Posted on April 27, 2012
A Feature Documentary Film
I Can Dance! is the story of tough-talking New York City school kids learning to dance. In this deeply inspiring film, the children who are at first shy, resistant, apprehensive, and even hostile, open up to the discipline, grace, and joyful power of dance. They learn to speak the universal language of rhythm and soul, transcending and expressing their unique life circumstances.
Audiences see that the dance lessons are also life lessons, nurturing self-reliance, teamwork, trust, and a standard of excellence that encourages the children to dream big and achieve what they once thought impossible. At this critical moment when funding is being cut,I Can Dance! shows the importance of the arts in children’s lives.
In its unscripted glory, the film conveys the infectious energy of kids dancing that makes audiences proud to be human; their astonishing authenticity and exuberance will sweep audiences out of their seats and onto their feet. Everyone will leave the theater dancing, and wearing a great big smile.
Children are the heart of National Dance Institute’s (NDI) work. NDI’s model program exposes thousands of school children to the power and discipline of dance. Over two million young lives have been impacted by NDI’s vision. The children’s performances are now legendary: as many as 1,000 dancers onstage at one time; 4,000 each year in New York City alone; and nine affiliate programs nationwide.
Millions have witnessed the work that NDI produces with children. But what are the stories behind the performances? What is the Vision? Who are the Artists, who are the Organizers behind this success? How do the children begin, what do they learn, how do they evolve, and what do they become? What does the world know about how NDI creates a better community?
NDI transforms the lives of children. The methods and results are proven: NDI participants become better students; build confidence, and a belief in one’s self, peers and role models; develop a lifelong appreciation of the arts; and cultivate the ability to dream big and achieve what was once thought impossible. This is Jacques d’Amboise’s dream, a vision now realized daily by NDI’s brilliant and dedicated teaching artists.
I Can Dance! has critical importance in the mission that NDI undertakes each day. The film will document the cutting edge of education reform in the United States with the goal of mobilizing public support for the next stages of NDI’s growth. At a time of tremendous political and economic upheaval, it is the education of our future leaders that will truly set us free.
Filmmaker Benjamin Ryan Nathan and his team will capture the stories of the dancers, teaching artists, classroom teachers, choreographers, school administrators, and musicians, weaving the fabric of the NDI experience and leaving a lasting impression about the value of alternative educational methods. These stories behind the scenes are the narratives that beg to be told. A film that speaks directly to the future of education in our country, I Can Dance! is a story of dedication, inspiration, and transformation.
The Creative Team
Ken H. Keller (Kidzhouse Entertainment), Executive Producer
• Award-Winning Producer & Cinematographer of feature film and television series
• Producer of hit Nickelodeon brand The Naked Brothers Band with Albie Hecht (founder of Spike TV, academy-award nominated producer)
• Proven track-record translating Directors’ creative vision onto the screen
• Producing the feature film, Over The Wall, starring Freddy Rodríguez & Kim Bassinger
• Producer of the feature film, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, starring Mira Sorvino & Michael Urie
• In development on new sitcom with Nickelodeon
• Developing and Producing the feature film, Puckheads
• Developing feature film on the life story of legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson
Benjamin Ryan Nathan, Producer/Director
• Award-Winning Filmmaker, Dancer, Choreographer
• Assistant Director of nationally televised PBS docu-reality seriesMoment of Luxury, currently in its second season
• Post Production Supervisor, Editor of series of short films with Ken Burns & Florentine Films
• Choreography featured on nationally televised programs on Fox, CBS, and PBS
• Collaborated with top industry professionals including: David Sacks (Producer, Malcolm in the Middle, The Simpsons), Jason Venokur (Writer, 3rd Rock from the Sun), Michael Borkow (Executive Producer, Friends)
• Worked in TV, film, commercial production markets in New York, Los Angeles, Santa Fe
• Lifelong student of NDI founder, Jacques d’Amboise
• Alumnus of National Dance Institute’s NYC public school programs
Scott J. Nielsen, Ed.D., Co-Creator of “I Can Dance!” concept, Creative Consultant
• Entrepreneur, Fundraiser, Management Executive
• Developed & managed projects with $33, 26 & 21 million budgets in remote locations, simultaneously
• Raised over $100 million to fund real estate projects with 1,200 residential units and market value over $220 million
• Created nationally groundbreaking Boys’ Club Teen Center serving girls and boys on an equal basis; increased budget tenfold
• Coordinated and negotiated with up to 10 Federal, State & Local government agencies on multiple projects
• Psychologist, Educator
• Designed innovative Family Therapy program, training teams of psychologists, social workers, doctors, and lawyers
• Taught communications, decision-making, problem-solving skills to elementary, high school, college, graduate students and parents
Industry Consultants
Dennis Murphy
Dennis Murphy is Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning feature film and television producer, with over 35 years of experience in the business. He has produced and production managed major feature films and TV series such as The Gates, Powder, ER, and Friday the 13th, Part 2, for Paramount Pictures, Tri-Star Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, and Disney. Dennis has worked with such artists as Hillary Swank, Aaron Spelling, Kevin Spacey, Madeleine Stowe, Donald Sutherland, and Kate Capshaw.
Dennis’ unique and determined methods of problem-solving have been critical in his production work, and have carried over into his creative work as well. Driven by his passion for meaningful storytelling, Dennis has directed several films created by and starring children of the Hopi Indian Tribe.
Amy Sewell
Amy Sewell is the creator/writer/producer of Paramount’s 2005 crowd-pleasing documentary, Mad Hot Ballroom. Amy’s latest film,what’s your point, honey? is her directorial debut. Her soon-to-be published book, She’s Out There! The Next Generation of Presidential Candidates, presents a “doc in book form” to a mass audience. Amy is the founder/director of a nonprofit organization (Give It Up for the ARTS!), with the primary goal of helping kids get exposed to the arts. Amy offers her wealth of experience to the I Can Dance! team through regular correspondence and production feedback.
