Since New York City Ballet principal dancer Jacques d’Amboise founded National Dance Institute in 1976, the nonprofit arts education organization has championed a simple yet profound truth: Early exposure to the arts can transform a child’s life. Grounded in its renowned teaching pedagogy, NDI has impacted millions of school children—in New York City and across […]
On a school day in December, the scene in the P.S. 002 auditorium on Manhattan’s Lower East Side is particularly joyful. The pianist plays an upbeat tune, while a sea of fifth-grade students stomp, bend, punch and jump around the stage with big smiles on their faces. The dance teacher, National Dance Institute artistic director […]
A few years ago, Mary Ann Lamb got a phone call from Ann Reinking, who was choreographing a production of The Visit starring Chita Rivera. Lamb was thrilled when Reinking offered her the role of Young Claire without even asking for an audition. “And then she said, ‘In the first act, you’re going to play […]
Sometimes a little video comes along that manages to cheer you on a dreary Wednesday, inspire you to be better and give you all the good feels. Meet Sheila Rozann, an 88-year-old ballet teacher for the National Dance Institute, New Mexico, who’s been teaching for more than 66 years (!). She gives great advice on […]
Watch these kids, but more importantly, watch the teachers! The first thing you’ll notice in this video is how many children are dancing. And if you’re like me, the next thing you’ll see is all the teachers (in orange and blue) who are on the floor, dancing full-out to keep the kids moving in unison and with […]