Company Profile
National Dance Institute
Company Overview
National Dance Institute believes that the arts have a unique power to engage children of every background, ability, and socio-economic position, and motivate them toward excellence in an environment of inclusivity. We utilize dance and music to instill in students a love of the arts, a passion for learning, and a desire to strive for their personal best, both in school and in life.
Company History
Since our founding over 40 years ago by Jacques d’Amboise, National Dance Institute (NDI) has transformed the lives of generations of children by providing access to rigorous, empowering, and immersive arts education programs at no cost to its students. Our acclaimed teaching methodology – developed over decades to ensure success for every child – is being implemented in schools throughout the city, nation, and world, and heralded as an indispensable tool in the social, emotional, and intellectual development of children. At its core is the belief that the arts engage a child’s emotions, and when emotions are engaged, that’s when real learning and growth begins.
NDI strives for the day when all school children will have the arts as a vital component of their education, and is proud to be playing a leading role in this important endeavor.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
Jacques d’Amboise - Founder
Recognized as one of the finest classical dancers of our time, Jacques d’Amboise now leads the field of arts education with a model program that exposes thousands of school children to the magic and discipline of dance. In 1976, while still a principal dancer with New York City Ballet, Mr. d’Amboise founded National Dance Institute in the belief that the arts have a unique power to engage and motivate individuals towards excellence.
Mr. d’Amboise holds Honorary Doctorates from the Julliard School, Duke University, Boston College, University of the South, Franklin Pierce College, St. Joseph College, Montclair State University, Monmouth University, Bates College, Saint Peter’s College, the College of New Rochelle, and Bank Street College of Education. Mr. d’Amboise is also an honorary Big Brother.