Who We Are
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 well-being, artistry, and intellectual development. We strive to reach every child, transcending barriers of language, culture, and physical abilities with our deeply-held belief that inclusion elevates everyone.
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 live music to improve children’s critical thinking; hone their social, communication, problem solving, 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.
At NDI, we believe that every child – no matter their background, ability, or language – deserves the joy, confidence, and community that dance creates. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) isn’t an add-on – it’s the rhythm beneath everything we do.
Everyone Belongs on the Dance Floor
Dance is more than movement – it is connection, expression and belonging. When young people from diverse communities experience inclusive, accessible dance education, they unlock creative power, build lifelong confidence, and see themselves as leaders who are capable of reaching higher and farther. Ensuring opportunity belongs to all children is central to NDI’s purpose.
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 inside the Arnold S. & Madaleine Penner Building, our performance and rehearsal space is designed to further NDI’s mission and expand our reach. We also offer rentals of our rehearsal and performance spaces for commercial use. We also offer subsidized rates through grants for qualifying artists and companies.
