Ailey Extension Announces Workshops and Holiday Classes

In conjunction with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's New York City Center season, the Ailey Extension presents workshops taught by acclaimed choreographers and instructors throughout December, as well as special dance fitness events to ring in 2017. From mambo to ballet, these unique workshops and special classes allow novice, intermediate, and professional students to explore techniques and choreography at New York's largest building dedicated to dance.

Choreographer of the Cuban-inspired work Open Door as well as Grace and Four Corners, Ronald K. Brown will teach a special Guest Artist Series on Thursday, December 8th at 6:30 p.m. Students can immerse themselves in Ronald's signature style, infusing west modern with traditional contemporary and social dance forms from the U.S., Senegal, Cuba and Ivory Coast. Ronald, who first began choreographing for the Ailey organization 20 years ago, illustrates how classical lines in ballet are essential to dance moves from Guinea, and helps students at all levels develop the versatility to be able to transition from one style to the next. The following week on Wednesday, December 14th, Ronald will be honored during a special Ailey performance at New York City Center.

A few days after the world premiere of her new work r-Evolution, Dream., Hope Boykin steps Beyond the Stage to lead a workshop on Monday, December 12th at 6:30 p.m., bringing her professional experience to the classroom. As a veteran Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company member and celebrated teacher, Hope gives students an understanding of physical expression and the necessary tools to improve technique. Beginning with a Horton warm-up and live accompanist, this workshop open to all levels is an in-depth study of choreography.

On Saturday, December 17th and Sunday, December 18th three workshops explore cultural dance styles and classical techniques, which will reoccur at the Ailey Extension monthly. New York Style Mambo with Katherine Jimenez on Saturday, December 17th at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. takes the high-energy and infectious rhythms of Mambo, adding occasional exaggerated, long movements with sharp quick steps. Afro Flow Yoga™ with Pilin Anice on Sunday, December 18th at 2:00 p.m. marries dance movements of the African Diaspora with meditative yoga sequences of gentle powerful stretches. Finis Jhung's Let's Dance! Ballet Intensive on Sunday, December 18th at 4:00 p.m. is designed for advanced beginners, teaching basic floor-traveling dance steps and the fundamentals of movements and jumps.

Culminating the year in celebration, Zumba dance parties are offered on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day at 11:30 a.m. Ailey Extension instructors Richard Martinez and Jose Ozuna teach uplifting, high-energy workouts that fuses Latin and international music with dynamic moves and combinations.

In addition to these workshops, Ailey Extension offers over 25 diverse dance and fitness classes taught by expert instructors, such as jazz, Pilates, West African, hip-hop. Seven days a week, students at all levels can join in the dance at The Joan Weill Center for Dance. To learn more about the Ailey Extension and for the complete class schedule, visit aileyextension.com.

WORKSHOPS & HOLIDAY CLASSES HIGHLIGHTS

Guest Artist Series with Ronald K. Brown

Thursday, December 8th, 6:30-8:00 p.m. / $25

Beyond the Stage with Hope Boykin

Monday, December 12th, 6:30-8:30 p.m. / $30

N.Y. Style Mambo with Katherine Jimenez

Saturday, December 17th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Beginner) & 7:30-8:30 p.m. (Intermediate) / $25

Afro Flow Yoga™ with Pilin Anice

Sunday, December 18th, 2:00-3:30 p.m. / $20

Let's Dance! Ballet Intensive with Finis Jhung

Sunday, December 18th, 4:00-6:00 p.m. / $30

Zumba New Year's Eve Dance Party with Richard Martinez

Saturday, December 31st, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. / $25

New Year's Day Zumba with Jose Ozuna

Sunday, January 1st, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. / $25

ABOUT AILEY EXTENSION

Since its inception in 2005, Ailey Extension has fulfilled Mr. Ailey's life-long commitment of bringing dance to everyone by offering "real classes for real people." Ailey Extension offers over 25 different dance and fitness techniques such as Horton, Ballet, Masala Bhangra, West African, Samba, Jazz, Zumba, House and Hip-Hop. Over 125,000 people have taken classes at Ailey's home, New York's largest building dedicated to dance, where dancers of all levels and walks of life can learn and be inspired - body, mind, and spirit! For additional press materials, including photos, videos, and class descriptions, visit pressroom.alvinailey.org.

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