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 play in all our lives.
Following the success of the 2025 event in Jackie Robinson Park, 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 Christopher 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!
Event details and schedule
Here's what you need to know:
The 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/Rehearsal
11:00 AM Run & Leap Extravaganza Performance
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 only what you can carry in your pockets, as there will be no facilities to check personal items. NDI is not responsible for lost or stolen items, especially those left unattended.
What to wear:
Dress for the weather and wear sneakers or other secure athletic footwear. No sandals.
Upon arrival, you will receive a colored vest to wear over your clothes.
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 20 members), you may do so and register others at the time of your registration, or invite others to join later.
CHOREOGRAPHY:
Get Ready to Dance with Us! There are three ways for participants to perform a short (1.5-minute) excerpt of the NDI classic When the Saints Come Marchin' In, choreography by Ellen Weinstein. There's a version for everyone - from the seasoned performer to the first-time dancer. NDI Teaching artists will lead you in a rehearsal at the event, though if you want to get ahead, choose a version below that fits you best!
Celebration Team: Original choreography (start video at 4:43), great for alums and experienced dancers. Watch Video>>
Simplified Choreography: Modified choreography, great for participants with minimal or no dance training. Watch Video>>
Seated Choreography: Modified choreography to be performed seated, great for participants for whom standing is not available, or for participants who don't wish to "run & leap" but would like to join in from seated from their position as a viewer. Watch Video>>
Get Inspired!
See the Celebration Team in a joyful performance of Ellen Weinstein's When the Saints Come Marchin' In! Watch Video>>