Hello, Everyone! Today is International Dance Day!

I wanted to celebrate this day by announcing our new SCARSDALE BALLET BLOG.

Here is where I and your teachers will share our thoughts on dance, our training tips, and send you links to videos that we find enriching.  We want to keep you updated about what is happening at SBS and in the world of dance.

I want you to know that staying connected while inspiring and encouraging all of you is at the top of my list during this very difficult time. I am constantly looking for ways to keep you engaged with the wonderful, powerful, healing art of dance. 

For example, I am thrilled to announce a Zoom partnership that we are beginning with a school in South Africa, the Cape Academy of Performing Arts. Our first class together will be this Saturday, and I can’t wait to tell you how it goes!

Now, to tell you a little bit about today:

International Dance Day, https://www.international-dance-day.org/mainevent.html is a global celebration of dance, created in 1982 by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute, the main partner for the performing arts of UNESCO, and observed by all UN Member States. The event takes place every year on 29 April, which is the anniversary of the birth of Jean-Georges Noverre, the creator of modern ballet.

The intention of the International Dance Day 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.

I share below a message from their Facebook page:

“2020 is a year with even more challenges for the performing arts community all over the world. 

Almost all the Centres of ITI are not able to celebrate International Dance Day with an event because of the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.Therefore, the General Secretariat Team of ITI initiates that all the members and friends celebrate International Dance Day 2020 – online.

Let’s be united in this action for the benefit of each and everybody who loves, dance and shares our values for a culturally rich and peaceful world.”

Below is an excerpt from this year’s message by dancer, actor, choreographer and dance educator, Gregory Vuyani MAQOMA, of South Africa.

“As we dance with our bodies, tumbling in space and tangling together, we become a force of movement weaving hearts, touching souls and providing healing that is so desperately needed. And purpose becomes a single hydra-headed, invincible and indivisible dance. All we need now is to dance some more!!!!”

I hope you will celebrate International Dance Day on line.

Wishing all of you good health and good spirits,

Diana