Hundreds of dancers filled the main courtyard of the Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), on Thursday (30/4/2026). Dressed in traditional fabrics and moving in dynamic rhythms, they commemorated World Dance Day, which officially falls on April 29 each year. Although the global date was one day earlier, FBS UNNES deliberately held its peak celebration on April 30 to better accommodate preparations and broader participation.
FBS UNNES organized a series of activities, including collaborative performances, traditional dance workshops, and an open stage for dance students. The event, which ran from morning until late afternoon, was attended by dance education students, arts and culture teachers from partner schools, and dance communities across the Greater Semarang area.
UNNES Rector: Dance Builds Character and Empathy
The Rector of Universitas Negeri Semarang, Prof. Dr. S. Martono, M.Si., in his address at the main event, emphasized that World Dance Day is not merely a ceremonial occasion. He underscored the importance of dance as a medium for character education and strengthening human values.
“Dance teaches discipline, sensitivity, and teamwork. In this digital era, young people still need to connect with their cultural roots. UNNES is committed to making the arts part of students’ character development, while preserving local heritage toward sustainable development,” Prof. Martono said.
He also linked the event to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). According to him, preserving arts and culture is a long-term investment for the nation’s identity.
Acting Dean of FBS: Campus is a Home for Young Artists
The Acting Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Arts, UNNES, Prof. Dr. Nur Qudus, M.T., IPM., stated that this year’s World Dance Day celebration was intentionally held vibrantly to provide the widest possible space for appreciating young talent.
“We want to show that the campus is not just a place for theoretical learning, but also a home for young artists to create. FBS UNNES has a dance education study program that continues to produce skilled dancers. Today they showcase their abilities while inspiring the public that dance is a universal language,” Prof. Nur Qudus explained.
He added that the event also reflects the implementation of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as it involves various stakeholders, from schools and dance studios to the Semarang City Culture Office.
Collaborative Dance and a Message from the Program Coordinator
The Coordinator of the Dance Education Study Program at FBS UNNES, Dr. Eny Kusumastuti, M.Pd., who served as the event’s executive secretary, explained that choosing April 30 for this year’s celebration was intended to ensure thorough preparation and maximum participation.
“We want to align with the global spirit, but also adjust to the campus academic calendar. World Dance Day is not just about the date — it is about a collective movement to preserve dance as cultural heritage. Hopefully next year we can invite foreign dancers through international mobility programs,” Dr. Eny Kusumastuti said.
Hope for the Future of Indonesian Dance
During the event, participants enthusiastically took part in traditional dance workshops from various regions, including Tari Saman (Aceh), Tari Topeng (Cirebon), and Tari Golek (Java). Many non-arts students also joined, showing that dance is not only for those with a background in arts education.
Prof. Nur Qudus added, “We hope that through events like this, the younger generation will not feel ashamed to dance their own culture. Because if not them, who else will preserve it?”
World Dance Day at FBS UNNES concluded with an open stage enlivened by dozens of dancers from various communities. Thunderous applause erupted as the Rector of UNNES and the Acting Dean jointly performed a symbolic gesture of releasing colorful balloons into the air — a sign of hope that the art of dance continues to soar and take root in people’s hearts.
