The Atlanta Cultural Exchange overflowed with dance, African rhythms, music and spoken word Tuesday as dozens of young performers from AileyCamp Atlanta took the stage for an end-of-summer performance.
The show often extended offstage with performers dancing just steps from the audience, exuding the self-confidence and creativity cultivated during the four-week camp.
“…Spirit enlightens the body. Bodies move in unison. Unison brings us together as a whole,” a dancer recited. “…Together we are stronger. And strength is what our power creates…”
The performance celebrated the culmination of AileyCamp Atlanta, a free summer program that blends dance and personal development to help middle school students build confidence, leadership and a sense of purpose.
The show took place inside The CTR, the former CNN Center, in the midst of downtown Atlanta’s FIFA Fan Festival activities. The students also presented a finale performance on June 26 at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center.
Founded in 1989 by Alvin Ailey and Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, AileyCamp is a free summer program held in nine cities across the U.S. Atlanta hosted the program for the 18th summer this year. The Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation partnered with Utopian Academy for the Arts to present the Atlanta camp.
While dance is the vehicle, personal development is the foundation of AileyCamp, said Nasha Thomas, the program’s national director.
One hundred students from across metro Atlanta were selected through an application process to participate in the program, which, along with dance, centered on developing self-esteem, creative expression and critical thinking, including dealing with peer pressure. Students also receive instruction in ballet, modern, jazz and West African dance.
This year’s theme, TIME, represents Teach, Inspire, Mentor and Elevate, Thomas said during the show.
“It’s really important to not only support these young people but to show them how to work and live in excellence,” she said.
Thomas recently told WCLK that the camp’s success is measured not simply by dance, but by the growth students experience.
“If we can get these young people to start expressing themselves, finding their voice, opening up, becoming leaders and positive young people… then Mr. Ailey’s mission is accomplished, ” Thomas told the radio station.
That impact can also be seen in former AileyCamp Atlanta participant and Utopian Academy for the Arts student Darion Turner, who is now a member of Ailey II and also performs with the Martha Graham Dance Company.
Ailey, founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, believed dance was a universal language. He described dancing as souls moving. “I believe that dancing is for everybody on all levels.”
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