Mission Of Dance

Imagine a perfect world where effort counts more than talent. Where passion is a virtue and all are welcome — regardless of shape or size.

The Early Show Correspondent Tracy Smith found such a spot when she visited the National Dance Institute — a perfect place for learning.

It was created by ballet dancer Jacques D'Amboise to be opened to all children, including those from neighborhoods like the one in which D'Amboise grew up.

"On my block there were gangs and I belonged to them," he said. "Nobody thought of college, ever. Most people dropped out of high school."

So did D'Amboise. But as a 15 year-old, he quit to join the New York City Ballet. In a career that spanned three decades, he became one of the company's premiere artists. He always had a passion for dance education and in 1976, that passion became the National Dance Institute.

Classes are free at the institute but they are not easy. The first thing students learn about D'Amboise is that he's serious.

"What's the matter with you!" D'Amboise shouted at some pupils. "I want four people before every camera."

It's a simple philosophy. If students can make it here, they really can make it anywhere.

"There is an appreciation for anyone who achieves excellence or strives to achieve it," said D'Amboise. "The process of striving is the process of learning."

And sometimes, the learning process is distinctly hands on.

"You have to do it right," said 10 year-old Jamal Wise. "Jacques wants you to do it right. If you make a mistake, he will kick you out. He wants you to do it right."

Wise says he likes the discipline.

"It makes me feel good because I know that he wants everyone to succeed in what they do, and to do what they want to do, they have to work for it."

Using Dance To Save Lives?

Some say dance is too abstract and not practical enough to deal with the obstacles of real life. But D'Amboise says otherwise.

"Dance is going to save them? No! Dance is going to influence them in a positive way, especially if it's taught the way we teach it here," said D'Amboise.

Dance at the institute is taught with equal mix of love and iron discipline. But the results can be breathtaking — on and off the dance floor.

"When I came to dance in forth grade, I was just [a] little girl with no confidence," said Maia Frieser. "Now I have self confidence … I'm able to get up in front of people and just be myself, show them who I am and if they don't want it, that's too bad."

Few of the students will grow up to become professional dancers. But thanks to D'Amboise, all will have a shot at success.

"I always say you give children junk, they eat junk, they think junk, they grow up to be junk. And they pass along junk to their children," said D'Amboise. "Why do that? Why not give them wonderful things … music, dance, poetry, drama. They're going to grow and be that, and pass it on. What a wonderful thing."