Earlier this week we were on the scene for the National Dance Institute’s 47th Annual Gala on April 17th raised $1.7 million in support of its award-winning arts education programs that reach over 6,000 children every week. The NDI Gala honored Academy Award-Winning actress, dancer, and singer Ariana DeBose, and philanthropists Carmen and Ray Debbane.
The event featured joyful performances by the children of NDI who hail from public schools throughout New York City. NDI has impacted the lives of more than two million children worldwide through its programming since legendary New York City Ballet principal dancer Jacques d’Amboise founded the organization in 1976.
Other Attendees Included: Leonardo Sandoval, NDI’s 2019-2022 Helen Stambler Neuberger Artist-in-Residence; Mai Lê HÔ and LayeRhythm – NDI’s 2022-2023 Helen Stambler Neuberger Artist-in-Residence; Adrian Danchig-Waring – New York City Ballet Principal dancer, Jennifer Jones – First African American dancer for the Rockettes, Marc Mellon – Sculptor, Kay Gayner – NDI Artistic Director, Jermaine Jones – NDI Executive Director; and Harry Santa-Olalla, auctioneer.
The Annual Gala is National Dance Institute’s largest fundraising event and raises over $1.5 million in support of its award-winning arts education programs that reach over 6,000 children every year. Two million children have been impacted by NDI’s programming since its founding in 1976.