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About

35 Years of AileyCamp logo

Alvin Ailey believed that dance is for everybody. AileyCamp represents a vital component of Alvin Ailey’s vision: using the power of dance to enrich the lives of children. 

AileyCamp is a fun-filled six-week summer dance camp where young people ages 11–14 learn to dance and explore their creativity. The program helps youth develop their self-confidence in an atmosphere of warmth, respect, and trust. AileyCampers take classes in dance, music, and art, discovering new creative tools and learning affirmations that allow them to flourish in any situation. The campers also participate in workshops to build leadership and communication skills while enjoying a variety of athletic and social activities. 

AileyCamp is held in cities across the country. Any eligible young person can participate for little to no cost. To find out where and when AileyCamp is happening this summer, see our list of camp locations below and learn more about how to apply.  

Join us for an unforgettable experience at AileyCamp, creatively inspiring children for over 30 years.

Camp Curriculum

Daily dance technique classes

Horton-based modern, ballet, jazz, and West African or tap 

Personal development classes

Goal setting, nutrition, conflict resolution, positive self-image, and career and leadership development 

Creative communication classes

Visual arts-based workshops, creative writing, and personal expression projects

Camp Locations

We are thrilled to host AileyCamp residencies at these cities around the country.
Five young drummers performing on stage under pink lighting. Each is playing a traditional drum with drumsticks, wearing colorful sleeveless shirts. They are in a row, focused and energetic, with a backdrop that intensifies the vibrant atmosphere.

AileyCamp

Group of young dancers performing with focused expressions. A boy in the center, wearing a black shirt with the logo Ailey Camp Newark, leads the group. They are positioned with arms bent and raised, practicing their routine. The background is softly lit, emphasizing the dancers' movements.

AileyCamp

Large group of drummers performing on stage with a vibrant orange backdrop. They are positioned in a wide formation, each playing a traditional drum and raising their arms in unison with drumsticks. The performers wear colorful costumes, and the atmosphere is dynamic and energetic. The stage lighting enhances the dramatic effect of their synchronized movements.

AileyCamp

Four young dancers performing on stage. Three dancers are in full splits on the floor, while one dancer is mid-air in a backflip. They are all wearing white shirts and black shorts. The background is dark, emphasizing their movements and the energy of the performance.

AileyCamp

Three children working on a colorful drawing at a table. They are using pastels to create a picture featuring faces and vibrant backgrounds. All three children are wearing black shirts with the logo Ailey Camp. The table and floor are covered with art supplies and other drawings, creating a creative and busy atmosphere.

AileyCamp

Group of young ballet dancers practicing at a barre in a dance studio. They are all wearing black leotards and are lined up in a row, focused on their form. One girl in the center is looking at the camera with a slight smile. The background shows mirrors and other dancers reflecting the studio's disciplined environment.

AileyCamp

Group of young dancers performing on stage with a white umbrella and blue fabric. They are dressed in white outfits and are engaged in a creative dance routine. One dancer holds a puppet dressed in white, while others interact with the fabric and the umbrella. The backdrop is dark, highlighting the performers and their props.

AileyCamp

Four young dancers performing an energetic routine on stage. They are mid-air with arms and legs outstretched, creating dynamic poses. The dancers wear casual clothes in bright colors, and the background is dark, emphasizing their movements and expressions. The lighting highlights their athleticism and the intensity of the performance.

AileyCamp

Large group of dancers performing on stage in a choreographed routine. They are wearing matching purple and pink costumes and are arranged in intricate formations. Some dancers are standing with arms outstretched, while others form a bridge by bending over and linking arms. The dark background emphasizes the vibrant colors of their outfits and the dynamic movements of their performance.

AileyCamp

Young boy smiling and reading from a paper while holding a microphone. He is wearing a black Ailey Camp shirt with yellow lettering. Behind him, another child in a yellow Ailey Camp shirt is standing and watching. The setting appears to be a stage with a curtain backdrop, suggesting a performance or presentation.

AileyCamp

A bearded man with a green headwrap is enthusiastically teaching drumming to children. He is seated at a drum, gesturing with his hand, and smiling widely. The children, wearing black Ailey Camp shirts, are also seated at drums, listening and smiling. The background shows a classroom setting with green lockers and a yellow shutter door.

