National Dance Institute

Tote Bag Art Project

In February 2008, in conjunction with NDI's 2007-2008 curricular theme celebrating Mexico, a delegation of NDI Teaching Artists and Staff traveled to Mexico City to visit the NDI-inspired program, Aprender con Danza (Learning Through Dance). The delegation brought 300 colorful burlap bags, donated by NDI Advisory Council Member Bob Levinson, along with a set of permanent markers. The children in Mexico were asked to draw on one side of the bag their images and experiences of their own community, and on the other side, their ideas and dreams about New York City and the United States. The bags, along with 300 more created by NDI children in New York, will serve as gifts to the supporters who attend NDI’s Annual Gala on Monday, April 7, 2008.