International Dance Day (29th April) is hosted by the International Theatre Institute and celebrates the importance of dance. This year in particular has been difficult for so many who love to dance as many places we associate with dancing have been closed due to the pandemic. Theatres, halls and even nightclubs have had empty dancefloors for too long, International Dance Day gives us an excuse to turn up the music and dance like nobody’s watching — because at the moment… No one is!
Dance and Art
Dance and art go hand in hand, Brian Parker a dancer and painter has found dance to inspire a number of his paintings. Being a dancer all his life, Brian feels that it’s because of his heightened body awareness that dance makes him feel fully alive. Brian’s dance paintings are cantered around the shapes that a dancer’s body makes, featuring expressive movement with figures and imposing his own patterns on their bodies to create abstracted compositions.
Self Portrait as Harlequin by Brian Parker
It is clear that dance is widely accepted as a form of art. The V&A is exhibiting a 100-year history of the Royal Academy of dance, including a host of costume, designs, film and unique material from the last century. The exhibition will show us how dance has changed throughout the years and act as a celebration of dance as a beautiful expression of human movement.
Whether it’s to relax, to exercise, or even just to have fun, why not celebrate International Dance Day by cranking up the music in your house and getting dancing — you might find your new passion or at least a sense of escapism, something we all so desperately need during lockdown! After all, nobody’s watching…!
The Origins of Ballet
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For many years, Quite Great has worked with many artists covering all types and styles of art. For more details, email us at ask@quitegreat.co.uk.
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