National Dance Institute Raises $1.9M at 50th Anniversary Gala

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Judy Collins and Pamela Bronk Farr honored at Ziegfeld Ballroom alongside Broadway stars Emmett Smith and Dharon Jones

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On Monday, April 27th, National Dance Institute (NDI) brought together more than 400 dedicated arts supporters at the Ziegfeld Ballroom for its 50th Anniversary Gala, celebrating "Bold Moves and Boundless Potential." The joyful celebration raised a record-breaking $1.9 million for NDI's music and dance programs serving New York City children and public schools, and in recognition of the organization's milestone 50th Anniversary year.

Pamela Bronk Farr, NDI's first Executive Director, and Judy Collins , GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter and folk music icon, were honored for their support and achievements. The event featured performances from the Children of National Dance Institute and remarks from NDI leadership.

This year, NDI presented the Dream Maker Award to Executive Producer Maria Di Dia , who began collaborating with NDI in 1982. recognizing her monumental contributions in bringing decades of NDI's unique and elaborate productions to life.

Other notables in attendance included: Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts Erika Mallin , Council Member Yusef Salaam , NDI Artist-in-Residence Jerron Herman, and Broadway stars Emmett Smith and Dharon Jones .

"We are incredibly honored to have had Pam's support throughout NDI's 50 year history - she is a brilliant collaborator and dedicated champion of the arts. Pam's conviction that dance education should be accessible to all children has brought joy and built confidence for countless NDI alumni across the globe. Thank you, Pam, for your partnership. NDI would not be the same without you," said Jermaine Jones, Executive Director of National Dance Institute.

"Judy is a lifelong, unwavering proponent of NDI, and it is our privilege to recognize her contributions at our 50th anniversary. Her use of music as a vehicle for social advocacy and human connection is a bold testament to the power of the arts. Thank you for bringing your creativity and devotion to our side of the world," said Kay Gayner , Artistic Director of National Dance Institute.

"Access to high-quality arts education should not depend on a child's zip code. Programs like National Dance Institute are a powerful reminder of what's possible when we invest in creativity and opportunity. Sustained funding for arts education is critical to supporting student development, strengthening communities, and ensuring every child can thrive," said Julie Menin , Speaker of the New York City Council

"It is thrilling to celebrate arts education and dance for children in our communities," said Erika Mallin , Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts. "We know the arts are essential to how our young people learn about themselves and the world they occupy, the power of their original ideas, and being creative thinkers. And most importantly in today's world, the arts teaches young people that there is more than one right answer.

Honoree Pamela Bronk Farr helped lay the foundation of NDI from its very beginning, serving as a visionary partner to Jacques d'Amboise and as NDI's first Executive Director, and currently serves as a dedicated Board Member.

"I'm so grateful to have been part of NDI's growth and journey. Jacques' vision to use dance as a means to lift every child to achieve their personal best is one that resonates deeply and continues to inspire so many," said Honoree Pamela Bronk Farr.

Honoree Judy Collins , singer-songwriter and activist, is a longtime friend and collaborator of NDI founder Jacques d'Amboise. Collins served on NDI's inaugural advisory council and as an early artistic consultant, writing many songs for NDI - including the classic NDI song "The Other Side of My World" that has been performed by generations of children since.

"NDI is a phenomenal organization. I was honored to be a part of it. I will always be a part of it, "said Honoree Judy Collins .

Dream Maker Award recipients Maria Di Dia collaborated with founder Jacques d'Amboise and the children of NDI to bring countless grand ideas to life, from epic performances at the famed Delacourt Theatre in Central Park to NDI's reenactment of the French Revolution. She continues to support NDI today, working backstage at events and inventing new ways to bring professional production elements to every corner of NDI, including in-school performances in over 50 NYC schools.

"Arts education in schools is so important for children, because music and the rhythm of dance gives them energy and motivates their brain," said Dream Maker awardee Maria Di Dia . "NDI brings another dimension to all of the other [school] subjects. Thank you to NDI for all that you've done and continue to do."

This year's gala was made possible by sponsorship-level support from the Solomon Organization.

The event was chaired by Honorary Co-Chairs Charlotte d'Amboise & Terrence Mann and Christopher d'Amboise; Gala Chairs Valerie & Charles Diker, Helen Stambler Neuberger & Jim Neuberger , and Marc S. Solomon & Cindy Levine; and Gala Vice Chairs Lauren B. Cramer, Tammy Bronk Schenkelberg, and Jessica Farr .

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/National-Dance-Institute-Celebrates-50th-Years-Of-Arts-Education-20260501)._