International Partnerships
NDI’s International Partnerships are in-depth and ongoing collaborations with dance and arts education organizations around the world to create thriving arts programs based on the NDI Method. NDI leadership provides oversight, ongoing teacher training, and artistic support for all staff, as well as strategies for adapting the NDI Method to the values, traditions, and culture of the host country. More than 8,000 children experience the joy of dance and music annually in NDI’s International Partner programs.
Dancing into the Future (I Can Too!)
In 2010, the China Welfare Institute Children’s Palace, the Minhang Education Bureau (CWICP), and the US-China Cultural Institute approached NDI to create a professional development program titled “Dancing Into the Future (I Can Too!)”
Between 2010-2020, teams of NDI Teaching Artists traveled to China two to three times each year to launch a program inspired by NDI's award-winning New York programs in Minhang, China (a suburb of Shanghai). In each residency over the decade, the NDI team trained educators and artists from CWICP and the Minhang school district in how to engage children using the NDI Method; how to adapt and create choreography and performances that reflect the values, traditions, and culture of China; and how to set up NDI-inspired programs in schools throughout Minhang. NDI Teaching Artists worked with thousands of children, provided ongoing mentorship and training to artistic and program leaders, trained new cohorts of Teaching Artists each year, and participated in multiple performances and cultural exchanges in both China and the U.S.
Though in-person and virtual trainings were suspended in 2020, DIF continues to serve thousands of children each year. This partnership provides a joyful and rigorous exploration of the arts to children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds throughout Shanghai, including a large population of children of migrant workers.
By the numbers:
Founded: 2011
Number of schools: 30
Number of children served each year: 8,000
Number of children participating in Advanced Teams: 80
Number of Teaching Artists trained (dancers and musicians): 80
In 2017, the Lebanese Center for Special Education (CLES), approached NDI to create “Dance by CLES” (DBC).
Between 2017-2020, a team of NDI Teaching Artists traveled to Beirut several times a year to train dancers, educators and musicians in the NDI Method and help launch NDI-inspired programs in schools in Beirut, Saida, and several neighboring towns. Since then, the NDI Collaborative continues to support DBC Teaching Artists to use Lebanese music and culture as they create engaging choreography and performances for their students. DBC programs empower children with and without learning disabilities to gain discipline, self-confidence, and trust in others.
Due to world events, in-person trainings were suspended in 2020. Without interruption, the NDI Collaborative has continued to provide ongoing training and mentorship to DBC Teaching Artists, administrators, leaders, and most importantly children, creating deep and lasting relationships among NDI and DBC staff and the children they serve.
For more information on CLES, click here: CLES.org
By the numbers:
Founded: 2017
Number of schools: 6
Number of children served each year: 750
Number of Teaching Artists trained (dancers and musicians): 40
- Bali, Indonesia
- Beijing, Shanghai, China
- Bondi Beach, Australia
- Potou, Senegal
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Moscow, Russia
- Tel Aviv, Israel
- India
- Italy
- Paris, France