Allegra Lillard

We believe THE ARTS HAVE A UNIQUE POWER to engage and motivate children. We rely on the generosity of our donors to ensure our distinctive programs reach children who need them most regardless of income, language, cultural or physical challenges. We teach that hard work and an uncompromising standard of excellence result in a genuine sense of achievement and self-respect that will carry over into all aspects of their lives. 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. Our work is guided by our belief in children, as well as our commitment to social responsibility, excellence, sustainability and financial integrity. NDI New Mexico strives to reach children who need our programs the most regardless of language, culture or physical challenges. We teach that teamwork, tenacity, discipline and joyful effort can equal success—that hard work and an uncompromising standard of excellence result in a genuine sense of achievement and self-respect that can change the life of a child, any child. NDI New Mexico’s kinesthetic teaching methodology was developed by former NYC Ballet dancer and MacArthur Fellowship recipient, Jacques d’Amboise, who founded NDI in New York City in 1976. In 1994, Catherine Oppenheimer, formerly of NYC Ballet and Twyla Tharp Dance Company, co-founded NDI New Mexico in Santa Fe.