Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey

For over three decades, Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey (KCFAA) has stood as a beacon of artistic excellence and community empowerment in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. More than just a dance studio, KCFAA serves as the official "second home" to the iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, bringing world-class performances to local audiences while simultaneously fostering profound social change through dance education. If you're a Missouri resident looking for a place where dance transcends steps and truly transforms lives, or where your child can gain invaluable life skills through the art of movement, KCFAA is a pivotal point of interest.

This remarkable organization is deeply rooted in Alvin Ailey's pioneering vision of making dance accessible to all people. Through its diverse programming, KCFAA not only presents breathtaking performances by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II but also implements impactful youth programs like the renowned AileyCamp. Customer reviews consistently highlight the dedication of the instructors, who are praised for pushing children "to be their best" and holding them "accountable," all while ensuring they "enjoy it immensely." Beyond the technical dance training, KCFAA uses dance as a powerful vehicle to enhance self-esteem, improve critical thinking, encourage positive role models, and foster smart life choices among young people, especially in underserved communities. Their commitment to diversity, uniting people across racial, ethnic, and social barriers, makes KCFAA a truly unique and cherished asset in the Kansas City community.

Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey is strategically located at 1714 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. This address places it squarely within the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, a culturally significant area of Kansas City, Missouri. This central location ensures high accessibility for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas, including Independence, Lee's Summit, and North Kansas City. The vibrant backdrop of the Jazz District further enriches the experience for students and visitors, embedding them in a rich tapestry of arts and culture.

Being situated in a well-established urban district, the studio is typically easy to reach via public transportation and offers various parking options nearby. Its prominence in the 18th & Vine area also means it's often a destination point for cultural events and community activities, making it a familiar and convenient landmark for local families. This accessibility is crucial for KCFAA's mission of making dance accessible to all, removing logistical barriers for students who wish to participate in their transformative programs.

Services Offered:

• Presentation of World-Class Dance: Annually presents performances by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II in Kansas City theaters, making world-renowned modern dance accessible to local audiences.
• AileyCamp: An award-winning, intensive 5-6 week summer day camp for middle school youth (ages 11-14) in both Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS, using dance as a catalyst for personal development. Includes instruction in Horton technique, ballet, jazz, modern, and tap, alongside life skills curriculum (e.g., anti-bullying, drug prevention, pro-social skills).
• David T. Beals, III Studio Program: Year-round dance classes for second through sixth graders, as well as AileyCamp The Group, an after-school program for AileyCamp alumni to continue dance training and personal development through high school.
• Youth Programming & Life Skills: Programs designed to improve knowledge, increase self-esteem, enhance critical thinking skills, and encourage positive role models and smart life choices through dance.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Offers full-tuition scholarships for programs like AileyCamp, including uniforms, dance attire, transportation, school supplies, and meals for eligible students, primarily from low-income families.
• Community Engagement: Facilitates dialogue about race, place, and diversity through events like their annual Symposium.
• Field Trips & Cultural Exploration: Students in studio programs often participate in field trips to art exhibitions, theater, and dance performances, including those by AAADT and Ailey II, and annual trips to other US cities for cultural experiences.
• Teacher Training and Mentorship: A significant majority of AileyCamp teaching artists and staff are people of color, and some are former campers, providing positive mentors and role models.

Features / Highlights:

• Official "Second Home" of Alvin Ailey: KCFAA holds the unique distinction of being the only official second home for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a testament to its deep historical connection and ongoing support for the world-renowned company's legacy.
• Holistic Youth Development Through Dance: Beyond dance technique, KCFAA's programs, especially AileyCamp, are lauded for their focus on teaching "critical life skills" such as self-esteem, self-discipline, critical thinking, and social-emotional development. This comprehensive approach makes it more than just a dance school; it's a character-building institution.
• Commitment to Accessibility and Equity: KCFAA's mission to make dance accessible to all is evident in its provision of full-tuition scholarships for AileyCamp, covering not just classes but also necessities like uniforms, transportation, and meals for economically disadvantaged youth. This commitment addresses significant barriers to arts access.
• High Standards of Instruction and Accountability: As noted by parents, instructors "push the kids to be their best" and "hold the kids accountable," reflecting a serious and professional approach to dance training. This challenging yet supportive environment helps students achieve significant artistic growth.
• Vibrant Community and Inclusivity: The organization fosters a welcoming environment where students feel immense enjoyment, and it actively promotes diversity and interracial/multi-cultural community partnerships. It's a place where children are not "babied" but are encouraged to truly engage and grow.
• Award-Winning Programs: AileyCamp, a flagship program that originated in Kansas City, is an award-winning model replicated nationally, showcasing the innovative and impactful nature of KCFAA's educational initiatives.
• Culturally Rich Location: Being situated in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District adds significant cultural value, connecting students and visitors to Kansas City's rich heritage in jazz and African American culture.
• Long-Standing Impact: Since its founding in 1984, KCFAA has reached over 1.2 million people in the Kansas City community, demonstrating its enduring positive impact and vital role in the regional arts and social landscape.

Contact Information:

Address: 1714 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA

Phone: (816) 471-6003

For residents of Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey is a truly indispensable point of interest. It uniquely blends the presentation of world-class dance with deeply impactful youth development programs, creating a powerful synergy of art and social good. The opportunity for local children to receive high-caliber dance training, often through scholarships that remove financial barriers, while simultaneously developing critical life skills, is an invaluable asset to the community.

The commitment of KCFAA to authenticity, rigorous instruction, and fostering a supportive yet challenging environment means that children are not just learning dance steps; they are building self-confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Its prime location in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District further enhances its appeal, embedding participants in a rich cultural experience. For any Missouri family looking for an organization that truly invests in the future of its youth through the transformative power of dance, Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey stands as a shining example of excellence and community dedication.

Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey

1714 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA