My earliest memories of attending the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center are intertwined with the captivating presence of Jacques d’Amboise. Even as a child, his grace and brilliance on stage were undeniable. My mother and I were devoted followers of his career for years, attending his performances, listening to his talks, and later appreciating the ballets he choreographed. The joy was immense when we witnessed his son Christopher carry on his legacy. We celebrated Jacques’s Academy Award win for He Makes Me Feel Like Dancin’ in 1984 and were enthusiastic supporters when he established the National Dance Institute (NDI) in 1976. Years later, in the early 2000s, I was delighted to host students from his organization at my children’s school. Today, the National Dance Institute’s art education program profoundly impacts around 6,500 children annually within the New York City school system, enriching young lives through dance and music.
Meeting Jacques d’Amboise: A New York Legend
During my six-year exploration of Manhattan’s side streets, I’ve had the privilege of encountering countless individuals, each leaving a unique mark. Sharing their stories on the Manhattan Sideways website has been an honor. Meeting Jacques d’Amboise near the top of Manhattan’s grid was an emotional moment, a definite highlight of my journey. At eighty-three, he embodied everything I remembered and more from the man who had deeply impressed me decades prior. He is genuinely compassionate, deeply committed to improving the world through art and dance, and quintessentially a New Yorker.
Recalling my childhood memories of New York City Ballet performances, I mentioned to him my parents’ long-standing patronage since near its inception. This prompted fond reminiscences from Jacques about Lincoln Kirstein and George Balanchine, the company’s founders. As he began sharing anecdotes from his time in Russia, one of our Manhattan Sideways photographers, Olga, joined us. Discovering that Olga had grown up in Odessa and studied ballet, Jacques was visibly thrilled.
A captivating image of Jacques d’Amboise, founder of the National Dance Institute, during an engaging interview, highlighting his warm personality and dedication to dance education.
Exploring NDI’s Dance Haven: Where Artistry Thrives
Following our inspiring conversation with Jacques, we descended into the heart of NDI, a space brimming with activity. Housed in a former public school, the National Dance Institute now operates as a vibrant dance center, featuring numerous classrooms and a 100-seat theater for performances. Stepping inside, one might mistake it for an exceptional art gallery rather than a dance studio. As enthusiastic staff members explained, Jacques believes in surrounding his students with beauty. His global travels consistently result in extraordinary artistic acquisitions for the institute. Complementing the diverse art pieces is a captivating wall of photographs of Jacques, taken by his wife over the years.
Inside a classroom at the National Dance Institute, showcasing its art gallery-like ambiance with colorful decorations and artwork that inspires young dancers.
NDI’s Educational Philosophy and Impact: Dance for Every Child
Before heading to teach a tap class, Mary Kennedy, a Master Teaching Artist at the National Dance Institute since 2000, shared insights into NDI’s unique approach. She explained that each year, the staff selects a unifying theme for the season. In 2017, the focus was on rivers. This theme is woven into the choreography of the dances and integrated into related lessons, creating a holistic learning experience. When asked if she ever participates in classes, Mary smiled, “I always enjoy learning and participating, so sometimes I, too, take a class with the kids. I still feel like a child. It is fun to mirror them. This way we have a team experience.” Reflecting on her seventeen years working with Jacques, Mary simply stated, “Because of Jacques’ vision, all of us are able to live his dream. He has given us the opportunity to bring joy to so many through movement and dance.”
Other staff members expanded on Mary’s sentiments, detailing how National Dance Institute teaching artists and musicians are sent into schools to identify and invite children into their programs. While they wish they could include every child, they assured me that classes are open to all. Commenting on the students’ attire, I learned that comfort and practicality are prioritized; students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. Unusually for traditional ballet instruction, formal dance attire is not required, fostering an inclusive and accessible environment.
Enthusiastic young students participate in a lively dance class at the National Dance Institute, dressed in comfortable clothes and sneakers, highlighting the institute’s inclusive approach to dance education.
NDI provides need-based scholarships for weekly classes offered to children from kindergarten through eighth grade. Saturdays at NDI, with around 200 children in attendance, are described as “electric.” One staff member conveyed, “You can always feel the energy – it bounces off of you. We cannot describe what goes on here: Everyone needs to experience it.” Stepping into the National Dance Institute, the palpable joy of the children, the gratitude of the parents, and the teachers’ evident delight in working with Jacques are immediately apparent. He is, unequivocally, an extraordinary individual.
Jacques d’Amboise’s Enduring Legacy: Inspiring Excellence Through Dance
Jacques d’Amboise is not just a New York icon, but a national and international hero. His unwavering desire is to see every child succeed, and he has cultivated an environment that nurtures their potential. His mission is straightforward: to instill in children the ambition to become the best versions of themselves. And what better medium than dance to achieve this? His philosophy extends beyond the possibility of children becoming dancers; it’s about equipping them to conquer life’s broader challenges. As Traci Lester, the Executive Director of the National Dance Institute, aptly put it, “If you surround children with the best, then they will shine. Jacques sets the standard. Give them high expectations and they will rise.” She emphasized, “Everything is about Jacques. He is what sets us apart from other art education programs. He is a catalyst for change. He inspires every one of us.” The National Dance Institute stands as a testament to Jacques d’Amboise’s vision, bringing the transformative power of dance to countless young lives.
