Blog No. 287: National Dance Institute, David Hockney (1937-2026), Obama Presidential Center

Click image above to see a shot of pure exuberance with the NDI classic The Drum Speaks, choreographed by Bianca Johnson.!

National Dance Institute is my favorite non-profit, a flourishing organization in partnership with 50 public schools in New York City, affiliate programs in 12 cities across the United States and two overseas programs in Shanghai, China and Beirut, Lebanon. Founded by the true visionary Jacques D'Amboise of New York City Ballet fame, their aim is to teach children to reach their full potential through inclusive dance education—directly serving students while training teaching artists worldwide to bring the proven NDI methodology to their communities.

Have a look at 200+ advanced team kids dancing their hearts out on the stage of NYU's Skirball Center. I just wish I could share these performances with you in person so you could also feel the energy in the room and the shot of pure exuberant joy I feel every time I watch their End of the Year performances at the Skirball Center at NYU. Over the past weekend, I saw it four times!

I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say that people walk out of there in awe, saying “this is the best performance I have seen in New York this year!”

For an extra boost, watch their performance back in 1995 when Jacques was honored at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. And remember, these are just middle school kids….

David Hockney (1937-2026)

One of the great artists of our time--for his versatility, his love of color, and his experimentation. Like Pablo Picasso, David Hockney did it all: Here is a sampling of some of his varied and wonderful work:

One of his most famous images

Early more abstract work

His beloved dachsund

Stained Glass Window in Westminster Abbey

Landscapes

Drawings

Still Lifes

Set Designs

Photo collages

Drawings using the Ipad

Obama Presidential Center Opens in Chicago

What an uplifting experience to watch the Opening of the Obama Presidential Center that took place on June 19th on the South Side of Chicago. Full of star studded musicians and a mood of hope and celebration much like the good old days. Please watch Michelle Obama's speech and Barak Obama's too to get that feeling of hope and optimism. It will revive you. It revived me and made me think there is a way out of this dark tunnel...

Icing on the cake: listen to the musical performances of Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen and one of my all time favorites, It's a Wonderful World sung by Jennifer Hudson.

The good old days. Keep Hope Alive for better days ahead and don’t remain silent—we need you on the streets…

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow Floating House Series. mixed media on canvas. 66” x 40”. $7500

Charity of the Week:
Doctor's Without Borders

Book of the Week

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 Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.