"Recently, I was thrilled to attend an NDI New Mexico performance that showcased talent and excellence in our community. Picture it: lights, costumes, live music, over 400 children in choreographed motion alongside Indigenous performers, Balle Español dancers, members of Santa Fe fire and police departments, plus Santa Fe Public School teachers, parents and alumni. The show was a feast for the senses and a buoy for the heart.

And so this is to express my overwhelming gratitude to everyone involved with NDI New Mexico and to Atalaya Elementary School third grade teachers Kyle Cross and Anastasia Wooldridge for ensuring my daughter, Mia, was among those fortunate performers. Even if you don't have a child dancer, NDI New Mexico's profound impact is not to be missed – just ask audience member Shirley MacLaine!"