International Dance Day

Havana, April 29 (RHC) – More than 20 Cuban dance companies are celebrating International Dance Day with a broad program online due to the epidemiological situation generated by Covid-19.

The two-day program pays tribute also to dancer and choreographer Rosario Cárdenas, a National Dance Prize laureate, who is this year celebrating 50 years of artistic life, training several generations of Cuban dancers, and to the 15th anniversary of the Havana-based Dance Center –the main organizer in Cuba of celebrations on International Dance Day.

Among Cuban dance companies joining this year’s celebration Acosta Danza, Havana Queens, Flamenca Ecos and Malpaso stand out.

The virtual program of the event, co-sponsored by the National Council of Performing Arts, includes also conferences, debates, master classes and workshops about dance –also called the art of movement.

Other Cuban dance ensembles also participating include Revolution, Santiago Alfonso, Rakatán, Raíces Profundas, Free Dance, Así Somos, Ban- Rarrá, Compañía de Danzas Tradicionales JJ, Yoldance and The Concept.

In calling this year’s celebration, the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute noted that dancers, researchers and therapists across the world are increasingly encouraging people to engage in hobbies and any form of physical activity, to counter the mental fatigue during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It further stressed that dance is good for the body and mind, and it has been established that shaking a leg is a mantra for happiness for many people. International Dance Day is, therefore, a great opportunity to spread the awareness and help people become more resilient when faced with the mental or emotional challenges amid Covid-19.