Blog No. 235: National Dance Institute Event of the Year, Picasso at the Gagosian, The Dogs: Poundcake and Milkshake Revisited

The Joy of National Dance Institute’s Event of the Year: Rock and Roll

Music by Joan Jett

Father's Day is not my favorite holiday since both my own dad and my daughter and son's dad (my late husband Gert Mathiesen) are no longer with us, but what makes up for it is the pure joy of experiencing National Dance Institute's Event of the Year performances at the Skirball Center of NYU, where over 200 kids from New York City public schools perform every Father's Day Weekend. This year's theme was a history of Rock and Roll, complete with fantastic (loud) live music by a group of nine very talented live musicians. My apple watch warned me I was way above the safe decibel level--but I didn't mind at all! NDI's Event of the Year is always fabulous and a shot of pure joy...Definitely a highlight of my year every year.

I know it will not do it justice but here are some video clips that are enjoyable unto themselves and will also give you a taste so you are sure to attend next year's Father's Day weekend shows if you are in New York City. 2026 marks their 50th year of being the best kids' organization in the NYC public school system. Not everyone goes on to be a dancer but anyone who is in the program is made at least a lifelong lover of the arts and a kid full of confidence…To prove the point, many of the organization's teaching artists and administration (including the main honcho, Executive Director Germaine Jones) were NDI dancing kids themselves on that stage many moons ago.

Check out the NDI website for more information, future events and/or if you would like to explore opportunities for your school or even adopt a school yourself (they are currently serving 50 schools and 6500 kids but plan on continuing to grow). By the way, did I mention that the program is totally free to the children and there are no auditions—the in school program teaches the entire 4th grade as part of the normal day’s curriculum with live music in every weekly class. Their advanced teams: Swat and Celebrations go on to a Saturday program but they are not just chosen for ability but for enthusiasm and interest more than anything else… And their dream project is simply a dream for children with disabilities.

Music by Charlotte Caffey

Music by Nirvana

Music by The Strokes, Reptilia

and the grand finale:

Picasso at the Gagosian Gallery

The current Picasso exhibition at the Gagosian Gallery in NYC includes art in the collection of Picasso's daughter Paloma Picasso--some of the pieces have never been shown before to the public. The exhibit is not a large show but it includes some real gems, and represents the breath of Picasso's work--everything from painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics--he did it all...In every single one of those mediums, there is no other artist in my book that even comes close..

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The Friendship of Pound Cake and Milkshake: Two Deaf Dogs

Everyone who has ever had a dog (and I have had four over the years) knows that deep feeling of love and joy that only a pet can bring.

I have been following my two favorite instagram dogs Pound Cake and Milkshake for a while now, featured on James Coburn's instagram @Make.Life.Happen--two deaf dog rescues who were adopted by his loving family and found not only a loving home but each other too! James had included a bunch of stories about these two on his instagram—I go there when I want to smile and cheer up…

I'd like to invite you to EMAIL ME (pamsmilow@me.com) with photos of your favorite dog (or any other pet) and I will share some of the images in a future newsletter…Let me be the first one by introducing you to Frenchy, my daughter Morgan and her boyfriend Danny's rescue from Tennessee who I get to take care of quite often (or she takes care of me, more like it)..

Frenchy!

Drawing of the Week

Pam Smilow, mixed media on paper 12” x 15” sold but more in the series

Charity of the Week: National Dance Institute

Click to learn more and donate: https://nationaldance.org

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About The Author

New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow, began writing the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.