Press & News

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, the National Dance Institute (NDI) hosted a milestone event featuring New York City Ballet principal Tiler Peck and retired American Ballet Theatre icon Misty Copeland. The program highlighted the vital role of arts education in fostering leadership and community within public schools, where NDI currently serves over 6,500 children annually. Through student performances and dialogue with these trailblazing artists, the event emphasized how exposure to artistic excellence inspires young dancers to recognize their own potential and envision new possibilities for their lives.

For parents of children with special needs, it can be difficult to find inclusive extracurricular activities. CBS News New York's Noëlle Lilley attended the National Dance Institute's Dream Camp, where music unites people of all abilities.

Misty Copeland and Tiler Peck joined students and professional performers to celebrate 50 years of the National Dance Institute (NDI). The benefit, Jacques’ Art Nest, paid tribute to the organization’s legacy while spotlighting the next generation of dancers nurtured through its free programs.

Since 1976, the National Dance Institute has provided dance education for thousands of students. One program is specifically tailored to children with disabilities. Mr. G visited the studios in Harlem for this week’s Dream Project, where students were rehearsing for a special performance.

This winter event kicked off the nonprofit's 50th anniversary year with a star-studded evening, including conversation with American Ballet Theatre's newly retired Misty Copeland and New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck. Misty and Tiler discussed their newly published children's books (Letters to Misty and XO Ballerina Big Sis, respectively) with Broadway legend Charlotte d'Amboise, who is also the daughter of NDI's founder, Jacques d'Amboise. The evening also included joyful performances from the Children of NDI, who shared the stage with Tony-nominated actor and singer Liz Larsen, and dancers from New York City Ballet-including principal dancer Isabella LaFreniere. Former New York City Ballet principal dancer, and the son of NDI's founder, Christopher d'Amboise shared behind-the-scenes insights into the world of dance with the audience.

Born in Alameda in 1991, Jerron Herman found his home in the arts from an early age. Exploring drama, writing, and self-expression were vital for him. His artistic life took shape in New York City, training in playwriting at NYU and New Victoria Theater and completing a degree in Media, Culture, and Art from Kings College.