Since 1976, National Dance Institute (NDI) has provided transformative dance education—free of charge to children and their families—to over 2 million children of every background and ability, tapping limitless potential while proving that artistic excellence and inclusion are not mutually exclusive.

Founded by New York City Ballet principal dancer Jacques d'Amboise [1934-2021], NDI was built on an unwavering belief that the arts have unique power to engage and motivate every child toward excellence. That vision has evolved into a proven methodology that maintains rigor while fostering joy, develops skilled dancers alongside confident citizens, and trains educators worldwide to bring this approach to their communities.

For 50 years, NDI has consistently proven that excellence and inclusion are not competing priorities—they're complementary forces. Removing barriers like cost and ability doesn't lower standards. It elevates what's possible.

Through the NDI Method, we produce not only skilled dancers but confident, empathetic, collaborative young people:

• Turning the room around so there is no back row for any child

• Treating the child who needs extra time to learn as the most important person in the room

• Inclusive programming that pairs children with disabilities with nondisabled peers 

• Using individuals to uplift the group, and the group to uplift individuals

These aren't just nice ideas—they're proven methodologies that create measurable outcomes.

Preliminary pilot work with WolfBrown, an arts research and planning consultancy specializing in market research, confirms that students identified as “struggling” in traditional classrooms exhibit engagement profiles nearly identical to “thriving” students during NDI sessions. Children who rarely raise their hands or struggle to focus become fully engaged, confident participants. The arts don't just supplement education—they reimagine who gets to succeed.

Something extraordinary happens at NDI: Alumni can still perform choreography years—even decades—after graduation without rehearsal.

This isn't just nostalgia. It speaks to the profound, lasting connection between NDI and the dancers—a bond that lives in their bodies and memories. The community spirit and the joy of shared creation stay with alumni throughout their lives, making them permanent members of the NDI family.

Their success stories—spanning careers in medicine, education, tech, law, business, and the arts—are evidence that this model prepares young people for success in all aspects of life.