KCFAA's Frequently Asked Questions
What is KCFAA?
KCFAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to presenting Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) and Ailey II to as many people as possible, changing the lives of young people through arts programming, and promoting diversity in every facet of our organization. KCFAA is the official second home of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Who does KCFAA serve?
KCFAA serves people of ages, ethnicities, and social and economic backgrounds, bringing them together through the power of art, especially the unique and world reknown Ailey dance companies founded by master choreographer Alvin Ailey in 1958, and Ailey II, founded in 1974. KCFAA serves over 35,000 youth each year through its nine arts education programs, including award-winning AileyCamp. Approximately 6,000 Kansas Citians attend AAADT performances and 3,000 attend Ailey II performances. Our programs, services and performances reach every demographic area of Kansas City.
What types of programming does KCFAA offer?
KCFAA offers performances, lecture/demonstrations, individual to regularly scheduled dance workshops for schools and community centers, master classes, summer camps, interdisciplinary programs, speakers, corporate team building, and a touring history program. At this time, KCFAA does not offer dance classes for the general public.
I know KCFAA presents the dance companies, but what else does KCFAA do?
KCFAA employs Ailey-trained artists who teach year-round programming in schools, community centers, and corporations all over Kansas City and surrounding areas. Each summer, KCFAA holds six-week AileyCamps in Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri. In addition, our over 100 regular volunteers assist our staff of eight in planning and implementing programs and our annual company residencies.
Is KCFAA a part of Ailey in New York?
KCFAA is the official second home of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. While this is a special relationship with Ailey in New York because KCFAA is the only organization to hold this status, KCFAA is not a subsidiary of Ailey in New York. Our efforts help further the legacy of Alvin Ailey and the vision of Artistic Director Judith Jamison as we present the companies and focus on providing excellence in arts education.
Why did Alvin Ailey choose Kansas City for the official second home of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater?
Alvin Ailey found that the people of Kansas City believed in his vision of a diverse community, united by dance to inspire and change lives. The people of Kansas City always had a warm, welcoming embrace for Mr. Ailey and his company of dancers. Through the relationships he formed here, ideas began to spark, and with great community support, KCFAA was born.
Why should I go to an Ailey performance?
One member of KCFAA said, “Ailey is the best thing I ever did.” Ailey performances are at the height of artistic expression. They capture the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and preserve the enrichment of the American modern dance heritage. The technical skill of the dancers is unmatched and both AAADT and Ailey II are repertory companies, which means they perform works of many talented choreographers along with the master works of Mr. Ailey. While Ailey tours the globe, Kansas City is its only second home. By attending performances, you receive the benefit of witnessing excellence in artistry, as well as ensuring KCFAA can continue to bring these world class dancers to our city for years to come.
What is the Gala? Can anyone attend?
KCFAA holds one benefit each year to raise funds for year-round arts education programs. On even years, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is featured for the Gala evening that includes supper, the performance and an after-party. In odd years, Ailey II is featured for the Benefit evening that includes a performance and an after party. Everyone is encouraged to attend these events. In fact, one of the goals of the annual events, through KCFAA’s mission, is to create a diverse atmosphere where people can meet new friends they would not otherwise have the opportunity to know. Proceeds from the ticket sales for these events go straight to arts education programming in schools and community centers around the area.
Are there affordable tickets for my whole family?
A part of KCFAA’s mission is to make dance accessible to all people. To do this, KCFAA keeps its ticket prices affordable for anyone to attend. Thanks to the Kansas City funding community support ticket prices are as low as $10 each. There are discounts for children as well. See this year’s performance schedule and ticket prices.