Podcast Summary: “50 Years of Teaching Kids Movement at the National Dance Institute”

Podcast: All Of It (WNYC)
Guest Host: Tiffany Hansen (in for Alison Stewart)
Guests: Kay Gaynor (Artistic Director, National Dance Institute), Daniel Ulbricht (Principal Dancer, New York City Ballet & NDI Board Member)
Date: December 19, 2025

Overview

This episode celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Dance Institute (NDI), a pioneering arts education program founded in Harlem by Jacques d’Amboise in 1976. Over five decades, NDI has brought free, high-quality dance experiences to over 6,500 children annually across New York City, focusing on inclusivity, creativity, and community. Guests Kay Gaynor and Daniel Ulbricht reflect on NDI’s enduring legacy, share memorable stories about d’Amboise’s vision, discuss the ongoing impact of arts and movement in children's lives, and invite former students, families, and supporters to join in anniversary events.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Legacy of 50 Years of NDI

[02:23] Kay Gaynor:

• “Children, generations of children just being ignited and excited and energized by high quality experiences in dance.”
• Emphasis on dance and the arts as essential for every child's growth and potential.

2. The Evolution of Dance and NDI’s Expanding Role

[02:44] Daniel Ulbricht:

• Dance is about giving people a voice; NDI has evolved to offer greater access to dance, particularly to those who might not otherwise have it.
• “When you go into the schools and you are giving access to people who just don’t have that, and you’re giving it at such an impressionable age, you’re really pruning the next generation of creative thinkers.”

3. Jacques d’Amboise: A Visionary Beyond the Stage

[03:56] Kay Gaynor:

• Describes d’Amboise as “a whirling dervish of a human being” who believed all children deserve the artistic opportunities he had.
• Recounts a story: a former student still treasures a postcard he sent after a performance decades ago, exemplifying his attentive, personal approach.
• “He was a magnet and a really beautiful, challenging, demanding...excellence and really living up to your potential is a huge part of who he was.”

4. Community Reflections: Alumni and Listeners Share Their Stories

• [06:16] Paige (Brooklyn, Listener):
  • Recalls NDI’s presence when arts education funding was falling; NDI “kept all these kids’ lives...better and brought light and love.”
• [09:38] Listener Text:
  • Credits NDI and Kay Gaynor for instilling confidence and stage experience, essential in pursuing a theater career: “NDI gave me spatial confidence, professional training and experience in the stage to continue my career in theater, which I do to this Day.”
• [10:43] Sophie (Washington, D.C., Listener):
  • “NDI...really gave me a voice. Interning with Lighthouse led me to a path of education—now I teach first grade and I owe it all to NDI.”

5. The Approach: Inclusion, Confidence, and Adaptability

[12:15] Daniel Ulbricht:

• Discusses recognizing and nurturing every child’s potential: “Every teacher goes to every person in that room...somebody who’s in the back now becomes the front. It gives people a really unique way to feel a sense of importance.”
• Notes that technique is important, but “the rules sometimes get ahead of what the actual connection of what art is supposed to do.”
• Describes the transformative power of performances: “I was moved, and the audience was moved...you’re capturing...hundreds of students,” making each feel like a “principal dancer for a moment in time.”

6. Building Lifelong Community

[14:50] Kay Gaynor:

• Community is vital—friendships and bonds form among kids, parents, and caregivers.
• Describes programs like the Dream Project, which pairs children with and without disabilities: “The parents...get to let go of the role of caregiver and see their child in a whole new light.”
• “The arts are important...they knit us together as souls and as human beings in a common activity.”

7. How NDI Differs from Conservatory Training

[18:39] Daniel Ulbricht:

• Contrasts the class-driven, community-centered focus of NDI with more elite, talent-tracking institutions:
  • “What NDI does is it means everyone has talent in some way...the spirit of that person in the moment.”
  • The aim is about fostering opportunity, joy, and voice—not just technique.

8. Multigenerational and Ongoing Impact

[22:22] Oya (Long Island, Listener):

• Highlights NDI’s “tentacles all over”—in NYC schools, NYU, abroad—crediting it for influencing students, educators, and institutions.
  • “It’s infectious. It’s contagious. It’s what the world needs. Not just children, right? Adults, educators...NDI is there.”

9. 50th Anniversary and Alumni Call-Out

[23:25] Kay Gaynor:

• Announcing expanded definitions of “alumni,” inviting former students, families, and staff to reconnect:
  • “If you ever danced for NDI, or if you know somebody who danced for NDI, or if you care about the arts and believe they matter...come to the [National Dance Institute].”

[24:26] Kay Gaynor:

• Alumni can connect via nationaldance.org, specifically the Alumni Network page.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jacques d’Amboise’s legacy:
  • “He taught me how to bow...when you bow, you’re really saying thank you. And...something’s been around for 50 years...means something’s in there. There’s truth to it.” —Daniel Ulbricht [08:16]
• Impact on children:
  • “Once they have come through our doors...we are devoted to them for life. We get to know them and see them through cycles of new choreography and their imaginations being lit up.” —Kay Gaynor [10:06]
• On inclusion:
  • “Every teacher wants to see everyone beaming...the idea of designing these...that are all inclusive.” —Daniel Ulbricht [12:25]
• Intergenerational effect:
  • “NDI has tentacles all over...it’s what the world needs. Not just children, right? Adults, educators.” —Oya [22:22]
• Alumni connection:
  • “We want to claim all of you. Come to nationaldance.org, go to the alumni network page.” —Kay Gaynor [24:26]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:23] Introduction to NDI’s history and 50th anniversary
• [02:23] Kay Gaynor’s reflections on 50 years and NDI’s mission
• [03:56] The vision and personality of Jacques d’Amboise
• [06:16] Caller Paige shares early NDI memories during arts funding cuts
• [09:38] Listener text: NDI’s impact on self-confidence and theater career
• [10:43] Caller Sophie: NDI’s influence on choosing a teaching career
• [11:18] Discussion of NDI’s current focus on elementary, with some expansion
• [12:15] Daniel Ulbricht on inclusivity and supporting every child in dance
• [14:50] Community building through NDI: parents, children, caregivers
• [16:45] Parent Vicki shares the impact on her children, now alumni and teachers themselves
• [18:39] Comparison between NDI and elite conservatory dance education
• [22:22] Oya: NDI’s widespread influence across communities and generations
• [23:25] Kay Gaynor invites all “alumni” and community to join anniversary celebrations

Additional Resources

• To reconnect, visit the NDI Alumni Network.

Tone & Language

The conversation is heartfelt, passionate, and celebratory, filled with gratitude, pride, and hope for future generations. Both guests and callers emphasize the transformative, inclusive, and soul-enriching power of dance and the arts.

This summary provides an accessible, detailed recap for those who haven’t listened, capturing the rich discussion, personal recollections, and the enduring ethos of the National Dance Institute on its golden jubilee.