By Suzette Espinosa, Adrienne Arsht Center

This month, 100 AileyCamp Miami campers, all middle school students from Miami-Dade County, took to the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall stage at the Adrienne Arsht Center for a grand finale performance that reflected personal and artistic growth the young group garnered during a six-week full scholarship camp at the Center.

During AileyCamp Miami, students take a variety of dances classes (Horton-based modern dance, jazz and West African) as well as personal development and creative communication classes that examine peer pressure, conflict resolution, nutrition, and career development. The goal of the camp, which is completely free of charge to parents and children, is to develop confidence and skills in the areas of goal-setting and self-image during the critical pre-teen years.

“AileyCamp Miami is a vital program that has already reached hundreds of local children and it is with great pleasure that we host this incredible camp that provides so many Miami-Dade County youth the opportunity to have a transformative experience through the performing arts, “said M. John Richard, president and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center.

As the final performance came to a close, the 100 Ailey campers moved in unison, with such great precision and flawless movements that one would never have known that many of these young students had no prior formal dance training. For a pull-at-your-heartstrings look inside the lives of Ailey Campers in motion, with personal testimonials from parents, mentors, and AileyCamp Miami supporters, please enjoy the video above.