International Dance Day in Japan

Today, and April 29th annually, is International Dance Day across the globe. In Japan it is a day that is known among certain circles, particularly those involved with the International Dance Council branch in Tokyo, the world's largest dance organization under UNESCO.

Indeed, the anniversary itself was created by an affiliate of UNESCO, the division responsible for the performing arts, known as the International Theater Institute, or ITI in short. They chose April 29th for the anniversary to honor the birthday of a famous French dancer, Jean-Georges Noverre. He is known as the "father of modern ballet".

Ballet is quite popular in Japan, particularly with young children. My eldest daughter was in a ballet class briefly, but we pulled her due to the grueling schedule, from morning to night, before a rehearsal - she was only 5 years old at the time! Thus, I would recommend if you were ever thinking of enrolling a child in ballet classes, you research thoroughly how much extra classes and expectations they have for rehearsals.