National Dance Institute

My heart is full. Full of this beautiful children's art program called National Dance Insitute, founded 47 years ago by the late and great visionary Jacques d'Amboise...I just cannot say enough about this organization as many of you have witnessed in my frequent mention of them on this blog...

Every year during Father's Day Weekend they put on a performance based on a theme that makes up their core curriculum in the NYC public schools (they serve over 6000 NYC public school kids annually). It is the culmination of a year's work of the children, teaching artists and live musicians that form their SWAT and Celebrations Teams. This year's theme was a celebration of Maya Angelou. To say that the performances were magical, heartfelt and spectacular is an understatement. You really need to see it in person but here is a little bit of a taste.

I am hoping it will interest you enough to consider coming next year to experience the joy of watching these dancers on stage, dancing their hearts out to an orchestra of incredibly talented musicians. The show is full of poetry, color, beautiful costumes and wonderful choreography.

Icing on the cake this year is that NDI's new Executive Director, Jermaine Jones was an NDI kid himself! as was the amazing teaching artist, choreographer and this year's Director of the Event of the Year, Bianca Johnson--both NYC public school kids from way back when. This organization really lives up to the claim that it changes childrens' lives...Cream of the crop in New York City...

Poem by Whitney Hanson

i am in love with you
yes you
the people with fragile hearts
i think you are the bravest
most beautiful of miracles
if you cry when you read books
or if another's pain bring you heartache
if your heart cracks
for the sake of bent butterfly wings
please stay that way
do not let the weight of the world
make you hard

Christian Verginer Sculpture

I stumbled upon Christian Verginer's work somehwere recently--have no recollection where--but I thought this Italian sculptor's work was definitely worth to sharing with you here. He works in carved wood, sometimes adding color with acrylic paint. I find his work very unique and compelling...here is a selection of some of my favorites:

Charity of the Week:
National Dance Institute

Painting of the Week

Gert Mathiesen, mixed media monoprint linocut, 37” x 90” approx.

About The Author

New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow, began writing the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by the Hammond Museum's Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.