'International Dance Day', April 29

International Dance Day is celebrated every year on 29th April and is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the joy of movement, music, and self-expression. Created by the International Theatre Institute in 1982, the day marks the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, often called the father of modern ballet.

Dance brings people together across all ages and cultures. Whether it is ballroom, ballet, tap, disco, line dancing, folk dancing, or simply swaying along to a favourite song, dance can lift mood, improve confidence, and encourage social connection.

For Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, dance is a perfect theme because it links music, memory, movement, and reminiscence. Many people will remember learning dances at school, going to dance halls, weddings, discos, or favourite films like Dirty Dancing and Saturday Night Fever. International Dance Day is a chance to celebrate those memories and enjoy the simple pleasure of moving to music.

CST Song Of The Day – I’ve Had The Time Of My Life is a wonderful choice for International Dance Day because it instantly brings back memories of Dirty Dancing, one of the most loved dance films of all time. Released in 1987 and performed by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, the song became famous for its unforgettable final dance scene and the iconic lift.

The song is full of joy, confidence, and celebration, making it perfect for a positive CST session. It often sparks memories of dancing at parties, weddings, discos, and favourite films from years gone by. Many people remember trying the famous dance moves or singing along to the chorus.

This song creates opportunities for reminiscence, discussion, and gentle movement activities. It encourages people to talk about favourite dances, special occasions, and films they loved watching. It is uplifting, familiar, and a perfect way to celebrate the fun and freedom that dance can bring.

Name The Dance Movies & Choose Your Favourite

From ballroom classics to disco favourites and unforgettable musical moments, dance films have given us some of cinema’s most memorable scenes. Many of these films are linked to songs we know instantly, famous dance routines, and stars we remember well. This activity invites everyone to name the dance movies, share favourite scenes or songs, and choose which one they would most like to watch again. It’s a great way to spark reminiscence, conversation, and maybe even a little singalong or chair dancing too!

You could also choose a few clips to watch together.

Answers

• Singing In The Rain - 1952

• King And I - 1956

• West Side Story – 1961

• Cabaret – 1972

• Saturday Night Fever – 1977

• Grease – 1978

• Fame – 1980

• Flashdance – 1983

• Footloose – 1984

• Dirty Dancing – 1987

• Strictly Ballroom – 1992

• Billy Elliot – 2000

• Moulin Rouge! – 2001

• Chicago – 2002

• La La Land – 2016

Types of Dance

Dance is a wonderful way to express emotion, tell stories, keep fit, and bring people together. Across the world, every culture has its own special styles of dance - some formal and elegant, others lively, energetic, and great fun. Dancing can be social, competitive, theatrical, or simply enjoyed for pleasure. Many dances also bring back strong memories through music, movement, and celebration.

Different Types of Dance

• Ballet • Tap Dance • Ballroom • Waltz • Foxtrot • Quickstep • Tango • Cha-Cha-Cha

• Rumba • Samba • Jive • Paso Doble • Salsa • Merengue • Mambo • Latin Dance

• Line Dancing • Square Dancing • Barn Dance • Ceilidh Dancing • Morris Dancing

• Folk Dancing • Irish Dancing • Scottish Highland Dancing • Flamenco • Belly Dancing

• Breakdance • Hip Hop • Disco • Twist • Jive • Charleston • Lindy Hop • Pole Dance

• Maypole Dancing • Belly Dance • Bollywood Dance • Can-Can • Polka • Ice Dancing

Discussion Activity

Which dances have you tried?

Which dances were popular when you were young?

Can you remember dancing at weddings, parties, holidays, or school dances?

BBC Strictly Come Dancing

You could finish the session by asking members to choose their best 'Strictly Come Dancing' dance. My favourite winners are Chris McCausland & Rose Ayling-Ellis, blind and deaf celebrities.

Or by singalong to some other dance songs ...