Press & News

Young people are currently facing epidemic levels of social isolation, emotional dysregulation, and loneliness. NDI knows dance and music education can be the solution. Artistic Director Kay Gayner explains how.

Picture a school gymnasium in the Bronx. Or a cafeteria in Harlem. Or a multi-purpose room in Queens that doubles as a storage space for gym equipment. The tables have been pushed to the walls. A pianist is warming up in the corner — live, present, tuning to the room. Thirty second-graders are about to walk through the door. This is where NDI Teaching Artists work.

In this PIX 11 News segment, the National Dance Institute (NDI) celebrates a major milestone during its 50th Anniversary Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on April 27, 2026. The event successfully raised a record-breaking $1.9 million to support the Harlem-based nonprofit’s music and dance initiatives. The video highlights NDI’s commitment to accessibility, noting that the organization provides free programming for New York City public school students. Their reach extends to over 6,500 children across the city, including specialized dance classes designed for children with disabilities.

For 50 years, the National Dance Institute has brought arts education into public schools, empowering children through music and movement. Carol Anne Riddell stopped by PS 130 to see some young dancers in action.

On ABC's "Here and Now," Sandra Bookman interviews Jerron Herman, who is spearheading NDI's DREAM Project—an inclusive program that reimagines what dance education can look like when accessibility and equity are at its core. Celebrated for centering disabled perspectives in his work, Herman is leading a groundbreaking initiative at the National Dance Institute (NDI).

By NDI Alum Sam Brill "Research has consistently shown that arts programs help young people build the skills they need to thrive. Participation in disciplines like dance, music and theater engages students in team-based work that culminates in shared achievement, like a performance. Experiences like these foster both a strong sense of self and a vital sense of belonging."