Maine, Portland

Friday, May 28

The Guild Hall at The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception

Jacques was greeted at Portland International Jetport by a delegation of students and joined them for a school bus ride to his first Teaching Event at The Guild Hall at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception School. The community’s diverse population includes recent immigrants from Haiti, the former Soviet Union, Sudan, Ethiopia, The Dominican Republic, Thailand, Ireland, Italy, and of Native and African-American decent. Cathedral School has been using the universal language of dance to reach and motivate their students for a number of years.

Maine, Gray

Friday, May 28

Studio for Living Arts

Studio for Living Arts, in the small town of Gray, hosted Jacques’ second stop in Maine. He taught an invited group of students, teachers, seniors and representatives of the community his signature Trail Dance.

Maine, Mt. Katadhin

Saturday, May 29

Baxter State Park

At dawn, just before embarking upon their 7-month journey, Jacques and George assembled family, friends and fellow hikers to learn the Trail Dance. Upon reaching Mt. Katadhin's mile-high summit, Jacques danced his signature jig again and dedicated himself to reaching Mt. Springer, Georgia while spreading the joy of teaching and the arts along the way.

New Hampshire, Wentworth

Friday, July 9

Camp Pemigewassett

Jacques was welcomed for an overnight stay at this beautiful camp which is located along the Appalachian Trail. He took the opportunity to speak with campers and staff and introduce them to "The Trail Dance."

New Hampshire, Keene

Wednesday, July 14

New Hampshire Dance Institute (NHDI) and
Upward Bound Program, Keene State College

New Hampshire Dance Institute (NHDI) was established by Jacques in 1986 as a satellite of National Dance Institute (NDI). Under Artistic Director, Wendy Dwyer the program has flourished, impacting more than 2,500 young people and their families in the Monadnock Region of southwestern New Hampshire. This special Teaching Event brought NHDI alumni, their families and members of the community together to encourage and thank Jacques for "bringing dance into their lives."

New Hampshire, Peterborough

Wednesday, July 14

Franklin Pierce College

Jacques was the special guest at the Franklin Pierce College "Leader of Conscience" Speakers Series 1999. This program seeks to inspire the development of intellect and character in students who will become the leaders of the next century.

New Hampshire, Hanover

Thursday, July 15

Hopkins Center, Dartmouth College

At this open community Event, area residents and local groups joined Dartmouth educators and former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop to learn Jacques' signature Trail Dance and express their commitment to providing quality arts education for all.

Vermont, Rutland

Wednesday, July, 21

Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility

Jacques' stop at this medium security prison, as a guest of the Vermont Department of Corrections, allowed him to teach and work with inmates ranging from 18 to 80 years old. They danced with state and civic leaders, faculty staff, volunteers, area art and education professionals and special guest, former NYC Police Officer Frank Serpico. The offenders voted to JOIN THE JOURNEY by making a donation from their Recreation and Leisure Services Fund to express their support of NDI Step by Step.

Vermont, Burlington

Wednesday, July 21

The VNA Family Room Parent-Child Center and Children's Discovery Garden

The Ethan Allen Homestead

This Historic Site and Community Facility made a perfect stop for Jacques to meet and teach Burlington families and friends of families. Community leaders, invited guests and senior citizen groups were all on hand to learn the Trail Dance. A festive community Potluck Dinner immediately followed this Event.

Massachusetts, Cambridge

Tuesday, July 27

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The MIT Media Lab

Jacques and George were welcomed to the MIT Media Lab by scientists, teachers, staff, students and their family members. After discussing his theory of dance as a means of controlling time and space, Jacques conducted an involving "experiment" by teaching the Trail Dance. Professor Marvin Minsky and his wife Dr. Gloria Rudisch enthusiastically led this "research project" with a lively "Youpe"!

Massachusetts, Cambridge

Wednesday, July 28

Harvard University's Project Zero

Howard Gardner and his Project Zero researchers and staff joined members of the Radcliffe Office for the Arts and the greater Cambridge community to learn Jacques signature Trail Dance and experience his unique teaching techniques firsthand.

