History

The lights dim and the orchestra begins to play. Suddenly dancers hear their cues and know they will shine in the spotlight. The feeling is exhilarating and brings out the best in each participant.

The New Hampshire Dance Institute has the pleasure of giving children this feeling every year. Inspired by Jacques d' Amboise's National Dance Institute, the New Hampshire Dance Institute has been bringing the magic of dance to thousands of children in the Monadnock Region since 1988. In an active, joyful setting, students are helped to strengthen their sense of self-worth while developing respect and appreciation for particularly the performing arts. Using a dance form that is challenging, yet accessible to all children, NHDI now brings active, participatory dance experiences to over 1,500 New Hampshire children each year.

Annually, students in NHDI classes focus on the "Event of the Year," an original musical theater production for which the entire organization prepares for an entire school year. This Event is presented with a live, professional orchestra and vocalists, as well as top-notch lighting and technical support at the beautiful Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College. There are four performances over Memorial Day Weekend.

NHDI's Historic Performances 2007 Galileo! 2006 Je Danse! 2005 Way Out West 2004 Paul Revere-An American Tale 2003 Play Ball 2002 At Home in the World 2001 Around the World with Nellie Bly 2000 Dancing In Time 1999 Coming to America 1998 To Fly! 1997 The Great Stone Face 1996 Once Upon Tomorrow 1995 Way Out West 1994 Play Ball! 1993 A Magical Tale 1992 Sea Fever 1991 Let Your Light Shine 1990 Meilleurs Amis 1989 Paul Revere 1988 Fat City 1987 Tales of the Sea