The NDI DREAM Project
At NDI, we believe that every child–no matter their background, ability or language–deserves the joy, confidence and community that dance creates. For nearly 50 years, our programs have served children with a range of intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to our fully inclusive programming in schools, NDI offers specialized programs beyond the school day for dancers with disabilities.
Everyone Belongs on the Dance Floor
Inclusive Dance Programming for Children with Disabilities
The NDI DREAM Project (Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts & Movement) brings children with and without disabilities together for groundbreaking, holistically inclusive dance instruction and performance.
Through individualized and adaptive instruction for every child, innovative and strengths-based choreography, peer partnerships, and support from physical therapists, the NDI DREAM Project serves approximately 80 children with and without disabilities, ages 8-16, during two annual week-long workshops.
Children with a wide range of disabilities and a group of age-matched, non-disabled peers from NDI’s Advanced Teams become partners, dancing and performing together. The program culminates in a performance celebrating each child’s success, the joy of inclusion, and the transformative power of dance.
DREAM was co-created by NDI Artistic Director Kay Gayner and Pediatric Physical Therapist Dr. Agnes McConlogue Ferro. This week-long workshop is held in February and August, at the Jacques d’Amboise Center for Learning & the Arts in Harlem. The program is offered free-of-charge to all participants.
Online DREAM Classes
Free Adaptive Dance Classes for All Abilities
The NDI DREAM Project @Home
Available 24/7 on Youtube and Facebook
Closed Captioning available on Youtube
NDI's DREAM Project brings inclusive dance education directly to your home with free 30-minute classes designed for children and families of all abilities. Our certified teaching artists and Board Certified Pediatric Physical Therapist guide participants through adaptive movement techniques that can be modified for any physical or cognitive ability level.
What You'll Experience:
Step-by-step movement instruction with multiple adaptation options
Progressive choreography that builds skills over time
Culminating mini-performance opportunity
Real demonstrations from children with and without disabilities
Professional strategies for inclusive movement
Perfect for homeschool families, therapy programs, community centers, and anyone seeking joyful, accessible dance education. No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm!
Teachers & Physical Therapists
Adaptive Dance Education Training for Teaching Artists and Physical Therapists
Specialized Professional Development in Inclusive Movement Practices
Build expertise in adaptive dance education through NDI's specialized DREAM Project training program. This professional development opportunity teaches educators and therapists how to create inclusive movement experiences for students with diverse physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities. LEARN MORE>>
Who Should Attend:
Certified NDI Teaching Artists
NDI Affiliate Program staff
Physical therapists working in educational settings
Dance educators seeking inclusive teaching methods
Training Includes:
Adaptive movement techniques and modifications
Collaboration strategies between artists and therapists
Assessment and individualization approaches
Safety considerations for diverse abilities
Prerequisites: Completion of NDI Teaching Artist Training Program or current employment with NDI Affiliate Programs.
Visit our NDI Collaborative Teacher Trainings page for all upcoming teacher training workshops.
ABOUT THE CO-FOUNDERS
Kay Gayner
Kay and Agnes co-founded DREAM in 2014, after having worked together at PS 199M for many years. Learn More about Kay>>
Agnes McConlogue Ferro
Agnes McConlogue Ferro PT, DPT, PCS is a Board Certified specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy. Agnes is a Clinical Associate Professor in Stony Brook University’s Physical Therapy program and a practicing clinician. Her affiliation with National Dance Institute began in 1998 and continues as the co-creator/director of the DREAM Project. Agnes was honored to receive NDI’s Teacher of the Year Award and Stony Brook’s Faculty Honor Award. She has completed research on the impact of DREAM for all participants and presented preliminary findings during the prestigious IV STEP and Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy conferences. Learn more about Agnes>>
CONFERENCES & PRESENTATIONS
Sharing NDI's Inclusive Dance Expertise with National Audiences
NDI DREAM Project co-founders Kay Gayner and Agnes McConlogue Ferro are recognized leaders in adaptive arts education, presenting their research and methodology at major national conferences. Their presentations help educators, therapists, and administrators implement inclusive dance programming in their own communities.
Interested in having Kay or Agnes present at your conference? Contact us to discuss keynote presentations, workshop facilitation, or research sharing opportunities.
Recent Conference Presentations
Medical & Therapy Conferences:
APPTAC Annual Conference - Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy, American Physical Therapy Association
Arts Education Leadership:
NYC Arts in Education Roundtable Face to Face Conference - New York State's largest arts education conference
NYSDEA Conference - New York State Dance Education Association
Special Education & Inclusion:
Kennedy Center Arts and Special Education Conference - "Giving Voice to the DREAMers: Results from an Inclusive Dance Program" and "Everyone can Dance! Pursuing Artistic Excellence with Children with Disabilities"
Very Special Arts Conference
Inclusion Done Right! Conference - SUNY Stonybrook
These presentations share proven strategies from NDI's DREAM Project training, helping other organizations create their own successful adaptive dance programs.
In the News
Fox 5's Good Day New York: Taking it to the Streets with Christal Young (August 13, 2025)
The Teen Magazine NDI’s DREAM Project Celebrates 10 Years of Talent and Inclusion: “It’s a Hidden Treasure” (Feb, 27, 2024)
NY1 Live at Ten with Cheryl Wills on the NDI DREAM Project’s 1oth Anniversary (Feb, 22, 2024)
Broadway World National Dance Institute’s DREAM Project Celebrates 10 Years With Alumni Homecoming Event (Feb, 07, 2024)
FE News Non-Profit Arts Education Organization Celebrates 10 Years of Inclusion, Understanding, and Joy Among Students With and Without Disabilities (Feb 16, 2024)
WCBS Channel 2, National Dance Institute’s Dream Project Shows Every Child Can Dance, If Given A Fair Chance (Feb 2020)
NY1, Around the Boroughs. “Dream Program Gives All Kids a Chance to Dance” (Feb 2020)
NY 1, New Yorker of the Week. “Pair Spreads Love of Dance to Children with Special Needs” (Sept, 2019)
HLN, The Bright Spot. “Disabled Children Dancing Like Never Before” (Aug, 2019)
NBC, Today In New York (Feb, 2019)
Fox5, New York Minute features NDI’s D.R.EA.M. Project (Feb, 2019)
Associated Press. Spotlight on National Dance Institute’s D.R.E.A.M program. (Aug, 2017)
A Plus, “Kids With Disabilities Are Getting To Dance Like Never Before” (March, 2018)
Now This Features NDI DREAM Project (Feb, 2017)
Special Forces (June, 2011)