Runs & Leaps Extravaganza
NDI CELEBRATES 50 YEARS ON JULY 28 IN CENTRAL PARK
Run and leap in Central Park on
Jacques d'Amboise's birthday
July 28, 2026 in Central Park
A run and a leap. It’s a simple act of joy and a quick moment to shine. It’s the feeling of being exactly enough, exactly as you are.
That's what NDI's signature step has given to more than two million children over the last 50 years. On July 28, we're coming together to show how powerful this one step can be. Join us at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park — we’re inviting 500+ alumni, families, supporters, and arts education advocates to perform it together.
No dance experience needed. Invite your friends and family. You'll learn everything in a short rehearsal when you arrive.
RUNS & LEAPS EXTRAVAGANZA
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 — Jacques d'Amboise's birthday
Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park, New York City
Check-in begins at 10 am | Performance at noon | Event concludes at 1:30 pm
Rain or shine
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 every one to dance with us — to experience the joy and exuberance of movement, embodying the positive effects of arts education.
When 500+ people do this in the same place, on the same day, for the same reason, it isn't just a performance. It's a statement that the arts are essential and that early experiences in the arts stay with us forever.
July 25, 2026 to July 28, 2026
Calling all NDI Alumni... The party continues this summer!
Reunite with your NDI Community for days leading up to our Runs & Leaps Extravaganza. We're planning many exciting activities to celebrate NDI's 50th Anniversary. Come together and dance with us!
- Dance-a-Thon Party (Saturday 7/25)
- Film Screening of "He Makes Me Feel Like Dancing" (Sunday, 7/26)
- NDI Community Gatherings (Monday, 7/27)
- Runs & Leaps Extravaganza in Central Park (Tuesday, 7/28)
Find out more about this event by pre-registering in the form above, where you may indicate your interest in this Summer's Alumni Weekend. We'll follow up with more details.
Learn more by signing up HERE.