Massachusetts, Brookline

Wednesday, July 28

Town of Brookline Recreation Department

The staff of the Town of Brookline's Soule Recreation Center's Day Camp Program joined 75 four, five and six year olds and interested community members to share the joys of learning and teaching the magic of dance.

Massachusetts, Williamstown

Saturday, July 31

Williams College Dance Program

The Williams College Dance Program welcomed Berkshire residents to join them in learning the Trail Dance and applauding Jacques' dedication to the arts, community and education. The impressive turnout was an affirmation of the power of dance to link communities along the Trail.

Connecticut, Salisbury

Sunday, August 8

The Salisbury/Lakeville Community

The Salisbury/Lakeville Community enthusiastically welcomed Jacques and George at a lively and well attended Teaching Event. This family event was complimented by some "seriously silly songs", from Sandra Boynton's "RINOCEROUS TAP", performed by Michael Ford and Adam Bryant, traditional French folk songs by Polly Duke, and the delightful appearance of The Salisbury "Hot Shots" New Orleans Jazz Band. Joining in the Trail Dance were actors Rip Torn and longtime fan, Jill Clayburgh, (who had Jacques resign her autograph book which he originally signed after a ballet performance in 1953).

New York, New York City

Thursday, August 19

Chase Manhattan Bank

As part of "Children's Day", Chase Manhattan Bank invited Jacques and NDI teachers to teach the Trail Dance to over 3,000 children in 15 Chase locations during the morning hours. Following the morning activities, Jacques' only NYC Teaching Event took place. On hand that day, were Commissioner of NYC Parks and Recreation Henry Stern, NYC Alumni, their families, and area supporters of NDI who gathered to express their appreciation for Jacques and support the building of future arts education programs.

New York, Sterling Forest

Monday, August 23

Sterling Forest Arts Centers

Arrow Park

Located on the edge of the newly preserved 17,000 acre Sterling Forest, approximately 40 miles north of New York City, you will find Sterling Forest Arts and Science Centers. These Centers provide innovative education and outreach programs using the Appalachian Trail and over 3,500 acres of Sterling land for field exploration. Jacques was warmly greeted by numerous AT volunteers and local community members all gathered early in the morning to show support and learn the Trail Dance! Jacques was especially delighted by the surprise participation of former NYC Ballet members Elizabeth Gottlieb and Richard Rapp.

New Jersey, Trenton

Monday, August 30

NJ NETWORK

National Dance Institute has had a Residency Program in the Trenton School System for 10 years now. This special Teaching Event was hosted by Trenton Education Dance Institute (TEDI), The Times, Young Audiences of NJ, Alliance for Arts Education and NJ Network. NDI Alumni and Summer Institute students, young people from the Homefront and Ennis Beley Photography Projects, community leaders and area residents, turned out to welcome and dance with Jacques and NDI's Trenton Artistic Director, Tanya Gibson-Clark. Superintendent Dr. James Lytle and 25 school administrators enthusiastically joined in the Trail Dance and Mayor Doug Palmer was on hand to express his city's long-standing appreciation of Jacques' efforts to promote quality arts education for all.

Pennsylvania, Allentown

Tuesday, August 31

Ballet Guild of The Lehigh Valley, Inc.

Central Elementary School, Allentown, PA

The highly respected Ballet Guild Of The Lehigh Valley, Inc. shares Jacques' commitment to bringing the exhilaration, discipline and inspiration of dance to EVERYONE! They are dedicated to fostering the arts through education, performance and outreach programs of remarkable quality. At this special community event, Central Elementary School third-graders and members of the Pennsylvania Youth Ballet came together to learn the Trail Dance. The event was sponsored by grants from the Sylvia Perkins Trust and the Air Products Foundation.

Pennsylvania, Hershey

Thursday, September 9

Milton Hershey School

The mission of Milton Hershey School is to nurture and educate challenged boys and girls by offering a positive environment in which children from diverse backgrounds can learn and develop in meaningful ways. Jacques and George's visit offered 600+ students and staff such a wonderful dance experience that requests for enrollment in dance programs increased to the extent that the administration is considering hiring an additional dance instructor - Youpe!

Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh

Monday, September 13

The Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild

Through arts, education, culture and enterprise The Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild strives to create environments of hope, caring, professionalism, opportunity and excellence that enable people to realize a better quality of life for themselves and their communities. This special evening, hosted by William Strickland, was preceded by a well attended reception. Jacques was able to make new friends and "catch up" with colleague Terrance Orr, Ex. Dir. of Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, and former NDI Board member - George Miles, President/CEO of WQED.

Virginia, Arlington

Tuesday, September 21

Signature Theater

Just minutes away from the US Capitol, The Helen Hayes Award Winning Signature Theater constantly offers exciting top quality performances and is one of Jacques' favorite stops whenever he visits DC. Critics are currently raving about Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer's newly opened production of Sweeney Todd. Cast and staff members welcomed Jacques and enthusiastically learned and danced the Trail Dance with him prior to their evening performance. Jacques, George and their special guests then settled into seats to enjoy a visit with "the demon barber of Fleet Street". A wonderful evening for all!

Washington, DC

Wednesday, September 22

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Millennium Stage

Jacques d’Amboise is the proud recipient of the 1995 Kennedy Center Honors for his unique and invaluable contribution to the cultural life of our nation. Approximately 200 District school students and teachers participated in this wonderful public Teaching Event. Attending were groups from Draper & Aiton Elementary, Seed Charter School and the prestigious Duke Ellington High School. Many of these students have participated in various NDI DC Residency programs. Derek E. Gordon, head of the Kennedy Center’s Education Department was on hand to welcome Jacques and Jamie Staton, a NDI DC alumni (both as dancer and teacher) currently enrolled at Howard University, assisted Jacques.

Washington, DC

Wednesday, September 22

The Offices of The National Endowment for the Arts

Jacques and George made a very special stop to thank and teach members of the Agency that honored Jacques with our nation’s highest cultural Award, The National Medal of Arts, in 1998. Approximately 50 staffers assemble to experience first hand the joy of dance and Jacques’ enthusiasm for teaching. NEA support is largely responsible for the NDI STEP BY STEP Web site.

Maryland, Annapolis

Thursday, September 23

The Friends of the B & A Trail
and Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts

Jacques and George were proud to have been invited by the Friends of the B & A Trail to be part of festivities celebrating the 20th Anniversary of The Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. Approximately 150 school students were joined by members of The Annapolis Ballet, US Navy Ensigns and interested members of the community all eager to JOIN THE JOURNEY!

West Virginia, Harpers Ferry

Saturday, September 25

The Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) National Offices

The Appalachian Trail Conference National Offices are located in Harpers Ferry, WV. Following AT tradition, Jacques and George made a stop there to record passing their "half-way mark" and enjoy a celebratory dish of ice cream. Jeff Olson, Director of Millennium Trails, was on hand, along with Mayor Kip Stowell, NPS Park Director Pam Underhill, ATC Director David Startzell, fellow hikers and enthusiastic members of the public cheering them on and participating in the adventure by learning the Trail Dance. After a resounding "Youpe!" it was on to the second half of their trek!

West Virginia, Clarksburg

Monday, September 27

Robert C. Byrd High School

Jacques and George's stop at this beautiful High School allowed them to teach The Trail Dance to more than 150 students gathered from numerous area schools who were joined by adults of all ages eager to support arts education for all. This impressive after-school Event was orchestrated by the enthusiastic and charismatic former school bandleader, Sam Ellis, Sr. (the 86 year-old father of NDI Advisory Board Member, Sam Ellis, Jr.) and a dedicated committee of volunteers. Superintendent of Harrison County School, Robert Kittle was able to attend and officially welcome Jacques on behalf of the community. A number of local businesses generously donated a fun "Pizza & Pop" Reception for all immediately following the Event.

Virginia, Charlottesville

Monday, October 11

Piedmont Council of the Arts
20th Anniversary Celebration Banquet

The Piedmont Council of the Arts' mission is to serve as a catalyst for the advancement of the arts while enhancing the quality of life in Charlottesville and Central Virginia. The Council also recognizes individuals, organizations, educators and businesses who have made significant contributions to the community with its prestigious Annual Arts Awards. Jacques was honored to be the Special Guest at their 20th Anniversary Celebration Banquet and privileged to be able to present six outstanding young people with "Rising Star Youth Incentive Awards".

