On the 29th of April every year, the global community comes together to celebrate International Dance Day, also known as World Dance Day. This special day is dedicated to the beautiful art of dance, aiming to uplift its significance and foster its appreciation worldwide. It serves as a platform to showcase diverse dance forms and encourage their exploration and dissemination on a global scale.

In honor of World Dance Day, the Institute of PNG Studies (IPNGS) took the initiative to develop a new series of publications known as the “Kumainge Dance Publication”. This year’s celebration took place at the University of Papua New Guinea, providing a fitting venue for commemorating the richness and diversity of dance culture.

The Kumainge Publication is a continuation of one of the first series of publications established by IPNGS in 1974 by IPNGS’s first director Ulli Beier. Between 1974 and 1979, the Institute published two series of discussion papers. These papers ranged in length from 2 to 59 pages, with the majority being under 10 pages. They were named discussion papers because they aimed to stimulate conversations on cultural topics.

These papers provided an affordable way to discuss cultural matters and featured contributions from various sources, including IPNGS staff, researchers, students, public servants, and others. They covered a wide range of subjects and served as a platform for sharing perspectives and ideas about culture.

Through the publication and event, the Institute aims to elaborate on the significance “of dance” as an important part of human expression and cultural heritage, promoting greater understanding and appreciation for its forms and traditions. The Kumainge publication is being launched as part of the celebrations for International Dance Day.
The event was launched by the Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda.
Mr. Kilanda said, “It is my pleasure to introduce the first volume in a new series of publications launched by the Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies (IPNGS): Kumainge: Discussion Papers on Cultural Research.”

He continues by saying, “I am very happy that the Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies has decided to revive such a series, but also revitalize it using present-day technological innovation. we need to learn about our own cultures, it is only through learning, understanding, and respecting our cultures that we can ever truly unite.”

Mr. Kilanda congratulates the IPNGS staff, praising them for their hard work in releasing the first publication in years. He thanked Mr. Emmanul Daniel for sharing his unique perspective as both a researcher and performer of taibubu.

Mr. Kilanda also encouraged the creative arts students at UPNG, urging them to endure in their studies and stay committed to their courses. He emphasized the importance of resilience and encouraged them to pursue their passions despite any challenges they may face, reminding them that their dedication will lead to great achievements in the future.