The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has joined the rest of the world to mark “International Dance Day” also known as “World Dance Day”.
Speaking at the event held on Monday at the Performing Arts Rehearsal Ground of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, themed: “Dancing Connecting to the World, Connecting with Our Communities”, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Idris Aregbe said the Government aims to cross all the political, cultural, and ethnic barriers in the field of entertainment in establishing a coexistence of ethnicity in the State.
Aregbe reiterated the importance of catching the young early through various art forms and dancing events, thus giving the youthful population a platform to showcase and sharpen their creative endeavours
He stressed that the day is dedicated to the art form of dance, and it is used to promote dance as a universal value. The day also marks the occasion of World Dance Day, as a result of this the State organises an annual event to mark the “International Dance Day”.
The Director of Productions for the National Body of the Guild of Nigerian Dance Performers and Guest Speaker at the event, Mr. Uche Onah stated that the day is celebrated and regarded globally as Dancers’ Birthday.
He emphasized that it’s not only marked by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture but also by other stakeholders in various parts of the State including the National Arts Theatre Iganmu, Theatre Groups in Ikorodu, Mushin and institutions like Unilag.
He stated that the 2024 theme: “Dancing Connecting to the World, Connecting with Our Communities”, aims to convey the message that dance has always been and will continue to be an integral part of life, resonating particularly with youths and communities.
The World Dance Day is celebrated annually on the 29th of April.