Virginia, Charlottesville

Tuesday, October 12

University Hall, University of Virginia

The Piedmont Council of the Arts welcomed more than 700 local students & educators to a spectacular Teaching Event at the University of Virginia's "U-Hall". Ably assisted by NDI's Artistic Associate - Lori Klinger, local dancers/instructors, Brett Bonda and young dancers from Richmond Ballet's "Minds In Motion" program, Jacques and his team were able to have "the joint really jumpin'" to "Youpe! Youpe!" in no time! James H. Elmore, President of the Council, was on hand to welcome everyone to this really special Event and to express his and NDI's appreciation for the many volunteers whose efforts made it possible.

Virginia, Richmond

Wednesday, October 13

Tredegar Foundry

Richmond Ballet, The State Ballet of Virginia and their NDI inspired "Minds In Motion" (MIM) program welcomed Jacques and George at a wonderful community Teaching Event in this historic location that is part of the revitalized Richmond River Walk. School students (~200+) were joined by the public, civic leaders and supportive representatives of the community including: Bell Atlantic Linesmen, US Postal Workers, Downtown Richmond Clean & Safe Personnel, Virginia Power Representatives, 4th Precinct Police Officers, and Richmond City Firemen - complete with state-of-the-art fire truck! "Minds In Motion" sponsor, Bell Atlantic hosted a delightful luncheon after the Event at which guests were able to enjoy a presentation of Richmond Ballet's dramatic "Nuevo Tango" and MIM's Team XXL's performance of "Celebrate Virginia". Jacques was so enthused by MIM's closing performance of The Trail Dance that he joined them on stage for an impromptu class. This allowed the audience to more fully appreciate the joy and discipline of dance, which Jacques hopes to advance "STEP BY STEP"! After the luncheon, Jacques was treated to a special look at the River Walk Project with co-sponsor Downtown Presents' Representative Pamela Wiseman. Special thanks to Lt. Governor John Hager and his charming wife Maggie for their outstanding "Southern Hospitality".

Virginia, Roanoke

Monday, October 25

Roanoke Ballet Theatre

Roanoke Ballet Theatre is dedicated to the heritage, development, and promotion of dance. They strive to bring a wide range of artists and presentations to the Roanoke Valley community and provide excellent training and performance opportunities for dance students within a supportive and challenging artistic environment. Their Event allowed community members to welcome Jacques and share the experience of learning his lively Trail Dance.

North Carolina, Roxboro

Wednesday, November 10

The Dancers' Workshop

Jacques made a very special visit to the small town of Roxboro, North Carolina where 150 of the most unlikely adult dancers were paired off with children to learn the Trail Dance. The Mayor, Chief of Police, Sheriff, Superintendent of Schools and much of the town population participated in this fun event. The children of Roxboro pledged to one million pennies to support Jacques' NDI STEP BY STEP fund raising program. Tune in to CBS Sunday Morning on December 5th (check your local listings) to watch the wonderful dancers of Roxboro dance the Trail Dance with Jacques and George.

North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Friday, November 12

Glenwood Elementary School

The student body of this K-5 school turned out to welcome Jacques and George and learn The Trail Dance. Seniors from the very popular tap-dancing group, "Village Revue", were there to learn Jacques' jig and dance with students, staff and supportive community members.

Tennessee, Knoxville

Tuesday, November 30

The City Ballet of Knoxville

The City Ballet of Knoxville held their Teaching Event at the newly opened Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Jacques taught his signature Trail Dance to the Ballet Company's 1999 Nutcracker Cast, civic leaders and community members.

Georgia, Atlanta

Monday, December 20, 8:00 - 9:00am - (doors open at 7:30)

Atlanta's City Hall, The Atrium, 55 Trinity Avenue, SW

For Jacques' final Teaching Event, we are being hosted by The Mayor's Office. We are grateful to the Atlanta Falcons organization who have shown their support for arts education by participating in this event. Pellom McDaniels of the Falcons, who founded a project for children called "Arts for Smarts" is involved with organizing members of the Atlanta Falcons. We are also expecting the Falcon's Mascot - Freddie, Falcon cheerleaders, along with children from NFL YET and the Jr. Falcons cheerleaders. This should be a energetic and fun finale for all!