Chicago Dance Institute

Yesterday we learned of the passing of Jacques d’Amboise, the Founder of National Dance Institute. He was a dancer, an artist, a scholar, a poet, an advocate, a teacher, and most of all, a friend who loved deeply and gave generously. He was the inspiration and catalyst behind everything we have done.

Jacques was an exuberant star of the New York City Ballet from 1953 to 1984, and a favorite of its legendarily choreographer George Balanchine. Balanchine created more than a dozen leading roles for him, the most for any male dancer in the company’s history. He danced on Broadway and in films such as “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Carousel.” A documentary about his life won an Academy Award, and he received some of the art world’s most coveted prizes, including the 1998 National Medal of Arts, 1995 Kennedy Center Honors and a 1990 MacArthur Foundation Award, often called “the genius grant.”

A genius he was. To be in his company was to be in the presence of brilliance. Through him, hundreds of thousands of children from all over the world gained a sense of self and knew their capabilities by having the opportunity to learn through dance. He knew how to use the arts to unlock what was within. He knew how to use dance to help children feel powerful instead of self-conscious. Artists are expected to not be like anyone else, and when that is celebrated in you as a young person it sets you free to become the truest version of yourself thereafter. He insisted on excellence, because “truth has two children – exact and precise.”

He was a man with no equal, and we love him. Rest in power, dear Jacques. Your impact is eternal.

Yesterday something pretty amazing happened. For the past year, these strong and brave souls trained and pushed themselves to accomplish something absolutely incredible. This achievement is something they will remember and reflect on with pride for the rest of their lives, and so will we. They embarked on a course throughout our entire city, and fundraised for children that live across our city because they believe in the power of arts education. Because of them, and all of their supporters, we will be able to provide programs that give children a greater sense of self. This is powerful stuff, and we could not be more proud or grateful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Scott Renfro, David Gerbs, Aaron Dozeman (and Joanne Moon), Michael Roberto, and Meghan Mokate.

Interested in signing up for our half or full marathon teams? Shoot us an email at [email protected].

It’s moments like this that are made possible by all of our generous supporters, and by the amazing team running the Chicago Marathon today. Thank you for supporting us and advocating for us while achieving something so extraordinary. Please join us in following and cheering for: Scott Renfro, Michael Roberto, David Gerbs, Meghan Mokate, and Aaron Dozeman. You guys are absolutely incredible. Go get ‘em!!!

All of our admiration and appreciation goes out to Team CDI 2019 for running the hot and humid 1/2 Marathon last weekend in support of our work. We are so proud of you! Thank you for all of your hard work, and thank you to everyone that supported them!

We also have a team running the Chicago Marathon this fall! To support their efforts, you can visit our campaign page: https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/cdichicagomarathon2019

Celebrating 10 years of partnership at Burr Elementary School! Come by Roberto Clemente Community Academy at 6pm tonight (5/3/19) for a performance with over 170 3rd/4th/5th graders!

Happy golden 11th birthday to us! Thank you all for your incredible support!

So proud of our friends at National Dance Institute for this beautiful video with Sia:

Enough! It's unacceptable that fi****ms are the second leading cause of death for American children and teens. If you're a student, get involved in the movement to e...

All of our admiration and appreciation goes out to Team CDI 2018 for running the rainy 1/2 Marathon this weekend in support of our work. We are so proud of you! Thank you for all of your hard work, and thank you to everyone that supported them! What an amazing accomplishment!