February 28, 2024 | Santa Fe New Mexican | By Heather Herd
The curtain rises and the jazzy band begins. The first of hundreds of Santa Fe dancers, from tinies to teenagers to teachers, begin their leaps across center stage, spotlighted in adoration on the professional stage at the NDI Dance Barns. An impressively choreographed mob of young people with wide open fingers reach to the stars and sing their hearts out. If you haven’t seen it, it will knock your socks off and spark a yearning to be a part of the dance.
For over 10 years, my elementary students have been on this stage, participating in the National Dance Institute of New Mexico — a unique educational experience that introduces school children to the arts in a fun and engaging way, while boosting their confidence and helping them to create a memorable bond with their community.
Taught by professional dancers, students are guided to strive for excellence. The word excellence has taken center stage in my students’ vocabulary. I’ve been able to promote these high standards throughout their learning.
They dance, write and even walk in the hallways with excellence. Through dance, they discover a level of quality that they might not have experienced before. NDI’s teachers, like all great educators, believe in students’ abilities — sometimes even before the children themselves do.
NDI also provides a tangible lesson in commitment. Students make the commitment to be a part of the program. They show up for practices and performances, commit to being part of a team, and commit to engaging with their community.
In an age when children spend hours clicking and scrolling, NDI offers on-your-feet instruction that brings in arts, math, science and history. It’s a surprising and different way to be engaged in learning, and they look forward to it.
As a classroom teacher, I’ve had this unique opportunity to include NDI in my students’ education. There are several other ways to get involved. Parents can sign up a child for classes, and the program benefits greatly from the support of sponsors and donors. Performances are open to the community, and they are unforgettable.
I want to thank NDI for placing a brilliant spotlight on our Santa Fe students and helping to create a bright future for our children.
Heather Herd is a fourth grade teacher at Kearny Elementary School.