A proud NHDI alumna, Abbie returned to New Hampshire after spending 5 years as a Teaching Artist with the National Dance Institute in New York City, where she taught over 500 children a week.
At the New Hampshire Dance Institute (NHDI), we believe in the transformative power of dance. Our mission is to empower, enrich, and energize children by bringing accessible dance into their schools and communities.
Our vision is to ensure a New Hampshire where every child has the opportunity to experience the joy, discipline, and community of the performing arts.
Inclusive and adaptive programming that is accessible in educational and community environments removes traditional barriers such as studio locations, transportation, and economic inequities.
Building confidence, setting goals, and celebrating accomplishments.
Fostering connection between students, families, educators, and the broader community.
NHDI is a proud Associate of the National Dance Institute (ANDI) in New York City. NDI is a globally recognized institution, 50 years strong, that pioneered the model of using dance to promote academic achievement, self-esteem, and health in children.
We bring NDI’s powerful, proven methodology and inspiring curriculum directly to those we serve throughout the state and neighboring communities.
Discover how NHDI has evolved over the past four decades from serving 250 children each year to our current yearly outreach of 5,000 children.
From day one, we believed every child deserves to move, grow, and shine.
Generations of dancers, now teachers, parents, and community leaders.
movement, and connection. And we're just getting started.
Every spring, for the past 40 years, our signature Event of the Year brings hundreds of regional children from their local schools together onstage at the Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College for their culminating performances. Accompanied by a world-class orchestra, they leap across the stage in a celebration of hard work, collaboration, and perseverance with the pure joyful energy of young dancers discovering the joy of dance and performance.
Multiple Programs now provide increased accessibility to the arts through our Residency and Extensions Programs, Camps, and REACH Program for dancers with disabilities.
The NHDI programs are driven by a passionate team of highly trained musicians and administrators. A common purpose unites our staff: to empower, enrich, and energize every child.
A proud NHDI alumna, Abbie returned to New Hampshire after spending 5 years as a Teaching Artist with the National Dance Institute in New York City, where she taught over 500 children a week.
A collaborative musician for two years, Andrew is an internationally sought-after instructor of Scottish bagpipe drumming. He has worked with children his entire life and holds multiple black belts in various styles of karate.
Angela has a long history with NHDI, starting as a dancer in the 1990 Event of the Year. After earning a B.A. in Dance Performance and an M.A. in Education, she returned to NHDI and now also teaches 4th grade in Peterborough.
Cora is a collaborative musician with NHDI, focusing on percussion. She graduated from Keene State College in 2020 with degrees in Music Technology and Performance, and also plays tenor saxophone with the Keene Jazz Orchestra.
A passionate choreographer and dance student, Eliora is honored to be a Teaching Artist in the Year-Long program. She is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and choreographs for local theater programs.
With 25 years as an elementary art teacher, Jeanine brings her pure joy for working with children to the Residency Program. She is also an instructor of fitness classes, including yoga for children and adults.
A Keene State College graduate and former teaching artist, Kristen has directed NHDI’s artistic vision since 2007. She is deeply active in the Monadnock Region arts community, leading the SWAT Team and co-directing the Summer Intensive, ensuring program quality and excellence for all students.
An NHDI dancer for ten years, Lauren credits the program with bringing out an “enormous and energetic personality” in her. A 2022 graduate, she is thrilled to continue her education by training as an instructor through the Residency Program.
An NHDI alumna who has come full circle, Linda earned her BFA in Dance from SUNY Purchase Arts Conservatory. She has traveled the world performing with Carnival Cruise Lines and currently dances with the Saving Grace ensemble.
Lisa brings her passion for teaching children and love of dance to every residency. She directs the NHDI Residency Program and co-directs the Summer Intensive. She has a background as a preschool teacher and aide, and was recognized in 2018 for her impactful work throughout the Monadnock Region.
NHDI’s Music Director since 1987, Peter is a conductor, composer, and arranger with deep roots in the performing arts. He has an ongoing affiliation with the Boston Pops Orchestra and has served as conductor/composer for the National Dance Institute since 1985.
An NHDI alumna who danced in the 2013 and 2014 Events of the Year, Sarah now provides essential administrative support. She is currently studying Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University.
Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Tina ensures the seamless function of NHDI’s programs. A devoted volunteer since 2012, she has a long personal history with NHDI, as all three of her children have participated.
A University of New Hampshire graduate, Tracy has been a dedicated NHDI Teaching Artist for 10 years. She loves witnessing the “amazing transformation” in her students throughout the year, teaching in two Year-Long Program schools and with the SWAT Team.
Our volunteer Board of Directors guides NHDI’s mission and ensures that we create and sustain opportunities for dance to increase and equalize accessibility to the arts.
The NHDI programs are driven by a passionate team of highly trained musicians and administrators. A common purpose unites our staff: to empower, enrich, and energize every child.
Lecturer, Business Administration studies Keene State College,
PO Box 673
Saxtons River, VT. 05154
802.289.4969
November 2024
Senior Credit Analyst & Bank Officer, Savings Bank of Walpole
238 Base Hill Road, Unit 59
Keene NH 034341
603-209-0278
January 2021
Retired VP, Medical Affairs International Developed Markets, Pfizer
543 Granite Lake Rd
Nelson, NH 03457
215-272-6823
March 2024
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
27 Salisbury Rd.
Keene, NH 03431
603-812-5682
January 2022
Director of Philanthropy, Covenant Living of Keene
63 Colorado St
Keene, NH 03431
(603) 209-7891
January 2024
Owner/Sole Proprietor Regenerative Soulscaping
37 Cottage St
Keene, NH 03431
(603)239-7472
October 2025
Executive Artistic Director NHDI
37 Middle St.
Keene, NH 03431
603-313-9347
September 2016
We are always seeking individuals who are inspired by our mission to bring dance and confidence to children. Working at NHDI means joining a community dedicated to the highest quality performance opportunities and inclusive arts education.
Not at all. We employ talented individuals with diverse backgrounds. While our teaching artists have experience in movement, we also need staff and administrators who specialize in education, community outreach, and operations. If you are passionate about our mission, we encourage you to apply!
Our opportunities range from Teaching Artists and Collaborative Musicians to Administrative and Program Support roles. We seek individuals who are committed to creating a positive and empowering environment for children.
Find quick answers about our organization and programs below.
NHDI focuses on bringing dance directly to the students during their school day or community program. We are an educational program, not a formal academy. Our mission focuses on accessibility, empowerment, joy, and building life skills, while experiencing and mastering dance to the best of each child’s ability. Dance is for everyBODY.
Yes. We are partially funded by grants from the Putnam Foundation, The NH Charitable Foundation, the Crotched Mountain Foundation, Eppes-Jefferson Foundation, as well as support from our generous community members and business partners.
As a non-profit organization, we rely on the support of our community. You can support us through tax-deductible donations, becoming a Community Partner, or attending our annual Event of the Year.
NHDI is made possible by the generous businesses and individuals who believe that dance is for every child. We are proud to showcase their commitment to our students.
