Camp Director Diane Sales shared a story from last year’s camp to illustrate how the camp’s personal development programming can assist a camper in finding their own internal strength. 

It was immediately clear to me that one of our first-time students lacked confidence and felt out of place as a dancer. I thought I wouldn’t see her again after that first day. But she showed up for the second day and each day thereafter. I was immediately impressed with her level of drive and perseverance. Even though she never excelled at dance and continued to struggle with coordination, she never gave up. Part of her drive came from the support she received from the camp community. Both her peers and teachers encouraged her every step of the way. During a personal development class, she said, “I know I am the worst one in ballet”, which was followed by a chorus of classmates saying, “No! You do so well!”   After watching her all summer, I saw her transform at the camp’s final performance.

The guiding concept of Atlanta Ballet’s AileyCamp is that dance is a powerful vehicle for change. 

Be a part of that change by supporting Atlanta Ballet's AileyCamp today!

About Atlanta Ballet's AileyCamp

In partnership with the world renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in NYC, Atlanta Ballet’s AileyCamp is an intensive six-week summer program which uses dance as a vehicle for developing:

• self-esteem
• creative expression
• critical thinking skills 

100 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade girls and boys (ages 11-14) who are underserved in the arts, receive full scholarships to Atlanta Ballet’s AileyCamp, including camp uniforms, dance attire, field trips, and meals. The program culminates with a final performance celebrating the work of each camper.