By HWM
Dance luminaries recently came together in Harlem to honor a milestone moment for youth arts education as Misty Copeland and Tiler Peck joined students and professional performers to celebrate 50 years of the National Dance Institute (NDI). The benefit, Jacques’ Art Nest, paid tribute to the organization’s legacy while spotlighting the next generation of dancers nurtured through its free programs.
Held at NDI’s Jacques d’Amboise Center for Learning & the Arts, the evening blended star power with heartfelt storytelling. The event is named for late Jacques d’Amboise, the legendary New York City Ballet performer who founded the nonprofit on the belief that every child deserves access to high-quality arts education. That philosophy has since reached more than 2 million children worldwide.
Copeland, who made history as the first Black principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, shared reflections on her journey alongside Peck, a principal dancer with New York City Ballet. The two icons also discussed their recently published children’s books during an onstage conversation moderated by Broadway veteran Charlotte d’Amboise, daughter of the organization’s founder.
Performances from the Children of NDI were a centerpiece of the night, with young dancers sharing the stage alongside professional artists, including New York City Ballet principal Isabella LaFreniere and Tony-nominated performer Liz Larsen. Christopher d’Amboise, also a former New York City Ballet principal and son of the founder, offered behind-the-scenes insights into the discipline and dedication required in the dance world.
Beyond the celebration, the event underscored NDI’s continuing impact, particularly in New York City public schools. The organization currently serves more than 6,500 local students annually across more than 50 schools and reaches over 60,000 young people globally through its programs.
The evening also highlighted leadership within the community. Harlem-raised executive director Jermaine Jones, an NDI alumnus himself, emphasized the organization’s mission to ensure access and opportunity remain at the forefront of arts education.
Proceeds from Jacques’ Art Nest will support NDI’s in-school programming, advanced scholarship training, and the D.R.E.A.M. Project, an inclusive initiative for children with and without disabilities.
As NDI enters its 50th anniversary year, the celebration served as both a tribute to its founder’s vision and a reminder that exposure to the arts can shape confidence, discipline, and lifelong ambition. For the young dancers who took the stage, the night wasn’t just a performance — it was a glimpse into what their futures could hold.
Misty Copeland Meets NDI Dancers (Courtesy of NDI/Eduardo Patino)