Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” has performed for over 23 million people in 48 states and in 71 countries on 6 continents, celebrating the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. Ailey’s permanent home is The Joan Weill Center for Dance, the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City, the dance capital of the world.
The Ailey Organization includes: Ailey II (a second performing company of young dancers and emerging choreographers), The Ailey School (one of the world's most extensive dance training programs), Ailey Arts in Education & Community Programs (which bring dance into classrooms and communities), and Ailey Extension (offering dance and fitness classes to the public).
Each summer, Ailey Extension invites students to take their dancing to another level and unleash their inner performer. Beginner and advanced beginner dancers are welcomed to enroll in a four-week Summer Performance Workshop to learn and showcase choreography from some of Ailey Extension’s top instructors.
Now in its 28th year, AileyCamp is now underway this summer in 10 cities nationwide - inspiring students in challenging situations to discover their underlying potential, as well as the paths to set and achieve positive goals. Founded in 1989 by Alvin Ailey, the full-scholarship day camp uses the art of dance as a means to stretch the mind, body and spirit of more than 1,000 underserved students ages 11 to 14.
Ailey Extension opens its doors this summer to kids and teens, offering three immersive, multi-day training workshops taught by New York City’s top choreographers and master teachers. Ailey Experience NYC Jr., Ailey Experience NYC, and Fabrice Herrault’s Ballet Summer Intensive allow young dancers to learn technique, musicality, and artistry.
Few, if any of a specially selected group of 103 Newark students have ever stepped foot on a stage. But with each new position, leap and plie the magic of Alvin Ailey’s American dance camp weaves in each of them a powerful new story through movement. AileyCamp gives these young people a place where they can feel like it’s home,” said the National Director of AileyCamp, Nasha Thomas.
When the famed Alvin Ailey dance troupe tours, they do community outreach. This summer they're in Paris, holding classes for disadvantaged, young dancers.
From ballet and tap to modern and jazz, Aileycamp offers classes for free. “AileyCamp gives them an opportunity to express themselves to a have a platform for creative expression," Nasha Thomas explained. The six-week program, in partnership with the Children’s Aid Society, is celebrating its 27th year in New York serving more than 100 students.