AileyCamp

AileyCamp is a fun-filled six-week summer dance camp where young people take daily dance technique classes in Horton-based modern, ballet, jazz, and West African or tap. The program also includes music and art classes, creative communication classes, visual arts-based workshops, creative writing, personal expression projects, athletic activities, and social activities. Campers take personal development classes that cover goal setting, nutrition, conflict resolution, positive self-image, and career and leadership development, along with workshops to build leadership and communication skills.

• Ages: 11–14 years old
• Schedule: Six-week summer dance camp
• Price: Any eligible young person can participate for little to no cost.

Alvin Ailey believed that dance is for everybody, and AileyCamp represents a component of his vision of using the power of dance to enrich the lives of children. The program helps youth develop their self-confidence in an atmosphere of warmth, respect, and trust, and campers discover new creative tools and learn affirmations that allow them to flourish in any situation. AileyCamp is held in cities across the country and has been creatively inspiring children for over 30 years.

AileyCamp’s leadership team includes Nasha Thomas, National Director of AileyCamp/Spokesperson & Master Teacher for Ailey Arts In Education, and Torens Johnson, National AileyCamp Deputy Director. Camp leadership also includes Joy Pigg, Camp Director (AileyCamp Atlanta); Michelle Braggs, Administrative Director (AileyCamp Atlanta); Paula Lang, Camp Director (Kansas); Tyrone Aiken, Camp Director (Missouri); Patricia West, Artistic Director (AileyCamp Berkeley); Vincent Chavez, Associate Director (AileyCamp Berkeley); Denzel Williams, Camp Director (AileyCamp Miami); Deshawn Morton, Camp Manager (Seattle Theatre Group AileyCamp); Darius Damazi Williams, Camp Director (Children's Aid AileyCamp New York); Ronnie D. Carney, Camp Co-Director (AileyCamp Newark); and Sherece Hill, Camp Co-Director (AileyCamp Newark).

AileyCamp Kansas City is presented by Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey. 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, and 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.

Last updated March 16, 2026.