Run and Leap in Central Park on Tuesday, July 28!
A run and a leap. It’s a simple act of joy and a quick moment to shine. It’s the feeling of being exactly enough, exactly as you are.
That's what NDI's signature step has given to more than two million children over the last 50 years. On Tuesday, July 28, we're coming together to show how powerful this one step can be.
Join us at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park — we’re inviting 500+ alumni, families, supporters, and arts education advocates to perform it together.
No dance experience needed. Invite your friends and family.
Registration is $25 and includes an NDI t-shirt which doubles as your costume for the day. Hurry! Register by June 27 to get your t-shirt delivered to your home.
Registration ends on July 14.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 — Jacques d'Amboise's birthday
Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park, New York City
Rain or shine
Under the artistic direction of Kay Gayner and Christopher d'Amboise, NDI Teaching Artists will guide participants through an excerpt from beloved NDI repertoire, accompanied by NDI's live band under Music Director Yakir Ben Hur. We want everyone to dance with us — to experience the joy and exuberance of movement, embodying the positive effects of arts education.
When 500+ people do this in the same place, on the same day, for the same reason, it isn't just a performance. It's a statement that the arts are essential and that early experiences in the arts stay with us forever.
No dance experience needed. You'll receive a short tutorial video before the day and learn everything in a short rehearsal when you arrive. Choreography is intentionally designed for accessibility.
What to expect:
- 9 AM: Check-in at Naumburg Bandshell near W 72nd St
- 10 AM: Small group rehearsals to find your places & learn easy, fun dances
- 11 AM: Rehearsal with hundreds of friends, new and old
- 12 PM: Perform for family, friends, and passersby!
- 1:15 PM: Mingle, hydrate, and enjoy - you've just shown the world the power of arts education!
Have Questions?
We have answers! Read through our Runs & Leaps FAQ by clicking below.
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Join the "I Was A Tomato" Campaign
Jacques d'Amboise, founder of National Dance Institute, used to tell a story about riding the NYC subway. He was reading his newspaper when someone started staring at him. Eventually, the man walked up to him and said: “I was a tomato.”
Turns out, this man had recognized Jacques from his NDI experience years earlier—and in that moment, they shared a laugh and understood something profound. Whether you were a tomato, a scallion, a piano key, a rat, or any of the countless creative roles NDI students have danced over 50 years, it isn't just a quirky memory. It’s a badge of belonging.
These memories—lighthearted and meaningful—represent moments of creative expression, collaboration, and personal growth that stay with you forever.
Now, as NDI celebrates its 50th year, we want to hear your stories! Visit the "I Was a Tomato" page!
With your support, NDI’s groundbreaking programs will reach 5000 children this year across New York City and beyond through our unique weekly in-school programs, teacher training, and opportunities to perform on stage. Join a network of NDI partners to keep the music playing and the children dancing.
