Press & News

[PRESS RELEASE] New York, February 28, 2020— National Dance Institute was named an Official Charity Partner of the 2020 TCS New York City Marathon. The race, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2020. “National Dance Institute is thrilled to be a part of the New York City Marathon’s 50th anniversary as an Official Charity Partner for this year’s race. Team NDI will raise funds to benefit children in 44 public schools throughout New York City as we promote health and fitness in our dance programs,” said Traci Lester, NDI Executive Director. “The TCS New York City Marathon provides an amazing platform for hundreds of nonprofit organizations to raise awareness and funds toward their missions. We are proud to support our team on their journey to the iconic finish line.” NDI believes that the arts have a unique power to engage children of every background, [...]

National Dance Institute’s Dream Project Shows Every Child Can Dance, If Given A Fair Chance

BROADWAY WORLD | Feb. 07, 2024 | By Stephi Wild National Dance Institute will host a DREAM alumni homecoming on February 23rd in honor of the 10th anniversary of the NDI DREAM Project (Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement), an inclusive dance program that provides children with and without disabilities the opportunity to perform together in true partnership. The NDI DREAM Project was co-founded by Kay Gayner, NDI’s Artistic Director, and Pediatric Physical Therapist, Dr. Agnes McConlogue Ferro.  Along with Aileen Barry, NDI’s Senior Director of Education & Outreach, Gayner and Ferro developed a program that is a model for inclusivity in NYC and nationwide, growing into an increasingly popular training program that equips dance and music educators as well as physical therapists with tools to expand accessibility and inclusivity in their own communities. "Access to high quality arts education is every child's birthright," said Gayner.  "We welcome children with a wide range of [...]