Ailey Extension Brings Dance To Future Generations With Summer Workshops & Weekly Classes

This summer, Ailey Extension is offering a variety of unique dance programs for young, aspiring dancers. With one or two-week performance intensives and weekly training classes taught by New York City's premiere choreographers and instructors, kids and teens can enjoy developing technique, enhancing musicality, and releasing creative expression. All classes take place at The Joan Weill Center for Dance - home of the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, and The Ailey School.

AILEY EXPERIENCE (AGES 10-18)

Ailey Experience NYC Jr. (Monday-Friday, August 6-17, 10am-3pm), open to kids ages 10-12, offers the finest dance experience for young students of all levels by providing a variety of dance technique classes, such as Ballet, Horton (the modern dance technique seen in Alvin Ailey's Revelations), Hip-Hop, West African, and Broadway Jazz, taught by top instructors from around the world. Each class is designed to encourage creativity through dance and music, allowing students to gain confidence and build self-esteem in a fun, nurturing environment. In one week, participants will learn original choreography to perform for family and friends at The Ailey Studios. No prior dance experience is required.

Modified for students between ages 13-18, Ailey Experience NYC (Monday-Friday, August 6-17, 10am-6pm) gives dancers the opportunity to take master classes and train with distinguished Ailey instructors in a variety of techniques, including Ballet, Horton, Afro-Cuban, Hip-Hop, and Broadway Jazz. Participants will learn original choreography in two repertory rehearsals culminating with a final showcase. With 10 technique classes and 20 hours of rehearsals per week, dancers get a glimpse of what it's like to be a student at The Ailey School and find the confidence to express their individuality while working as an ensemble.

HEARTS OF MEN (AGES 13+)

Founded and directed by critically acclaimed choreographer Frederick Earl Mosely in 2011, Hearts of Men (Monday-Friday, August 19-September 2, 9am-6pm) brings together many generations of men, ages 13 and older, in one circle of shared experience. Broadening training beyond performance, Hearts of Men recognizes that male dancers have few opportunities to collaborate and share artistic expression with one another. The late, legendary Ailey dancer Dudley Williams, and current Company members Matthew Rushing and Clifton Brown have participated in the workshop, along with other greats like Darius Crenshaw and Brian Harlan Brooks. The two-week workshop provides professional technical training, repertory work created by premiere choreographers, improvisation workshops, and career development. The intensive ends with three performances at the Ailey Citigroup Theater.

DROP-IN CLASSES ON SUNDAYS (AGES 8-17)

Previously offered as a multi-week series, Ailey Extension's Hip-Hop, Ballet, and Broadway Jazz classes for kids and teens are now also available on a drop-in basis every Sunday from July 8-July 29. Hip-Hop 4 Kids and Teen Hip-Hop teach students basic body isolations, precision, performance quality, and choreography featured in today's popular music culture. Ballet 4 Kids and Teen Ballet develop technique with a focus on correct posture, flexibility, strength training, and ballet vocabulary. Teen Broadway Jazz is a fun, high energy class that explores the expressive styles of jazz. Information on class age ranges and prices are listed below.

Seven days a week, Ailey Extension offers "real classes for real people" in over 25 different dance and fitness styles for students 16 years or older. For the complete weekly schedule or to register, visit www.aileyextension.com.

SUMMER CLASSES

Kids Extension Drop-In Classes

Sundays, July 8-July 29, Times Vary

Hip-Hop 4 Kids (Ages 8-11), Ballet 4 Kids (Ages 10-11)

$34 per class

Teens Extension Drop-In Classes

Sundays, July 8-July 29, Times Vary

Hip-Hop, Ballet, Broadway Jazz (Ages 12-17)

$34 per class

SUMMER WORKSHOPS

Ailey Experience NYC Jr. (Ages 10-12)
Monday-Friday, August 6-17, 10am-3pm

One week: $675 | Two weeks: $1,200

Ailey Experience NYC (Ages 13-18)
Monday-Friday, August 6-17, 10am-6pm
One week: $675 | Two weeks: $1,200

Hearts of Men (Ages 13 and older)

Monday-Friday, August 19-September 2, 9am-6pm

One Week: $125 | Two Weeks: $225 | Two Weeks & Performance: $300