India, April 28 -- International Dance Day, celebrated annually on April 29, is a global tribute to the art of dance initiated by the International Dance Council (CID) and the International Theatre Institute. The date marks the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre, the pioneer of modern ballet.

For many, dance is more than just an art form, it's a path to self-expression, self-discovery and purpose. On this special occasion, HT Digital has reached out to renowned classical dancers, who have shared their inspiring journeys of finding identity, passion and purpose through dance. (Also read: Step inside Azim Premji's Rs.350 crore Bengaluru bungalow: Not Indiranagar, Sadashiva Nagar, Jayanagar, it's located in...)

Bharatanatyam dancer ...