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A group of spectators, dancers, and the mayor of Atlanta gathered at Sifly Piazza for a performance by Ailey Camp Atlanta dancers. The affirmations recited by the crowd emphasized that the program was about more than just dance. Ailey Camp, created by Alvin Ailey, aims to uplift underserved children aged 11 to 14. The program operates in partnership with Purpose Built Schools and focuses on life skills as well as dance. Research shows that arts education, particularly dance, fosters self-esteem and leadership skills in youth. While Ailey Camp is not specifically for training professional dancers, some students pursue scholarships to continue their dance education. The program strives to engage participants in reflective conversations about the world and themselves, in addition to providing them with a creative outlet for self-expression. The hope is to expand Ailey Camp to more cities in the future to meet the desperate need for such programs.
