( Founded by Alvin Ailey and Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey in 1989, AileyCamp gives inner-city students ages 11 to 14 a supportive environment to use dance as a vehicle for developing self-esteem, self-discipline, creative expression and critical-thinking skills. AileyCamp’s six week curriculum offers disciplined dance technique classes in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap in addition to personal development and creative communication classes that examine peer pressure, conflict resolution, drug and alcohol abuse prevention, nutrition, and interpersonal relationships. To complete the curriculum, students also take part in weekly cultural and recreational field-trips. Daily affirmations such as “I will not use the word can’t to define my possibilities” serve to build self-confidence and also strengthen the supportive community of peers and teachers that make up AileyCamp. The AileyCamp environment cultivates a respect for oneself and others that impacts participants’ lives long after the conclusion of the summer session. One former camper from Several AileyCamp participants have been motivated by their summer experience to achieve great accomplishments such as graduating from professional performing arts schools; studying dance at The Ailey School and The Julliard School; dancing with Ailey II, Lines Ballet Co., and TU Dance; and continuing the artistic education and support of youth by working as AileyCamp counselors. This year AileyCamp has already changed the lives of youth in Los Angeles with a program that ended on April 26 and is in full swing in Atlanta (June 1 to July 10); Kansas City, KS and Kansas City, MO (June 8 to July 17); Berkeley, CA (June 22- July 31); New York and Staten Island, NY; Bridgeport, CT and Chicago (June 29 to August 7); Boston (July 1 to August 7); and Miami, FL (July 13 to August 7). Bloomberg is the proud sponsor of CAS/AileyCamp The AileyCamp program is supported by The Lehman Brothers AileyCamp Endowment Fund Citigroup provides major support for Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation’s Arts In Education programs. Chase is the National Art of Learning Sponsor. Leadership support for Ailey’s Arts In Education and Community Programs is provided through the Simin & Herb Allison Arts In Education Endowment Fund. Founded in 1958, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) is known as