National Dance Institute Invites Hundreds of Alumni to “Runs & Leaps Extravaganza” on July 28th
— Central Park Dance Celebration Celebrates NDI’s 50 Year Impact —

National Dance Institute (NDI) invites alumni, families, supporters, and all those who believe in the power of arts education to its Runs & Leaps Extravaganza at the iconic Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park, for a festive day of NDI signature repertoire called Runs & Leaps. No dance experience is necessary.

The event kicks off with rehearsals for participants to learn easy and fun choreography, and will welcome participants of all ages and abilities – from those who’ve never set foot on the dance floor, to seasoned performers. Artistic Director of NDI, Kay Gayner, and former New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Christopher d'Amboise will guide participants through dance steps from beloved NDI repertoire, accompanied by NDI's live band under Music Director Yakir Ben Hur.

Runs & Leaps commemorates the birthday of NDI’s founder, the late, legendary ballet dancer Jacques d’Amboise (1934-2021). It is both a celebration of the community he built and the generations of New York City youth whose lives have been shaped by the power of dance.

“Right now, in a moment defined by fear and the pressure to perform only when outcomes are guaranteed, joy is its own act of resistance. Choosing to show up, to move, and to make something with people who are different from you is not a small thing,” said Kay Gayner, Artistic Director.

“There is something incredibly moving about seeing alumni return to dance alongside today’s students, all coming together on what would have been Jacques’ birthday,” said Jermaine Jones, Executive Director.

Runs & Leaps Schedule:

9:00 a.m: Check-in at Naumburg Bandshell
10:00 a.m: Small group rehearsals
11:00 a.m: Large group rehearsal
12:00 p.m: Performance
1:15 p.m: Closing remarks

Registration for the Runs & Leaps Extravaganza is open until July 20 at this website.

Registration is $25 and includes an NDI t-shirt that doubles as your costume.
To learn more, visit: https://www.nationaldance.org/en/ndi-runs-and-leaps-event-2026
FAQs:https://www.nationaldance.org/en/runs--leaps-extravaganza-faq