¡Colores!; Excellent Steps

KNME-TV (Television station : Albuquerque, N.M.) · April 14, 2004

The man many people call the Pied Piper of Dance, Jacques d’Amboise started the National Dance Institute in 1976. Since that time NDI has been sharing the joy of dance with children in New York City and in New Mexico since 1991. NDI of New Mexico was founded in the belief that the arts have a unique power to engage and motivate children. The purpose of the dance 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. KNME joined with NDI-NM to produce a documentary to show the remarkable transformation that occurs with these children. Whereas other documentaries have concentrated on the dance program itself, this documentary focuses on the kids and their achievement. The energy and enthusiasm of the children getting involved in the dance is at the heart of this documentary. KNME-TV followed youngsters at Alvord Elementary School in Santa Fe from their first awkward steps to months later to their first full performance at NDI-NM’s new performing arts center. We show how the young dancers discover the wonder of dance and build self-confidence. This documentary concludes with the children on stage, in a full, dazzling performance captured from several angles from multiple cameras. This show proves to be a visually exciting and inspirational.