At the end of 2024, we took the opportunity to use the Christmas break to research new options for broadening formats and extending our potential partnerships that would enrich our existing and future fellows.

Youth Arts in the Parks We explored Youth Arts in the Parks, a fun and educational program that teaches kids of all abilities visual arts, creative movement and expression, or theater/improvisation in a social setting. Led by professional artists, certified instructors, and disability experts, this program requires no prior experience. Youth Arts in the Parks: Accessible Arts Experiences for the Kids is part of Arts for Learning, presented by Young Audiences Arts for Learning’s Affiliate, Arts for Learning Miami. More details: Youth Arts in the Parks Registration Form

Pérez Art Museum Miami’s (PAMM) We also examined the Pérez Art Museum Miami’s (PAMM) Teen Arts Council (PTAC), a teen-led, museum-facilitated program for youth interested in creative fields. This initiative nurtures young people’s creativity and amplifies their voices through teen programs at local museums and community organizations.

Adrienne Arsht Center To gain insights into the Arsht Impact Program, we visited the Adrienne Arsht Center and explored the venue that hosts the final performance for the Summer AileyCamp Miami. This six-week summer day camp immerses middle school students in dance, providing them with a transformative experience.

Alvin Ailey Dance Center To understand the teaching approach used in the AileyCamps, we participated in a beginner class at the Alvin Ailey Dance Center in NYC. The class was designed for students with a basic understanding of the fundamentals and foundations of the technique. (We wouldn’t recommend this class to anyone with less than three years of adult ballet experience.)

Edges of Ailey Exhibition We spent an afternoon at the Edges of Ailey exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art, delving into the life, dances, influences, and enduring legacy of visionary artist and choreographer Alvin Ailey.

While there, we browsed rarely seen archives, including performance footage, recorded interviews, notebooks, letters, poems, short stories, choreographic notes, drawings, and performance programs. We also became familiar with the one-week-per-month, five-month dance residency that offers over ninety intimate performances. These residencies feature works by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II, as well as showcases from The Ailey School students and workshops by Ailey Arts In Education.

Everydayballet Studio As part of our ongoing research for developing a toolkit and online training program for teachers and students in remote areas and small-town studios, we took a dance session with Tieka Teller at @everydayballet studio on Broadway. Having stayed connected with her and attended her virtual classes since the lockdowns, we were thrilled to finally meet in person.

During our session, we discussed the possibility of online preparation for the Everydayballet Spring Showcase. The showcase will consist of variations for beginners and intermediate dancers, as well as contemporary choreography. Preparation classes will be offered both in-person and online. For online students across geographies, Tieka is offering a monthly membership that provides continuous access to variation rehearsals and supports learning choreography at any convenient time. The Spring Showcase is scheduled for May 3, 2025.

As a tangible result of this Christmas voyage to potential fellows that reside in Miami and around, we can strongly recommend applying to the AileyCamp Miami. Details on the application process can be found here: Summer AileyCamp Miami Application Process. Application deadline February 28, 2025. For applicants outside the US, we can advise on travel possibilities and arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

Looking ahead, our journey has inspired a renewed focus on creating accessible opportunities for aspiring artists and educators. By leveraging these insights and partnerships, we aim to design programs and resources that nurture talent, break geographic barriers, and expand artistic communities worldwide.