Runs & Leaps Extravaganza

Dance With Us | July 28 | Central Park

🌧️ Rain or shine, we're celebrating 50 years of NDI. 💙

The event is still on! Even though it might be raining, we hope that you will still join us.

So much love and prep went into this from every corner of our community, and we’re not letting a storm system have the last word on 50 years of NDI.

There will be ponchos available.

Check-in begins at 9:00 AM. However, we are tightening up our rehearsal time and moving the performance to 11:00 AM.

Fifty years in, we’ve learned that celebration isn’t a single afternoon. It’s what we build together, rain or shine.

Details About the Runs & Leaps Extravaganza

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 — Jacques d'Amboise's birthday
Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park
South of Bethesda Terrace (between 66th & 72nd) View Map

9 AM: CHECK IN at Naumburg Bandshell near W 72nd St
11 AM: PERFORMANCE

Rain or shine –We will have ponchos.

Under the artistic direction of Kay Gayner and Christopher d'Amboise, NDI Teaching Artists will guide participants through an excerpt from beloved NDI repertoire, accompanied by NDI's live band under Music Director Yakir Ben Hur. We want everyone to dance with us — to experience the joy and exuberance of movement, embodying the positive effects of arts education.

Participants: for more event details, click here.

Have Questions?

We have answers! Read through our Runs & Leaps FAQ by clicking below.

Runs & Leaps FAQ

Celebrating 50 Years!

We teach children to reach their full potential through inclusive dance education—directly serving students in our flagship NYC programs while training teaching artists worldwide to bring our proven NDI methodology to their communities.

NDI at 50: Learn More

Join the NDI Alumni Network

Click here to join!

Join the "I Was A Tomato" Campaign

Jacques d'Amboise, founder of National Dance Institute, used to tell a story about riding the NYC subway. He was reading his newspaper when someone started staring at him. Eventually, the man walked up to him and said: “I was a tomato.”

Turns out, this man had recognized Jacques from his NDI experience years earlier—and in that moment, they shared a laugh and understood something profound. Whether you were a tomato, a scallion, a piano key, a rat, or any of the countless creative roles NDI students have danced over 50 years, it isn't just a quirky memory. It’s a badge of belonging.

These memories—lighthearted and meaningful—represent moments of creative expression, collaboration, and personal growth that stay with you forever.

Now, as NDI celebrates its 50th year, we want to hear your stories! Visit the "I Was a Tomato" page!

Learn More

Come dance with us!

Our Core Programs

In-School Dance Programs

Quality weekly dance classes in partner schools in NYC metro area give children a space to grow and express themselves. Our long-term collaborations with schools ensure deep, authentic learning – and success for every child.

Learn More

Teacher Training

The NDI Collaborative for Teacher and Learning’s joyful, experiential training enables educators worldwide to bring the NDI methodology to their communities and inspire diverse learners.

Learn More

Our Legacy

Founded by legendary ballet dancer Jacques d’Amboise, our mission is rooted in artistic excellence and inclusive opportunity.

Learn About Our Founder

Support Us

Keep our children dancing!

With your support, NDI’s groundbreaking programs will reach 5000 children this year across New York City and beyond through our unique weekly in-school programs, teacher training, and opportunities to perform on stage. Join a network of NDI partners to keep the music playing and the children dancing.

DONATE TODAY

NDI has taught me that it doesn’t matter where you are from, what you look like, or who you are to experience and love this form of expression.

NDI Dancer

Celebration Team Member

The [NDI DREAM program] doesn't just impact the children with disabilities, it impacts everyone involved. It celebrates the joy of dance and how it brings people together... it changes you as a person and makes you a better human being.

Heidi

Teaching Artist

A great teacher can save a child’s life.

Jacques d’Amboise

NDI Founder

NDI’s unique pedagogy challenges children beyond what they ever dreamed possible, but not beyond what they are capable of.

Ellen Weinstein

NDI Artistic Director Emerita

NDI inspires me to believe that I can do anything if I put my mind to it.

Manny, Student

PS 214

NDI helped me to be brave.

Edwin, Student

PS 235

Runs & Leaps Extravaganza

Dance With Us | July 28 | Central Park

The event is still on! Even though it might be raining, we hope that you will still join us.

Have Questions?

Join the "I Was A Tomato" Campaign

Founded by legendary ballet dancer Jacques d’Amboise, our mission is rooted in artistic excellence and inclusive opportunity.

Founded by legendary ballet dancer Jacques d’Amboise, our mission is rooted in artistic excellence and inclusive opportunity.