Over the summer Adrienne Arsht Center created a number of community building experiences for school-aged children. Of the number of programs provided by the center, the AileyCamp celebrated its seventh season with the culminating presentation titled “Attitude of Gratitude,” featuring ballet, jazz, modern, West African and spoken word performed by AileyCampers!
On Aug. 1st, Miami-Dade County Public Middle School students had the opportunity to conclude AileyCamp with a grand finale performance on the Knight Concert Hall stage.
Students were handpicked by AileyCamp based their background. During the six-week, full-scholarship summer day program, campers used dance as a vehicle for developing self-esteem, creative expression and imagination.
All summer the one hundred children aged from 11 to 14 practiced their routines for their grand finale performance, which was free to the community. As the campers practiced and bonded together, the children were able to tap into a confidence they were unaware of.
In an interview with Rise: Miami News, students expressed their gratitude for the AileyCamp. One student said, “After coming here, I have the confidence to do things I never thought I could do, like dance, and I know this experience will stay with me forever.”
AileyCamp is offered in partnership with the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation. Since its debut in Miami seven years ago, 608 Miami-Dade County Public Middle School students have participated in the summer day camp.
If you missed AileyCamp’s performance, the Adrienne Arsht Center has another school-aged children performance this Saturday, Aug. 8th. Camp Broadway Miami will perform its rendition of the Broadway show Hair Spray and All Shook Up.
During Camp Broadway Miami, participants use singing, acting and dancing to a Broadway beat to help develop their confidence, character and presentation skills. Ensemble rehearsals, master classes and backstage seminars are all led by Broadway professionals.
Camp Broadway Miami will also showcase their talents on the Knight Concert Hall stage. It is also a free performance.
(Photo via Adrienne Arsht Center)
