AileyCamp
"I will not use the word can't to define my possibilities." - AileyCamp Daily Affirmation
Alvin Ailey believed that “dance is for everybody,” and was especially dedicated to using dance to enhance the lives of underserved children. AileyCamp represents a vital continuation of Alvin Ailey’s vision, using the power of dance to enrich and positively alter the lives of children.
AileyCamp is an innovative summer program that uses disciplined dance training, creative writing instruction, personal development, and communication workshops, to help campers develop a respect for themselves and others that meaningfully impacts their lives.
Since its inception in 1989, this vital program has reached thousands of youth across the country, providing direction and hope to children who are most in-need of knowing there can be a bright future.
"My son enjoyed learning different dances [and] making friends, and benefitted from writing about respect and self-image." - Parent of 2010 camper
“Compared with other camps that I’ve heard about, there is NO comparison. The staff is totally dedicated to Mr. Ailey’s ideals, and the students finish the camp with confidence, new friendships, and a deeper love of dance.” - Parent of 2010 camper
“The teachers taught me that when you dance you should dance with your soul, mind, body, and spirit. Dancing is not just a way of moving. It’s a way to communicate with each other.” – 2009 camper
“AileyCamp helped me have more respect for others.” - 2010 camper
View the article and slideshow by The New Jersey Star-Ledger of students participating in the first-ever AileyCamp in Newark, NJ.
Camp Curriculum
The AileyCamp curriculum includes:
- Daily technique classes in ballet, Horton-based modern dance, jazz and tap or West African
- Personal development classes: goal setting, nutrition, conflict/resolution, career development and self-image
- Creative communications classes: with performance techniques, deepen the students' awareness of their potential for self-expression
AileyCamp Too! is a special follow-up program for campers to reinforce and expand upon the meaningful experience of the summer program.
"The most important moment in a child's education is the 'crystallizing experience' -- the experience that helps a young person focus, engage and deeply connect to something he or she cares about." - Howard Gardner, noted educator
2012 AileyCamp Dates
AileyCamp Atlanta: June 4th – July 13th
AileyCamp Kansas City, Kansas & Missouri: June 4th – July 13th
AileyCamp Miami: June 25th – August 4th
AileyCamp Berkeley: June 25th – August 3rd
AileyCamp Chicago: June 25th – August 3rd
AileyCamp Boston: July 2nd – August 10th
AileyCamp Bridgeport: July 2nd – August 10th
AileyCamp Newark: July 2nd – August 10th
CAS/AileyCamp: July 9th – August 17th
Contact the AileyCamp directors and learn more about becoming a member of the AileyCamp staff.
Listen to the Miami NPR feature on the launch of AileyCamp Miami AileyCamp.
AileyCamp Interns
AileyCamp is an innovative summer program that uses disciplined dance training, creative writing instruction, personal development, and communication workshops, to help campers develop a respect for themselves and others that meaningfully impacts their lives.
Since its inception in 1989, this vital program has reached thousands of youth across the country, providing direction and hope to children who are most in-need of knowing there can be a bright future.
Interns are coordinated by the Arts In Education & Community Programs department and are given assigned responsibilities by the National AileyCamp Director. Interns may assist with:
- Attend a 3-day mandatory staff orientation (dates in June TBD)
- Office and day-to-day tasks related to AileyCamp
- Manage AileyCamp phone lines including taking messages and returning calls.
- Collect daily attendance
- Assist campers with class content, dance skills, choreography and activities as needed in classes
- Assist in the coordination of activities for campers as needed in conjunction with AileyCamp staff
- Attend all camp classes and activities with an assigned group, (at least 3 days) Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:30am – 3:30pm
- Participate in lunch duty, free periods and general supervision of campers
- Participate as directed on field trip days
- Document AileyCamp with video and photography
- Participate in all rehearsal, preparation and day-of final performance activities as needed to support AileyCamp staff
- Assist faculty members as needed in the creation of the end-of-camp performance materials
- Assist with the final performance day as runners, costumers, usher, etc.
To apply for this internship please provide resume and cover letter detailing your interest in an internship at Ailey.
Please send all materials by email to volunteers@alvinailey.org
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