We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Diedre Dawkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Diedre, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
Myself discipline is rooted in dance, my life is rooted in dance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the Director of AileyCamp Baltimore, a free summer camp rooted in personal development for middle school children ages 11-14, who have a passion for dance.
It’s a 6 week summer camp in which students are exposed to disciplined dance training as well as creative writing, creative communication and personal development workshops.
AileyCamp represents a vital continuation of Alvin Ailey’s vision, using the power of dance to enrich and positively alter young people’s lives. Started by ALVIN AILEY himself along with the Kansas City Friends of Ailey in 1989, AileyCamps now operate in 10 cities across the country.
We end camp every summer with an amazing culminating performance. It’s always mind blowing to see how much the campers have achieved over a 6 week period.
Camp dates are July 1 – August 9/ 8:30am – 3:30pm
We are located on the John’s Hopkins Peabody Conservatory Campus
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Knowledge of African history and tradition was crucial for me, as it provided a sense of identity, empowerment, and connection to my roots. As an African woman born in the village of Brooklyn, New York, my journey to educate myself about my history before the African Maafa has been transformative. The pre-slavery era, before the devastation caused by human trafficking that destroyed African civilizations, holds a wealth of knowledge that is essential for understanding our rich cultural heritage.
By delving into the depths of African history and traditions, I have been able to strengthen my work and teaching. This research has not only enriched my personal understanding but has also provided me with invaluable resources to incorporate into my dance classes. Utilizing dance history as a primary source in my work has allowed me to showcase the beauty and significance of African culture to my students, enabling them to appreciate and respect the heritage from which dance originated.
Understanding the origins of dance and movement is particularly empowering when navigating spaces dominated by whiteness. Knowing that all forms of movement trace back to Africa serves as a source of comfort and pride, reinforcing the significance of African contributions to the arts and culture. By sharing these insights with my students, I aim to empower them with a sense of connection to their roots and a newfound appreciation for the depth and beauty of African traditions. I encourage all educators that stand before children to enlighten themselves in the spirit of Sankofa.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Ms. Nasha Thomas has been a pillar of strength and guidance in my journey towards leadership greatness. As the executive director of Ailey Camp, she sets a high standard of excellence that she expects all directors to uphold. Through her direct instruction, tough love, and leading by example, she has pushed me to strive for greatness and exceed my own expectations.
She has instilled in me the qualities of resilience and perseverance.
In the face of challenges and setbacks, she has encouraged me to stay focused, remain positive, and keep pushing forward. Miraculously, we always come out on top. Nasha likes to call it “AileyCamp magic”.
Her unwavering support and belief in my abilities have given me the confidence to overcome obstacles and continue to grow and develop as a leader.
In addition to skills and qualities she has also helped me expand my knowledge and understanding of leadership. Through her mentorship and guidance, I have learned valuable lessons about effective leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Her wealth of experience and expertise in the field has been a source of inspiration and learning for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: aileycamp_baltimore
- Facebook: AileyCamp Baltimore
- Other: This is the registration link for AileyCamp Baltimore https://peabody.asapconnected.com/#CourseID=271376
