AileyCamp to Celebrate 25th Anniversary this Summer

AileyCamp, the innovative full-scholarship day camp celebrating its 25th year, will provide life-changing and meaningful experiences to students in eight cities across the United States this summer. This inspiring program uses the art of dance as a means to stretch the mind, body, and spirit of approximately 800 inner-city students.

Founded by Alvin Ailey and Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey in 1989, AileyCamp gives inner-city students ages 11-14 a supportive environment to use dance as a vehicle for developing self-esteem, self-discipline, creative expression, and critical-thinking skills. AileyCampers learn important life skills through classes in a variety of dance techniques, as well as in personal development and creative communication. Participants cultivate respect for themselves and others, learn the importance of setting and achieving goals, gain experience in decision making and carve out their own identities within an encouraging framework that gives them an important foundation for the future.

"As one of the last initiatives Mr. Ailey implemented, AileyCamp is a significant part of the organization's mission of using dance to inspire and educate people of all ages," said Artistic Director Robert Battle. "AileyCamp provides that eye-opening experience, teaching students that we're only limited by our imagination and that the sky's the limit when it comes to their future. I'm proud to continue sharing Mr. Ailey's powerful legacy through this unique program."

[AileyCamp Washington Heights final performance] The camp's curriculum includes daily technique classes in ballet, Horton-based modern dance, jazz, and West African dance. In recent years, a percussion class was developed to enhance campers musicality by learning the history, technique, and rhythms of different instruments. Personal development and creative communication classes teach campers how to express themselves in a positive way and discuss topics such as nutrition, conflict resolution, and career development. Camp tuition, uniforms, dance attire, field trips, breakfast and lunch are provided. Daily affirmations, such as "I will not use the word 'can't' to define my possibilities," serve to guide them on a path to becoming productive and motivated individuals.

[2012 AileyCamp Washington Heights final performance. Photo by Rosalie O'Connor] All AileyCamps will culminate with a final performance for family, friends and community leaders where campers showcase their hard work in an original production of specially choreographed dances, poetry readings and theatrical improvisations. The performance not only highlights the creative and technical skills of the campers, but also serves as an exciting display of the self-confidence, performance skills, and pride developed during camp. The final performance for AileyCamp Newark will be held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on August 8th at 7:00pm andAileyCamp Washington Heights' final performance will be held at Hostos Community College/CUNY Theater on August 15th at 7:00pm.

"Over the last 25 years, AileyCamp has positively impacted the lives of thousands of young students across the country," said Nasha Thomas-Schmitt, National Director of AileyCamp and former member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. "It's been rewarding to watch AileyCamp continue to evolve, and inspiring to see campers transform over the summer, through this program that's instrumental to their continued development. Bringing to life Mr. Ailey's belief that "dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people" the AileyCamp experience touches their hearts, minds and spirits."

In addition to Newark (July 1 - August 9) and Washington Heights (July 8 - August 16), AileyCamps will provide a safe environment to motivate and educate students in Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS (June 3 to June 28); Atlanta, GA (June 4 - July 12); Berkeley, CA and Miami, FL (June 24 - August 3); and Bridgeport, CT (July 2 - August 10).

Although AileyCamp is not meant to be a training ground for professional dancers, some students are awarded scholarships for further study at The Ailey School or pursue training at other accredited dance schools and have later performed with professional dance companies. This past May, select AileyCamp Newark and Washington Heights campers were invited to perform at Ailey's annual Apollo Gala and thrilled the audience with a dance inspired by Rennie Harris' Home; Robert Battle's first commissioned ballet after becoming Artistic Director.

Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs are committed to bringing dance into classrooms, communities, and the lives of people of all ages. Programs include special student performances; lecture-demonstrations; technique classes; AileyCamp, a full scholarship summer camp for underserved inner-city youth; and innovative curriculum based residencies inspired by Revelations. For further details on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Ailey organization's performances, training programs and Ailey Arts In Education activities, visit www.alvinailey.org.

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