A diverse community united by dance to inspire and change lives, KCFAA is unique among arts organizations because of its multi-part mission. View an interactive Timeline of KCFAA here.
Mission
The mission of Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey (KCFAA) is making dance accessible to all people by presenting the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II, teaching young people critical life skills through dance, and modeling interracial and multi-cultural community partnerships.
- KCFAA solely presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II in annual performances in Kansas City theaters.
- As the only official second home of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, KCFAA supports the work, vision and future sustainability of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. through secured annual residencies, new work commissions and general efforts to advance the legacy of Alvin Ailey and support the leadership of AAADT Artistic Director Judith Jamison.
- KCFAA develops and delivers youth programming that uses the art of dance as a vehicle to improve knowledge, increase self-esteem, enhance critical thinking skills, and encourage positive role models and smart life choices. KCFAA reaches more than 30,000 young people each year through ten year-round programs.
- KCFAA encourages diversity of people and ideas through its organizational structure, uniting people across racial, ethnic and social barriers to promote awareness, respect, friendship, and ultimately, community-wide social change.
Vision
A diverse community united by dance to inspire and change lives.
History
Alvin Ailey began his relationship with Kansas City in 1968, when he first brought his groundbreaking modern dance company Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) to the city for performances. As he shared his developing vision of a second home for his growing company, Kansas City community organizations, civic leaders, arts groups and financial partners responded. In 1984, Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey (KCFAA) was born as the official second home to this remarkable company.
As the official second home, KCFAA presents AAADT or Ailey II annually and furthers Alvin Ailey’s vision of making dance accessible to all people. As demand for programming grew, KCFAA responded by creating innovative arts education programs, including the six-week summer AileyCamp and the new year-round KCFAA Studio Programs. Currently KCFAA serves more than 30,000 young people annually.
KCFAA encourages diversity of people and ideas through its organizational structure, uniting people across racial, ethnic and social barriers to promote awareness, respect, friendship, and ultimately, community-wide social change.
KCFAA awards and honors include the 2003 Coming Up Taller Award from the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, presented by First Lady Laura Bush, the Governor’s Arts Award presented by the Kansas Arts Commission in 2007, and the 2008 Missouri Arts Award.
Since 1984, KCFAA’s efforts have reached more than 1 million people in the Kansas City community. With a successful Endowment Campaign that began in 2001, KCFAA will continue to reach and positively impact people young and old far into the future.
