More than 100 Dunedin residents put on their dancing shoes to take part in an international celebration that delivered "something for everybody" over the weekend.
Organiser Anna Noonan said International Dance Day was always on April 29.
This year, she was not sure how many participants the day would attract, given it followed a long weekend, Ms Noonan said.
She had initially planned a couple of pop-up dances around the city, but when she put the word around, lots of people got in touch wanting to be part of it.
"It was one of those events which snowballed in a wonderful way," Ms Noonan said.
About 20 events ended up being scheduled to commemorate the day.
That included a talk by Michael Parmenter and Kate Grace at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum and the Ōtepoti Dance Film Festival held across the day at Te Whare o Rukutia, which featured works from several "incredibly talented" local dance filmmakers, Ms Noonan said.
Events also took place at the St Clair Esplanade, the Octagon, the Community Art Gallery and the Centre City Mall featuring a diverse range of dance styles — including Irish, Indian, ballet, jazz and hip-hop.
The Dunedin branch of Star Jam — a national charity for young New Zealanders with disabilities — began the day with a concert in Dunedin’s Octagon involving about 30 people.
All together the event involved more than 150 dancers.
The biggest contingent came from the Rasa School Of Dance, with 80 people. The school is also marking 20 years.
The Gasp Dance Trust was also involved and celebrating its 10th year.
Dance had the power to enhance and enrich every aspect of life, so it was great to have a day to celebrate it, Ms Noonan said.
As an art form it could function as a form of recreation, exercise and therapy.
"Dance can bring a lot of joy to people, as the arts in general can," Ms Noonan said.
