Jacques d’Amboise Place

National Dance Institute is thrilled to announce that West 64th Street and Columbus Avenue (on the northwest corner) has been named in honor of our beloved founder Jacques d’Amboise.  Jacques d’Amboise Place was recently unveiled in front of New York’s Lincoln Center adjacent to New York City Ballet where Jacques called home for 35 years.  The New York City Council’s Committee on Parks and Recreation voted unanimously to name the street to honor Jacques following more than 100 signatures from students, parents, organizations, educators, actors, artists, dancers, and producers whose lives he inspired.

The ceremony included beautiful tributes by Kay Gayner, NDI’s Artistic Director; Gale Brewer, New York City Council Member (D-06); Wendy Whelan, Associate Artistic Director of New York City Ballet; Daniel Ulbricht, New York City Ballet principal dancer; and Christopher d’Amboise, Mr. d’Amboise’s son and former New York City Ballet principal dancer and choreographer.  The children of NDI paid tribute to Mr. d’Amboise with two spectacular performances, “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Dancing in the Street.”

The photos below capture the excitement of the commemorative event which was held on May 5, 2022.

In her acknowledgement, Council Member Gale A. Brewer (D-06) said, “Jacques d’Amboise leaves behind a wonderful legacy that inspires artists to continue Manhattan’s prominence as a global center of music, dance, theater, and the visual arts.  Jacques understood the transformative power, emotion, and joy of dance, and the National Dance Institute has grown – indeed in leaps and bounds – to reach over two million children from Harlem to countries throughout the world.”

Jacques d’Amboise was one of the most influential dancers of the 20th Century.  He joined New York City Ballet in 1949 and performed until his retirement in 1984.  As George Balanchine’s protégé, Mr. d’Amboise had more works choreographed specifically for him than any other dancer.  He is most remembered for his portrayal of “Apollo,” the oldest Balanchine ballet in New York City Ballet’s repertory.  While still a principal dancer, Mr. d’Amboise established National Dance Institute and over the last 46 years, led the field of arts education with NDI’s acclaimed program that teaches the magic, rigor and joy of dance and performing.