2017 AileyCamp Open House
Last week were the AileyCamp Open Houses. Our Chief Artistic Officer, Tyrone Aiken, gave tours in both Missouri and Kansas campuses. It was great to see board members, donors, and parents come by to get a first-hand view of AileyCamp.
It’s a powerful program, and you can’t help but be moved by the life changes that occur. Dance is the framework for that transformation. 90% of these students have had no prior dance instruction, but in 6 short, intense weeks, they will provide a performance. Through dance, students learn how to achieve what seemed impossible by breaking their challenges down into simple, guided steps. They discover strength, focus, and discipline within themselves they never knew was there. Just that aspect alone helps them move forward in life with more purpose and grace. Yet AileyCamp offers so much more.
AileyCamp is a holistic approach to youth development and includes classes in art and creative writing in a fun, engaging manner that the students enjoy. Personal development classes are taught by social workers to help the students with life skill development, life choices, personal responsibility, effective communication, and stress handling.
Everything is provided to these students free of charge: t-shirts, shorts, leotards, tap shoes, ballet slippers, tote bags, and even breakfast, lunch, and transportation to and from the daily camp. We do this to minimize any barriers that might prevent the student from attending.
Please consider donating to KCFAA today to help support this vital work for students.
In the photos below, you’ll get a peek.
Dance Is The Catalyst For AileyCamp
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!
We’re Excited to Bring Misty Copeland to KC
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.
“A Conversation with Misty Copeland”
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.
NEW! Summer Dance Class for High School
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.