Press & News

When I walked into the NYU Skirball Performing Arts Center a few weeks ago, the space felt alive with the sounds of National Dance Institute’s DREAM students laughing during rehearsals. The environment was energizing and exciting—just like that of a typical dance studio a few days before opening night. 

Jermaine Jones was appointed Executive Director of National Dance Institute (NDI) in March 2023. A lifelong advocate for the arts, he brings a unique blend of professional management acumen and a deep-rooted passion for dance to his leadership role. Jones’ relationship with NDI began at age 11 as a student participant in Harlem, later performing with NDI’s Celebration Team and studying at the Alvin Ailey School.

Most dance organizations understand that their dance teachers appreciate and grow from regular professional development opportunities. Good PD inspires, engages, and refreshes a dance teacher’s perspective on their practice. It motivates them to incorporate new learnings and creates a ripple effect that positively impacts their dance students.

Featuring more than 200 talented young dancers from New York City schools, m2026 Event of the Year returned to the NYU Skirball stage this June. The beloved and frequently sold-out annual tradition was an exciting culmination of NDI’s 50th Year of In-School programming. 

Picture a school gymnasium in the Bronx. Or a cafeteria in Harlem. Or a multi-purpose room in Queens that doubles as a storage space for gym equipment. The tables have been pushed to the walls. A pianist is warming up in the corner — live, present, tuning to the room. Thirty second-graders are about to walk through the door. This is where NDI Teaching Artists work.

Young people are currently facing epidemic levels of social isolation, emotional dysregulation, and loneliness. NDI knows dance and music education can be the solution. Artistic Director Kay Gayner explains how.