English National Ballet, Julia Conway in front, rehearse Etudes ahead of their 70th Anniversary GalaEnglish National Ballet
29 April is International Dance Day!
Today and every day, we celebrate everything that dance means to us at English National Ballet.
From stage to screen, classroom to community centre, we believe that dance has no barriers.
Le Corsaire (2016-01) by English National Ballet and Laurent Liotardo PhotographyEnglish National Ballet
A quick history lesson!
International Dance Day was created in 1982 by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute.
It is celebrated every year on 27 April, the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), who is widely considered to be the founder of modern ballet.
Noverre is acknowledged as the creator of the ‘ballet d’action’, the pre-cursor to the narrative ballets of the 19th Century or, put simply, ballets with storylines as well as dancing!
Famous examples of 19th Century narrative ballets include Giselle, La Sylphide and Le Corsaire (pictured).
Akram Khan's Dust in performance by (c) ASHEnglish National Ballet
International Dance Day now
International Dance Day celebrates the universality of dance, and the ways in which it can become a shared language across vast differences in identity and experience.
Every year, International Dance Day shares a special message from an outstanding choreographer or dancer. In years past, this has included messages from esteemed choreographers and ENB collaborators William Forsythe, Akram Khan, and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.
International Dance Day aims to share the love of dance with others, enjoy and promote dance in all its forms, and emphasise its value.
Joseph Caley, Shiori Kase and Isaac Hernandez in Harald Lander's Etudes at the ENB 70th Anniversary GalaEnglish National Ballet
Why do we share our love of dance?
Dance brings us together to share unforgettable experiences
The captivating and chill-inducing Wilis in Akram Khan's Giselle, a classic ballet reimagined.
Dance can tell stories beyond language
Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's Broken Wings is inspired by the life and art of Frida Kahlo.
Dance is living, evolving history
August Bournonville's La Sylphide is a jewel of Romantic-era ballet that has been passed on from one generation of dancers to the next. We are fortunate to have this beautifully preserved work in our repertoire.
Dance encourages imagination and creativity
We work with young people to help them find their talent, boost their confidence and bring creativity to their classroom.
Dance can support wellbeing: physical, mental and emotional
Everyone can experience the physical, emotional, spiritual benefits of dance. We teach classes to people living with Parkinson's: inspired by our repertoire, they alleviate their symptoms, combat loneliness and bring joy.
International Dance Day 2021 | English National Ballet (2021-04-29)English National Ballet
Happy International Dance Day!
And now, just dance!
We can't help but dance along to Playlist (Track 2) by William Forsythe, to Impossible by Lion Babe (Jax Jones Remix).
Works featured: Akram Khan's Giselle, La Sylphide by August Bournonville, Broken Wings by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Filmmakers and Photographers: Graham Tilley, Laurent Liotardo, Photography by ASH.
