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AILEYCAMP

AileyCamp is an innovative summer program designed to serve inner-city children grades six through eight. AileyCamp is not a training ground for professional dancers but, instead it uses dance as a vehicle for developing self-esteem, self-discipline, creative expression and critical thinking skills.

"I will not use the word can't to define my possibilities."
- AileyCamp Daily Affirmation

Founded by Alvin Ailey and the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey in 1989, AileyCamp targets students with academic, social and domestic challenges—criteria that often determine a child's risk of dropping out of school—but also welcomes students who have little opportunity to develop their artistic interests. An important aspect of the program's success is in providing positive adult and peer role models, and giving campers an invaluable opportunity to explore their creativity, learn to master their bodies, and strengthen their respect for themselves and others within a supportive framework that gives them an important foundation for the future.

The AileyCamp curriculum includes daily technique classes in ballet, Horton-based modern dance, jazz, and tap. The campers also participate in personal development and creative communications classes. Topics of discussion during the personal development classes include goal setting, self-government, nutrition, conflict/resolution, career development and self-image. Classes in techniques of performance and creative communications deepen the students' awareness of their potential for self-expression AileyCamp Too! is a special follow-up program for campers, with the goal of reinforcing and expanding 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.

2010 AileyCamp Dates:

Berkeley: June 21st – July 30th
Boston: July 1 – August 5th
Kansas City, KS: TBD:
June 7th – July 16th or June 14th – July 23rd
Kansas City, MO: TBD:
June 7th – July 16th or June 14th – July 23rd
Bridgeport: July 5th – August 13th
Chicago: June 28th – August 6th
Atlanta: June 1st – July 9th
Staten Island, NY: July 6th – August 13th
Washington Heights, NY: July 6th - August 13th
Miami: June 28th-August 7th

CLICK TO LISTEN: Miami NPR feature on the launch of AileyCamp Miami >>

AileyCamp contacts >>

Learn more about becoming a member of the AileyCamp staff >>