AileyCamp
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey

AileyCampers perform in dress rehearsal.

Photo: Kimberly Hines

Alvin Ailey learned early in his life that exposure to dance can be a life-changing experience. His discovery of dance led to the founding of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a world-renowned dance company dedicated to the preservation and enrichment of American modern dance and the uniqueness of African- American cultural expression. It also resulted in the creation of AileyCamp in Kansas City, an innovative pilot program that uses dance as a metaphor for life. The AileyCamp experience reflects Ailey's belief that the skills needed to learn dance are the same ones needed to succeed in life—self-discipline and the ability to listen, think critically, solve problems, and engage in cooperative learning. AileyCamps have since expanded to seven cities across the United States.

The core of the AileyCamp day involves classes in modern dance, jazz, ballet, and tap with professionals from around the country who return year after year. In addition, campers work on their communications skills through storytelling, creative writing, percussion, and sculpture. These experiences happen under the guidance of teachers who understand the importance of balancing discipline with compassion and personal attention.

Youth participate in field trips, sometimes with their families, and attend classes in personal development around such issues as conflict resolution, health, and nutrition. Every camper receives a full-tuition scholarship plus uniforms, meals, and transportation free of charge. The combination of structured activities, positive role models, family involvement, and opportunities to succeed accounts for AileyCamp's positive impact on children: They have higher expectations for attending and finishing high school; a greater sense of social and civic values; and expanded participation in the arts, particularly dance.

National AileyCamp Director Nasha Thomas-Schmitt adds, "For the past 15 years, AileyCamps have provided profoundly positive learning experiences for young people from challenging urban environments, helping them build their self-esteem, creative abilities, and critical thinking skills. We want campers to know they have all the power in themselves to attain their goals. We are so proud of the many success stories from AileyCamp."