Dance Ōtepoti founder and general manager Anna Noonan said, in a statement, ‘‘the purpose of International Dance Day is to celebrate dance in all its forms and share the joy and benefits with others’’.
‘‘The amount of passion, talent and generosity that exists in this community is truly special.’’
Festival events will run from Friday to Sunday and are free to attend at central city venues Te Whare o Rukutia, the neighbouring Dunedin Community Gallery and Toitū Otago Settlers Museum’s Josephine Foyer.
There will also be two ticketed events on Saturday evening.
MāyāDharā Indian School of Dance will present Hine Shakti, from 5pm on Saturday at St Hilda’s Collegiate auditorium, welcoming back Swaroopa Prameela Unni for a guest performance.
The Pastel Ball, to be held from 7.30pm on Saturday at the Sargood Centre, Logan Park, will offer an evening of group dancing and gentle connection.
Other events across the weekend will include a yoga class for dancers, a series of absolute beginner dance classes, performances from Ōtepoti dance groups and a giant party in George St, including a free family disco.
‘‘There are approximately 300 dancers from 36 groups across Ōtepoti involved in the weekend and plenty for the people of Dunedin to enjoy and get involved in,’’ Noonan said.
International Dance Day takes place on April 29 every year and is celebrated the world over.
This year’s festivities have been supported by Creative New Zealand. — Allied Media
