AileyCamp Berkeley/Oakland Final Performance 7/29/15
Dance belongs even to the children
and
"I will not use
the word "can't" to define my possibilities"
AileyCamp is a nationally acclaimed summer program that uses
dance as a vehicle for developing self-esteem, creative expression and critical
thinking skills among sixth, seventh and eighth grade students ages 11–14.
Conceived by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and run locally by Cal
Performances, AileyCamp combines professional level dance training with
personal development activities.
The theme of this year's finale
"One person at a Time"
I had the honor to attend the 14th anniversary performance of the Berkeley/Oakland AileyCamp at Cal performances Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley on Thursday July 29th.
My 11 year old niece, Kiana participated in the performance. The atmosphere in the hall was nothing less than electric!
The program began with
"Her Life Matters"
The images in the opening video were of black women, black transgender women, and children whose lives here have been taken by police violence or violence from other individuals
This was a very touching tribute to the black women who have lost their lives and I was so impressed with the emotional depth in which these children performed. At such a young age they are aware of issues that many 2 and 3 times their age are paying no attention.
Congrats to the entire group
Kiana
The 2015 Berkeley/Oakland Finale
