National Dance Institute

“That was the best show I have ever seen in my entire life.”

We overheard one of our NDI In-School Program dancers say this while leaving a Student Matinee today, and to be honest... that's the dream. 💛

Every year, hundreds of students from NDI partner schools come to our Event of the Year as a field trip. They cheer for their classmates, experience live music and performance, and discover what's possible when creativity, hard work, and community come together on stage.

Sometimes it's easy to measure impact in numbers.

Sometimes it sounds like a child walking out of a theater saying they just saw the best show of their life.

That's why we do this. A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring this experience to life for the hundreds of students who filled our theater. These moments matter.

Dance with us this summer in Central Park to rally for arts education! 💛 On July 28, NDI’s Runs & Leaps Extravaganza will show the world that early arts experiences change lives! We’re inviting 500+ alumni, families, supporters, and arts education advocates to run and leap across the stage at the Naumburg Bandshell as an act of joy and a moment to shine.
🗓 July 28, 2026
📍 Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park
⏰ 9 AM–1:15 PM
Join hundreds of dancers, alumni, families, and arts supporters for a joyful morning of movement, community, and celebration — culminating in a massive performance of NDI’s signature choreography right in the heart of Central Park.
No dance experience necessary. Every participant gets their moment in the spotlight. 💫
Registration is $25 and includes an NDI t-shirt.
🔗 Register now at the link below.
https://www.nationaldance.org/en/ndi-runs-and-leaps-event-2026

Young people are facing unprecedented levels of loneliness, disconnection, and emotional strain. ⁠
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Yet arts education continues to be treated as an extracurricular luxury instead of an essential part of learning.⁠
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In a new essay, NDI Artistic Director Kay Gayner explores why dance and music education may be one of the most powerful responses to today's youth mental health crisis. ⁠
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From fostering belonging and collaboration to building confidence and empathy, the arts help young people develop the skills they need to thrive—both in school and in life.⁠
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As NDI Founder Jacques d’Amboise believed, the arts are how human beings practice being human.⁠
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Read more on our blog → https://bit.ly/4dVgwO5
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📸 Christopher Duggan Photography
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Close to 20 NDI In-School Programs are having their end-of-year performances this month, and we’re loving every one of them! A huge congratulations to all of the dancers and teaching artists whose hard work and commitment have made these performances truly unforgettable. Did you have the opportunity to see any of them? Let us know in the comments!