With AileyCamp starting up next week, it’s the perfect time to remember why this camp is so powerful. We have 200 students enrolled for this year (100 in Missouri, 100 in Kansas) with the Final Performance on Wednesday, July 12. So much to look forward to!
I hear it over and over—it’s one of two reactions: “Oh, I love Misty Copeland! I’ve been following her career for years!” OR “Who’s Misty Copeland?”
For those in the latter group, in 2015 Misty Copeland became the first African-American female principal ballerina with the American Ballet Theater in its 75-year history. Her promotion firmly established her as an inspiring icon—thus the other reaction, “Oh, I love Misty…” Once you know about Misty, you can’t help but love and respect her.
Born in Kansas City but raised in Southern California, Misty was an early prodigy whose talent began to open doors for her shortly after she began her ballet training at the age of 13. In addition to dance, Misty has multiple stage, television, and film appearances. She comes back to Kansas City to promote her new hardcover, Ballerina Body: Dancing and Eating Your Way to a Leaner, Stronger, and More Graceful You.
KCFAA has partnered with Vivien Jennings and Rainy Day Books for “A Conversation with Misty Copeland” on July 31. For those interested in meeting Misty face-to-face, we encourage you to join as a KCFAA member before July 1 at the $240 level or up to attend a private members-only reception prior to the public event. Learn more here.
For those who are happy just to be in the same room with her and listen to her speak from her heart, admission packages will be available June 1 at RainyDayBooks.com/MistyCopeland.
We also appreciate the sponsorship of The Independent and the masterful editorial by Paul Horsley in the May 27 issue.
We’re launching a new summer intensive especially for high school students, grades 9-12. This special 4-week program will focus on ballet and jazz dance techniques as well as repertory classes. Each day of the week focuses on two different techniques, ensuring students will gain experience on a variety of techniques each week.
Learn more or apply for a class.
We offer this class in partnership with the Kansas City Public Schools.