News Release
Santa Fe Gala May 7 at 5 p.m. and Albuquerque Gala May 14 at 5 p.m.
Tickets on sale now at www.ndi-nm.org/tickets
SANTA FE, N.M. (APRIL 19, 2022) – National Dance Institute (NDI) New Mexico today announced the return of its annual galas May 7 at 5 p.m. at The Dance Barns in Santa Fe and May 14 at 5 p.m. at The Hiland Theater in Albuquerque. The much-anticipated celebration of NDI New Mexico’s students, families, and supporters this year features “Rollin’ on the Rio,” a unique, multicultural dance performance that explores the life-sustaining as well as cultural and symbolic roles that rivers play in regions around the world.
“Rollin’ on the Rio” features NDI New Mexico’s Advanced Teams students, whose first introduction to dance was through NDI New Mexico’s programs in the public schools, and who have grown up in the program through scholarship after-school opportunities. The performances also feature a live orchestra of professional musicians playing music representative of cultures from around the globe. Highlights of “Rollin’ on the Rio” include:
- A dance honoring the Rio Grande and the unique history of acequias in New Mexico, whichhave sustained the state’sfarmers for centuries
- A joint performance by NDI New Mexico students and hoop dancers from Lightning Boy Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Pojoaque,N.M., that provides traditional hoop dancing instruction to children ages 2+
- A dance celebrating the Congo River, Africa’s second-longest river, featuring African drumming and the choreographic contributions ofWest African dance instructors.
“Our gala performances are the culmination of a year of hard work by our advanced students, as well as a celebration of our families and supporters. We invite community members to join us in this one-of-kind event to experience joyful, inspired entertainment and to support the improvement and growth our students have achieved during the course of the year.”
– Liz Salganek, NDI New Mexico’s Artistic Director
The annual galas are also NDI New Mexico’s premier fundraising events of the year. They typically contribute more than one-quarter of the organization’s annual operating income, which in turn funds an array of initiatives, from in-school programs in elementary schools, to residency dance programs in small communities throughout the state and after-school advanced training programs at The Hiland Theater and The Dance Barns.
“The annual galas are celebratory exclamation points each year for NDI New Mexico students and their families,” said Mary Gulledge, NDI New Mexico’s Director of Advancement. “Equally important, the galas are important for donors and other supporting community members, as they provide an importantvisceral connection between donors and students and demonstrate–live and onstage–the impact one’s generosity can have on the lives of New Mexico’s children.
The live performances of “Rollin’ on the Rio” will be preceded by a champagne reception at each venue, additional entertainment and a “paddle raiser” that will provide attendees with the opportunity to show their support for NDI New Mexico.
“What makes the galas so special is that they reflect so much hard work, commitment, and teamwork from the entire NDI New Mexico community,” said Russell Baker, NDI New Mexico’s Executive Director. “The audiences will enjoy a truly special performance thanks to not only our students and their families, but also our staff, guest artists, board members and donors. Everyone comes together to make these events special, and we’re especially excited this year to be back to performing where we belong: on the stage, in front of those we care about.”
Contact
NDI New Mexico
ChristineCastro:
(310) 753-9913
ccastro@ndi-nm.org
About NDI New Mexico:
NDI New Mexico is founded with the knowledge that the arts have a unique power to engage and motivate children. The purpose of our distinctive programs is to help children develop discipline, a standard of excellence and a belief in themselves that will carry over into all aspects of their lives. NDI New Mexico’s programs teach the Core Four values, encouraging children to work hard, do their best, never give up, and be healthy. For more information visit www.ndi-nm.org. Follow NDI New Mexico on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.