About NDI
Inspiring children through the arts.
National Dance Institute teaches children to reach their full potential through the joy of the arts. To us, dance and music are vehicles for connection, self-discovery, and growth. We provide access to groundbreaking arts programming for children everywhere and train others to do the same. Our participatory dance and music classes support children’s physical health, social-emotional wellbeing, and intellectual development. We strive to reach every child, transcending barriers of language, culture, and physical and developmental disabilities.
NDI’s programming is exuberant, engaging, and unlike any other of its kind. With programs offered free of charge to the children who participate, NDI’s proven teaching methodology uses dance and music to improve children’s critical thinking; hone their social, communication, and collaboration skills; foster pride in achievement; and develop their global perspective.
The joy, agency, and feeling of accomplishment that students experience in NDI carry over into all aspects of their lives and learning. By harnessing the power of the arts, we help children realize their full potential and develop the skills that will prepare them for success in school and beyond.
We are committed to creating an environment that honors the humanity of all people. We believe that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide our work in the arts, and that the arts enable us to do our jobs best only when these values are their foundation. Placing DEIA at the center of our engagement with children, families, schools, artists, and all communities is essential to the vitality and integrity of our work and to the achievement of our core mission.
We help millions of children realize their fullest potential and develop the skills that will prepare them for success in school and beyond.
Jacques d’Amboise founded National Dance Institute with the belief that the arts have a unique power to inspire each person to unlock their own potential.
Recognized as one of the finest classical dancers of our time, Mr. d’Amboise performed with the New York City Ballet for decades and received dozens of awards and honors for his groundbreaking work in arts education.
“At National Dance Institute, we expose thousands of children a year to the mystery of dance, and all of them are changed by the experience — some in small ways, others profoundly.”
—Jacques d’Amboise, Founder [1934–2021]
Jacques d’Amboise Center for Learning & the Arts
Located in the heart of Harlem, our performance and rehearsal space designed to further NDI’s mission and expand our reach. We also offer rentals of our facilities.
For over four decades, National Dance Institute has been committed to creating an environment that honors the humanity of all people. Come work with us!