New Hampshire Dance Institute (NHDI)

- 25 Roxbury St, Keene, NH 03431

For residents of New Hampshire, particularly in the Monadnock Region, the New Hampshire Dance Institute (NHDI) is a well-known name synonymous with arts education and community enrichment. More than a typical dance studio, NHDI is a dynamic non-profit organization that has dedicated itself to bringing the joy and discipline of dance directly to school children since 1986. Their mission is to "empower, enrich, and energize all children while teaching confidence and inspiring excellence," and they achieve this by providing accessible, high-quality arts programming that often takes place right in the schools.

What makes NHDI truly special is its commitment to inclusivity and equity. The organization believes that every child has the potential for excellence, and they work tirelessly to ensure that dance is accessible to all, regardless of background, ability, or financial situation. Much of their programming is delivered during the school day, making it easy for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in after-school activities due to transportation issues, cost, or other family commitments. This unique approach allows NHDI to reach thousands of children each year, integrating dance with other academic subjects and social-emotional learning to create a truly holistic educational experience. The programs are designed to heal and restore, using movement and music to help children, especially those who may have experienced trauma, to feel safe, empowered, and connected.

The New Hampshire Dance Institute is based in Keene, New Hampshire, with its main administrative address at 25 Roxbury St, Keene, NH 03431, USA. This central location serves as the hub for their extensive outreach programs that span across the region. A key element of NHDI's infrastructure is its commitment to accessibility. The organization has ensured that its main facility is welcoming to everyone, featuring a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. This thoughtful design reflects their core mission of providing an inclusive environment where every child has the chance to participate and shine.

While the main office is in Keene, NHDI's programs are not confined to a single studio. Their unique model brings the dance directly into schools, parks, and other community spaces, ensuring that they are truly "wherever the children are." This decentralized approach is a major part of what makes NHDI so effective and impactful. They meet students where they are, physically and developmentally, and provide them with a high-quality arts experience that might otherwise be out of reach. For New Hampshire families, this means that an incredible resource is available close to home, integrated into the very fabric of their children's education.

NHDI offers a range of programs, each designed to meet the unique needs of different groups of children. All programs are led by a team of trained, professional educators who are passionate about using dance to build confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. They are not just teaching dance steps; they are teaching life skills through movement and music.

Services Offered:

• Year-Long Program: A weekly, in-school instructional class for students who choose it as an elective. This program culminates in a full, original theatrical production with a professional live orchestra on the main stage at Keene State College's Redfern Arts Center.
• Residency Program: A one or two-week immersive performing arts program that engages an entire school's population, including staff. Students learn basic techniques and choreographed dances that culminate in a celebratory community performance.
• REACH Inclusive and Adaptive Dance Program: An extended program for children who use wheelchairs, have disabilities, or other special needs. It partners neuro-typical peers with neurologically or physically diverse children to create and perform unique movements, fostering empathy, joy, and a sense of community.
• Special Teams: For experienced dancers, including SWAT, Minions, and eXcel Teams, which provide opportunities for advanced students to continue their training and serve as representatives for NHDI.
• Summer Camps: Various summer programs for children entering grades 2 through 9, often taking place at the Redfern Arts Center.

NHDI is more than a dance organization; it's a vital part of the New Hampshire arts-in-education landscape. Its programs are built on core values that promote excellence, teamwork, and inclusion. The organization's focus on serving children with diverse backgrounds and abilities, including those who are economically disadvantaged or have disabilities, sets it apart. They actively work to remove barriers to arts participation, ensuring every child has a chance to experience the transformative power of dance.

Features / Highlights:

• Non-profit arts education outreach: NHDI's primary goal is to provide arts education as a service to the community, not as a for-profit business.
• Inclusive and Accessible: Programs are designed to be inclusive of all children, with a special focus on those with disabilities and at-risk youth. The physical location is also wheelchair-accessible.
• Partnership with Schools: The in-school program model provides unparalleled accessibility and makes dance a part of the regular curriculum.
• Live Music: Many programs are accompanied by live music, creating a more engaging and authentic artistic experience for the students.
• Community-oriented Performances: The culmination of the Year-Long Program is a professionally produced show with a live orchestra, providing students with a high-quality performance opportunity.

Contact Information:

Address: 25 Roxbury St, Keene, NH 03431, USA

Phone: (603) 355-8911

What is worth choosing NHDI?

For parents in New Hampshire, particularly in the Monadnock region, choosing an activity for a child often comes down to balancing quality, accessibility, and positive impact. The New Hampshire Dance Institute stands out as a remarkable choice because it excels in all three areas. Its non-profit status and mission-driven approach mean that the focus is always on the child's well-being and growth, not on profit. The organization's commitment to arts equity is powerful, bringing programs to thousands of children who might otherwise miss out on a dance education. This is a rare and valuable service that truly serves the community.

The in-school model is a major benefit, as it removes common barriers like transportation and cost, making dance a normal part of the school day for many children. This integration of arts and education is proven to help with confidence, discipline, and even academic performance. The culminating performances, complete with a professional live orchestra, provide a sense of accomplishment and a high-quality artistic experience that is truly a reward for the students' hard work. This level of professionalism and care in a children's program is exceptional.

Finally, NHDI's dedication to inclusivity is a compelling reason to choose them. Through programs like REACH, they ensure that children with diverse abilities can experience the joy and benefits of dance. This creates a more empathetic and connected community. When you choose NHDI, you're not just signing up for a dance class; you're supporting an organization that enriches the lives of children and strengthens the fabric of New Hampshire's communities, one dance step at a time. It’s a choice that reflects a commitment to empowering every child to find their own excellence.

New Hampshire Dance Institute (NHDI)

25 Roxbury St, Keene, NH 03431, USA