National Dance Institute
presents
Runs & Leaps Extravaganza!
JULY 28, 2026
On the occasion of National Dance Institute's (NDI) Founder Jacques d'Amboise's birthday, and in celebration of the organization’s 50th Anniversary, come dance with us to show your support for the importance the arts plays in all our lives. Following the success of the 2025 event, in Jackie Robinson Park in 2025, we're thrilled to expand this Runs and Leaps Extravaganza, to Central Park’s Naumburg Bandshell – just a “run and leap” from the Delacorte Theatre, home to many past NDI performances.
Under the Artistic Direction of Kay Gayner and Chirstopher d'Amboise, NDI Teaching Artists will guide current dancers, alumni, supporters, and friends of NDI as they "run and leap" across this iconic New York City site. Participants close the event with a short performance of an excerpt from a well-loved piece of NDI's repertoire - all accompanied by NDI's live band under the Music Direction of Yakir Ben Hur.
Reunite with your fellow alumni, meet the new generation of NDI dancers, and launch us into the next 50 years.
No experience is required - you'll learn everything you need to know in a short rehearsal upon arrival!
Participation is limited - register yourself or a team today!
Event details and schedule
Here's what you need to know:
Event will occur rain or shine.
Where: Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park NYC
When: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Schedule:
9:00 AM Participant Check In & Team Meet-Up
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Event Rehearsal
11:30 AM Break
11:45 AM Places for the Show!
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Run & Leap Extravaganza Performance
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Alumni Dance Mash-Up!
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM Mingle & Depart
How to get there:
From the East side:
East 72nd Street & 5th Avenue
Subways: N,Q,R to 72nd Street / 4, 5, 6 to 68th Street
Bus: M 72 /Lexington & East 72nd Street
From the West Side
West 72nd Street and Central Park West
Subway: C, B to West 72nd Street / 1, 2, 3 to West 72nd Street
Bus: M 10 / Central Park West & West 72nd Street
What to bring:
Please bring as only what you can carry in your pockets as there will be no facilities to check person items. NDI is not responsible for lost or stolen items, expecially those left unattended.
What to wear:
Please come wearing your NDI Runs & Leaps t-shirt which will be mailed to you upon registration. Dress for the weather and wear sneakers or other secure athletic footwear. No sandals.
How to Participate:
Register as a team or an individual and join NDI Alums, Dancers, Friends, Staff and Supporters. Upon registration you will receive access to the Event site and receive email communications with all the information you need to successfully participate in this event.
All participants will be asked to sign liability and media waivers.
Participants under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult parent, guardian, or chaperone.
Individuals:
Individuals who register will be assigned to a team. You may decide to create or join a team even if your initial registration is as an individual participant.
Teams:
If you'd like to create a team (maximum 8 members) you may do so and register others at the time of your regitration, or invite others to join later.