National Dance Institute Honors Harry Belafonte, 4/19

On April 19, 2010 the National Dance Institute will honor Harry Belafonte at their 33rd annual gala, at the NOKIA Theatre Times Square beginning at 6 PM. The evening's festivities will be emceed by Terrence Mann.  In addition to performances by NDI dancers, Allegra Kent, George S. Irving, and Isaiah Sheffer will perform Aesop's Fable, The Lion and the Mouse. The evening will also honor director and producer James D. Stern. Proceeds benefit National Dance Institute.

Tickets begin at $1000. For additional information, call 800-807-1787 or visit www.nationaldance.org.

Belafonte is an American musician, actor and social activist. One of the most successful popular singers in history, he was dubbed the "King of Calypso," for popularizing the Caribbean musical style with an international audience in the 1950s. Belafonte is perhaps best known for singing the "Banana Boat Song," with its signature lyric "Day-O." Throughout his career, he has been an advocate for civil rights and humanitarian causes. 

National Dance Institute (NDI) transforms the lives of over 35,000 New York City public school children and their families each year. Under the artistic direction of Ellen Weinstein and a staff of professional dancer/choreographers and musician/composers, NDI strives to reach every child, transcending barriers of language, culture, and physical challenges. NDI fosters a love of the arts and a curiosity about the world in all of the children it serves. Children learn to work together, to develop personal standards of excellence, and a belief in themselves that carries over into all aspects of their lives...for the rest of their lives. Since it was founded in 1976 by New York City Ballet principal dancer Jacques d'Amboise, NDI and its affiliates have impacted the lives of over 2 million children.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.