every motion is imbued with dance. To move is to dance.
Dance exacts the utmost dedication of body, mind and soul. Only the truly committed can pursue this demanding path. Such ascetic discipline molds the character as well as the body, and the rewards of such devotion are a hundred fold. No freedom can approach that obtained by the mastery of the spirit over the body.
To us Khmers, dance in its most elaborate form is a means to draw us closer to the gods. Thus, dance becomes prayers. It becomes an indispensable ritual for the world to move forward, transcending us to the divine and raising us to supernatural heights.
On International Dance Day, may the dancers of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia intercede for us all. As we dance, may we strengthen everywhere the noble practice of tolerance, so crucial to all of humanity in this year of 2006.
Dancers in Bangladesh have been celebrating the International Dance Day since 1992 when a branch of International Dance Committee under the aegis of the International Theatre Institute, Dhaka was established in Dhaka. For the last couple of years the Bangladesh Dance Artistes' Association has been observing this day on a grand scale.
The dance in Bangladesh has improved to great heights in the past decade. Special improvements are noticed in the field of classical dance.
Students seem to be more inclined towards classical dance, as they now know that learning classical dance that is the basics will bring a discipline and control in any type of body movements they do. That is why they are now giving full priority and attention to classical dance and are learning it properly. Dancers seem to have raised their standard of classical dance to such an extent that they can now stand beside accomplished and renowned dancers of other countries.
Although dance is being taken very seriously and is being practiced very well in the district levels as well, the students in small towns or rural areas don't get enough chances to learn classical dance in a proper manner, as there is a lack of accomplished teachers. If the dancers trained from India share their knowledge of dance among the youngsters living outside the big cities by doing regular workshops there, the students will be more interested to learn. Their level of skills in the performing art will get a boost and the standard of dance in Bangladesh will definitely progress.
On the International Dance Day we hope that a worldwide solidarity of dancers will help towards ensuring a peaceful and harmonious global culture. Let dance be the personification of our celebration of this solidarity.