ISTANBUL — Turkey will celebrate International Dance Day on April 29 and 30 with performances at venues across Turkey. The main purpose of International Dance Day or World Dance Day, is to raise awareness on the universality of dance, an art form of self-expression, while uniting and entertaining people around the globe.

As a part of the events, the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet (İDOP) will stage "D'ansambe III." İDOP ballet performers will have the chance to voice their hopes, dreams and words through the choreographies they create. Another aim of "D'ansambe III" is to find future choreographs and dancers.

The Süreyya Opera House will host various ballet performances, including Melih Mertel's "Çakıl Taşı" (Pebble), Ebru Cansız's "Sarkaç" (Pendulum), İlke Kodal's "Hür" (Free), Cem Çelik's "İzdüşüm" (Projection), Çiğdem Öztürk's "Noktrün" (Nocturne) and Deniz Özaydın's "Işığa İzin Ver" (Let the Light Come In). International Dance Day was first introduced by the International Theater Institute (ITI) in 1982 on April 29, on the birthday of the creator of modern ballet, Jean-Georges Noverre, Then each year, the International Dance Day message is published to celebrate this art form that crosses all political, ethnic and cultural barriers and brings people together.

The message for 2014 was written by Mourad Merzouki, the the founder of Compagnie Käfig and director of the Centre Choregraphique National de Creteil et du Val-de-Marne. Merzouki touched on the general tension and problems in the world and addressed the socially and economically disadvantaged youth of today. "Have courage and take risks despite the obstacles and the hatred with which you will no doubt be confronted. The beauty of t h e world will always be by your side. Like dance has been for me," said the Lyon-born Merzouki, whose involvement in hip-hop led him to discover his passion for dance. His work fuses hip hop and contemporary dance, inspired by martial arts and circus. There are other events taking place all around Turkey, including the Swing Party that brings back the golden age of jazz in the 1930s to Bronx Pi Sahne. Akbank Sanat is also hosting a special program for the day and the capital, Ankara, is joining the celebrations with a "Happy Birthday Mavi Sahne & International Dance Day Celebration." So take your pick and don't forget to bring your dancing shoes.