Arts In Education & Community Programs

Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs are committed to bringing dance into classrooms, communities, and lives of people of all ages. Programs include special student performances, lecture-demonstrations, technique classes, and innovative programs such as AileyCamp and curriculum based residencies inspired by Revelations.

Featured News Releases

AileyCamp Launches in Partnership with Purpose Built Schools Atlanta to Inspire and Transform Area Students Among 10 Cities Nationwide

ATLANTA – January 10, 2023 – AileyCamp, the nationally acclaimed summer program that uses dance as a means to stretch the minds, bodies, and spirits of middle-school students, is coming to Atlanta this summer from June 5 – July 14 at Luther J. Price Middle School in partnership with Purpose Built Schools Atlanta. The six-week, full scholarship program helps students ages 11-14 reach their full potential with classes in dance, personal development, creative communications, and inspiring daily affirmations. Founded by Alvin Ailey and Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey in 1989, AileyCamp develops self-esteem, self-discipline, creative expression, critical-thinking and goal-setting skills in a supportive environment.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Return to Atlanta February 16-19, 2023 For Five Exciting Performances At The Fox Theatre

ATLANTA – December 21, 2022 – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, beloved as one of the world’s most popular dance companies, returns to the Fox Theatre, February 16-19 for five show-stopping performances featuring eight different dance works as part of a 22-city North American tour. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey’s extraordinary dancers will move audiences with world and company premieres by Kyle Abraham, Jamar Roberts, and Twyla Tharp. In addition to two repertory favorites by Robert Battle, founder Alvin Ailey’s choreography is spotlighted with a new production of Survivors for the first-time ever, a dance from his legendary collaboration with Duke Ellington, and the must-see masterpiece Revelations as the inspiring finale of all performances.

Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey Invites All To Join In The Dance During A Season Of Ailey With Workshops, Performances, And More

DECEMBER 12, 2022 – Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey (KCFAA) announces an exciting season of Ailey that launches this week with free workshops for the public and features a residency by a trio of Ailey’s extraordinary dancers, the glorious return of the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for the first time since 2017, and the life-changing summer program AileyCamp, and more.

Featured Press Coverage

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NJ Spotlight News - A Camp Founded By Alvin Ailey Teaches Kids Dance – And Life Skills

Newark is one of nine cities where AileyCamp is being held. Instead of going swimming or playing sports at a typical summer camp, some kids in Newark are spending their weeks out of school a little differently. They’re learning various forms of dance and creative skills at AileyCamp, a six-week program that was started by the legendary dancer Alvin Ailey just before his passing in 1989.

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Dance Teacher - What My Teacher Taught Me: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Solomon Dumas On Lisa Johnson-Willingham

When I was in high school, my friends at The Chicago Academy for the Arts told me about Lisa Johnson-Willingham, an impressive former Ailey dancer who was teaching Horton at Joel Hall Dancers & Center on Thursday nights. I decided I ought to give her class a try. The first time I went, I didn’t even pay for class. In fact, I don’t think I ever paid for her class. She was tough as nails, but she was always generous. The room was packed with people from all over the city. From modern dancers to professional ballet dancers to young students—everyone wanted to learn from her. Her classroom got so hot from sweaty bodies that the windows completely fogged up and contrasted the cold night outside.