About NDI

For over 34 years, National Dance Institute (NDI), a non-profit organization, has transformed the lives of more than 2 million public school children through award-winning arts and learning programs. Children discover the arts through dance and develop standards of excellence, a pride of achievement and a curiosity about the world that supports their success in school and in life. No child pays a penny for NDI.

NDI was founded by ballet star Jacques d’Amboise and since 1995 has been under the artistic leadership of Ellen Weinstein.

"There are children who live each day struggling with academics, with complicated family lives, and with emotional and physical challenges. I have seen these children leave the dance floor with a renewed spirit of hope, better able to handle the problems they face because of the inner peace they derive from the beauty of dance."

- Shelley Harwayne, Educator and former District Superintendent, New York City Public Schools

• Annually, NDI's programs impact over 40,000 public school students, their parents, teachers and local communities through classes, assemblies, residencies and performances.
• The majority of NDI dancers come from low-income communities.
• NDI dancers represent a diverse population: approximately 38% identify as Hispanic or Latino; 24% as Asian; 16% as African American; and 22% as Caucasian.
• 2009 Annual Report