National Dance Institute Celebrates New Orleans at Symphony Space Today

Symphony Space's 2013-14 Just Kidding season continues today, October 19th at 2pm with a return performance by the National Dance Institute (NDI) Celebration Team.This year's performance features choreography from NDI's signature Event of the Year, "The Big Easy: NDI Celebrates New Orleans."

More than 70 children, under the direction of Mary Kennedy, will present a joy-filled performance of music and dance, celebrating the people and traditions that make up the city of New Orleans. The music of Louis Armstrong, Professor Longhair and David Amram and other classics will accompany the dancers. Celebration Team dancers (ages 9 to 15), and First Team dancers (ages 4 and 5) will inspire the Just Kidding audience with their performances.

NDI's Celebration Team has performed every season at Symphony Space since 2006, and their shows always attract a full house. "We are thrilled to be returning to Symphony Space for a 7th year, and grateful that they share our mission in providing the highest quality arts programming to children," said Ellen Weinstein, NDI's artistic director.

Jacques D'Amboise, legendary principal dancer of the New York City Ballet, founded National Dance Institute in the belief that the arts have a unique power to engage children and motivate them toward excellence. NDI strives to reach all children, regardless of background or ability, through its multidisciplinary programs. Since its founding in 1976, NDI has impacted the lives of more than 2 million children.

Support National Dance Institute by visiting www.nationaldance.org or by calling (212) 226-0083.

Just Kidding offers an adventure in the performing arts for kids ages 2 to 7 and their grownups. Each weekend, Just Kidding attracts audiences for one of the most reliable, exciting and value-driven performing arts options available anywhere in the nation. Time Out New York Kids calls Just Kidding "the best concert series for kids" with "a jam-packed bill of family programming." The Boston Globe commends it as "an affordable way to introduce children to live entertainment in a safe, inviting, and family-friendly environment." Gothamist listed Symphony Space as one of the best places to take the kids in New York. And the Parents' Choice Foundation advises, "For kid and family friendly entertainment in the city, look no further."

More October Just Kidding performances:

• October 5: Story Pirates - hilarious sketch comedy inspired by real kids' stories.
• October 12: Mister G ~ bilingual songs to celebrate the release of "ABC Fiesta" and Hispanic Heritage Month.
• October 20: PhilharMONSTER ~ The young goblins and ghouls of the InterSchool Orchestras of New York perform spooky orchestral classics.
• ??October 26: Charlie Hope ~ gentle songs encompassing the dreams of childhood.

Symphony Space is located at 2537 Broadway at 95th Street in Manhattan, New York City. Individual ticket prices range from $13 to $25, with significant discounts available for members, groups and Just Kidding season subscribers. The box office number is (212) 864-5400.