In the heart of Harlem, the National Dance Institute (NDI) is continuing its mission of inclusion and creativity with the return of its acclaimed DREAM Project.
The week-long summer camp, held at the Jacques d’Amboise Center for Learning & the Arts, brings together children with and without disabilities.
The DREAM Project—short for Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement—is an inclusive initiative designed to foster creativity, empathy, and teamwork among young dancers. Open to children ages 8 to 16, the program is built around the belief that every child, regardless of ability, can express themselves through movement and music.
Founded by NDI Artistic Director Kay Gayner and Pediatric Physical Therapist Dr. Agnes McConlogue Ferro, the program pairs children with disabilities with age-matched, non-disabled peers from NDI’s Advanced Teams. Together, they learn choreography, build friendships, and perform, challenging themselves and each other in an atmosphere rooted in mutual respect and shared artistic discovery.
“At NDI, we believe that high-quality arts education and participating in high-quality arts education is every child’s birthright,” said Gayner in a press release. “The DREAM Project is a natural extension of NDI’s core belief that every child can dance.”
The program is offered completely free of charge, reflecting NDI’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion. While the August session of Summer DREAM Camp has reached capacity, families interested in the program are encouraged to inquire about the upcoming Winter DREAM Camp, scheduled for February.
More information can be found at nationaldance.org.
NDI, now celebrating its 50th anniversary, was founded by legendary New York City Ballet dancer Jacques d’Amboise. Since its inception, the organization has introduced more than two million children to the joy of dance. With programs like DREAM, NDI continues to transform lives, championing the belief that inclusion not only enriches participants but also elevates the art form itself.
July 28, 2025