International Dance Day 2020: A Statement from Young Lungs Dance Exchange

The current situation around COVID-19 has given us a global choreographic score to live and work by as we navigate this uncertain time together. Remaining physically distant from each other gives International Dance Day added significance this year as we work through something that connects us across the world and effects our physical movement. Dancing expresses all that we are missing right now and it is a reminder how vital this art form is to our sense of connection.

Dance of all forms and styles offers us a meeting place to engage through our bodies and shared stories. A language that is truly shared; young to old, across abilities, backgrounds and around the world. Perhaps now more than ever we feel the push and pull to come together and move our bodies, as social media and online platforms swell with dance classes, parties, performances and living room routines. Dancing has always brought people together and it will once again. When the rhythm of this time shifts, the flood of dancing will once again fill the streets, the fields, the studios and stages. 

We invite everyone to take some time to consider how you dance, how dance connects with and intersects your life and how dancing can ultimately help us heal and celebrate. Thank you to the dance loving public and the funding bodies for your ongoing engagement and support of dance, dance artists and organizations.

On this day Young Lungs Dance Exchange acknowledges all the dance and dancers that have come before this time and we celebrate all the inspiring dancing yet to come. May we take the time to feel the pleasure in moving our bodies. May we continue to work to keep each other safe. May we look forward to the time when we can dance together again and share it with the world. It’s going to be a really great party!

Happy International Dance Day!
Young Lungs Dance Exchange

If you would like to send this statement to your local MP and MLA, please click the download button below for a letter version of this statement.

Below are also links to find your government official’s email address:

https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/search

https://www.electionsmanitoba.ca/en/Voting/MyVotingInfo

Photo Credit: Fighting Monkey Workshop with Alanna Kraaijeveld by Michelle Panting (2019)