AileyCamp

Group of young dancers performing a lively routine on stage. They are wearing white Ailey Camp shirts and black shorts, and are barefoot. The dancers are spread out, each striking energetic poses with arms and legs extended. The stage is well-lit with a pink backdrop, highlighting their synchronized movements and expressions of joy.

AileyCamp

Group of young dancers in white dresses performing with a large puppet on stage. The puppet, also dressed in white, is held up by the dancers using poles. The puppet's dress has the words Alvin Ailey cast in shadow. The stage is softly lit, creating an ethereal atmosphere that emphasizes the gracefulness of the dancers and the elegance of the puppet.

AileyCamp

Young girl reading from a booklet in front of a blackboard, with a woman standing behind her. The girl is wearing a black Ailey Camp Newark shirt, and the woman is in a colorful patterned top. The blackboard has handwritten notes titled Recipe for a Good Decision and Personal Development with various points listed. The date July 27, 2011, is written on the blackboard.

AileyCamp

Group of young boys playing drums in a classroom. They are wearing red Ailey Camp shirts and are focused on their instruments. The drums vary in size and type, including traditional and conga drums. The setting suggests a music class or practice session.

AileyCamp

Young boy in a red Ailey Camp shirt clapping his hands during a dance practice. Other children in the background, dressed in black dance attire and red Ailey Camp shirts, are also engaged in the routine. The focus is on the boy's concentration and the coordinated movements of the group. The setting appears to be a dance studio or practice space.

AileyCamp

Group of children performing a dance on stage, wearing colorful outfits with geometric patterns. One child in the center is dressed in yellow, and they are all mid-movement with arms raised and one leg lifted.

AileyCamp

Group of children in a classroom, wearing red shirts and sitting at tables with worksheets. Two children have their hands raised. Background includes several adults observing.

AileyCamp

Staff

Headshot of Nasha Thomas

Nasha Thomas

National Director of AileyCamp/Spokesperson & Master Teacher for Ailey Arts In Education
A black man with no hair, stands sideways with hands clasped in front of him.

Torens Johnson

National AileyCamp Deputy Director

Press

Watch the Miami CBS Local feature on power of the arts at AileyCamp Miami 

Watch the News 12 The Bronx feature on AileyCamp's 30th anniversary

Watch NJ Spotlight News feature on how kids are learning dance and life skills at AileyCamp Newark

Sponsors

Leadership support for Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs is provided by The Simin & Herb Allison Arts In Education Endowment Fund. 

AileyCamp is supported by The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, The William Randolph Hearst Arts In Education Endowment Fund, The Littlejohn Family Foundation, Pincus Family Foundation, Southern Company, Tiger Baron Foundation, and other generous funders. 

AileyCamp Atlanta is supported by Georgia Power, The Home Depot Foundation, and The Sartain Lanier Foundation. 

AileyCamp Miami is supported by B. Carlin Foundation and The Kirk Foundation. 

AileyCamp Newark is supported by The Altschul Foundation and is administered in collaboration with Newark Board of Education and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. 

AileyCamp New York is supported by The Altschul Foundation, Keith Haring Foundation, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, The Pinkerton Foundation, and The Venable Foundation.  

 

NYC Cultural Affairs and Council on the Arts logos

Additional support for AileyCamp in New York is provided, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. AILEY programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. 

RELATED PROGRAMS

A group of dancers, including students and instructors in Alvin Ailey t-shirts, stand on stage with their arms raised high. They are performing a synchronized movement, all looking upward, showcasing unity and focus. The backdrop is a black curtain, emphasizing their poses.

Dance for Students Pre-K through 12 in the NY Metropolitan Area

  • AileyDance Kids
Two dancers perform in a studio, each striking a dramatic pose with arms extended. The dancer on the left wears a black t-shirt and long black skirt, while the dancer on the right wears a purple t-shirt and black pants. The wall behind them features posters and a display board with various images and text.

Dance Education Through Online Learning

  • Video Lessons
A male instructor in a black t-shirt and track pants stands on a stage with hands on hips, facing a large group of participants stretching in a gymnasium. The participants are wearing various colors, predominantly blue. The gym walls are decorated with banners and signs.

Residencies for School-Age Youth in Your City

  • National Outreach

Hero Credit: Photo by Danica Paulos