Aileycamp inspires youth with life-changing perspective

AileyCamp, the nationally acclaimed program that helps middle schoolers reach for their potential, will positively impacts students ages 11-14 this summer with a curriculum guided by the theme, “Perspective.”

Fulfilling Alvin Ailey’s belief in enriching young lives through the arts, the New York-based AileyCamp became a reality nearly 35 years ago in 1989 in partnership with the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey.

This summer, with the launch of AileyCamp Atlanta in partnership with Purpose Built Schools, AileyCamp said it uplifts youth in 10 cities nationwide:  Baltimore, MD; Berkeley, CA; Chicago, IL; Kansas City, KS and MO; Miami, FL; New York, NY; Newark, NJ and Seattle, WA.

“This innovative, full-scholarship program focuses on developing self-esteem, creative expression, and critical thinking skills while engaging in a variety of dance techniques daily, including ballet, Horton-based modern, jazz, and West African dance,” said AileyCamp in a statement.

“[AileyCamp] is a safe space for me. I can express myself without feeling judged,” said a New York camper.

In addition to stretching their minds, bodies and spirits, AileyCamp said campers learn how to express themselves in a positive way and tackle challenging subjects that include decision-making, peer pressure, conflict resolution and self-awareness.

Children’s Aid AileyCamp New York students in ballet class. Photo by Robert DeMartin

Unique to AileyCamp, students also engage in curated theme-based lessons and begin each day reciting daily affirmations such as “I will pay attention with my mind, body, and spirit,” and “I will not use the word ‘can’t’ to define my possibilities,” to guide AileyCampers on a path to becoming confident, productive and motivated individuals.

Alvin Ailey once said, “to be who you are and become what you are capable of is the only goal worth living,” and this year’s guiding curriculum theme “perspective” helps drive campers to explore their unlimited possibilities.

“Alvin Ailey started AileyCamp because he knew how transformative and impactful the arts can be on a young person,” said Artistic Director Robert Battle. “Both Mr. Ailey and I experienced a life-changing transformation when we stepped into the world of dance and it’s inspiring to witness his legacy continuing to reach youth across the country in programs like AileyCamp.”

AileyCamp culminates in a special final performance for family, friends, and community leaders where the AileyCampers showcase their hard work in original productions of choreographed dances, poetry readings, and theatrical improvisations.

All camps will perform an excerpt inspired by Artistic Director Robert Battle’s Takademe, a thrilling work that will challenge AileyCampers to keep up with its fast-paced and high-energy movement.

To commemorate the metro area youth’s transformations and accomplished goals this summer, AileyCamp Newark’s final performance will be on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Children’s Aid/AileyCamp New York on Thursday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. at HOSTOS Community College.

“AileyCamp gives young people an opportunity to have a quality arts experience, make friends, express themselves, and recognize that they matter,“ said Nasha Thomas, National Director of AileyCamp/Arts In Education Spokesperson & Master Teacher.

“Every year, it is a joy to witness the campers’ transformation from the first day to the final performance, and it’s incredibly special to watch our former campers step into leadership roles that pay it forward to the next generation – it’s a testament to Alvin Ailey’s mission of enriching the lives of youth through dance,” she added.

With Newark camp opening this week, nearly 200 local students will participate in AileyCamp, where they will engage with AileyCamp alumni who are returning this summer in leadership roles to help guide their younger peers and further strengthen the AileyCamp community.

Children’s Aid AileyCamp New York students in a percussion session. Photo by Robert DeMartin

To round out their fulfilling experience with Ailey, AileyCamp said, during the year, campers also have an opportunity to witness a performance by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where currently two members were introduced to dance through the program: Solomon Dumas (Chicago) is the first former AileyCamper to join the troupe, and Christopher Taylor (Newark) shares a similar path as Dumas – studying on scholarship at The Ailey School and dancing with Ailey II prior to joining the Company.

Although AileyCamp is not meant to be a training ground for professional dancers, some students are also awarded scholarships to further study at The Ailey School or pursue training at other accredited dance schools and have later performed with professional dance companies.

As the last program Alvin Ailey founded before his passing, his trailblazing legacy continues to reach thousands of young people through AileyCamp every summer, providing direction and aspiration to students across the country.

Since 1992, Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs has been committed to bringing dance into homes, classrooms, and communities across the country to positively impact people of all ages through the power of dance.

In addition to AileyCamp, a full scholarship day camp for youth, in-person and remote programs include lecture-demonstrations; technique classes; innovative curriculum based residencies inspired by Revelations and Night Creature; and AileyDance for Active Aging, a program that serves as an outlet for artistic expression and fosters a sense of joy. For more, visit www.alvinailey.org/AIE.

In accordance with groundbreaking choreographer Alvin Ailey’s dictum that “dance is for everybody,” the Ailey organization offers dance performances, training and education and community programs that use the American modern dance tradition and the beauty of the African American heritage and other cultures to enlighten, unite and inspire all people.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by US Congressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” grew from a now‐fabled March 1958 performance in New York that changed forever the perception of American dance.

Today, under the leadership of artistic director Battle, the company continues Ailey’s mission by presenting important works of the past and commissioning new ones.

The Ailey organization also includes Ailey II (1974), a second performing company of emerging young dancers and innovative choreographers; The Ailey School (1969), one of the most extensive dance training programs in the world; Ailey Arts in Education & Community Programs, which brings dance into the classrooms, communities, and lives of people of all ages; and Ailey Extension (2005), a program offering dance and fitness classes to the general public, which began with the opening of Ailey’s permanent home—the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City, the dance capital of the world—named The Joan Weill Center for Dance, at 55th Street at 9th Avenue in New York City. For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org.