NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,”  grew from a now fabled performance in New York in March 1958, when Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) founded the company.  Today, led by Artistic Director Judith Jamison, Ailey has performed for an estimated 23 million people in 48 states and in 71 countries on six continents, including two historic residencies in South Africa, promoting the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance tradition. 

Ailey’s New York City Center season takes place every December, and for the third year in a row Ailey will be performing at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in 2010.  Ailey performances are family-friendly, and some offer discounted family matinee tickets.  New York City Center matinees on Saturdays include post show Q & A with Ailey dancers.  For more information on Ailey, visit www.alvinailey.org. 

Ailey has come to include Ailey II (1974), the Ailey School, Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs and the Ailey Extension, which offers dance classes to the public, on a walk-in basis.  In accordance with Mr. Ailey’s dictum “dance is for everybody,” the Ailey organization offers educational programs and dance classes to individuals, families and communities in New York City and throughout the country.

Each year, more than 5,000 students of all ages from New York City, across the country and around the globe benefit from world-class training in a full range of techniques at the Ailey School.  The Ailey School received accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Dance in 1982 and continues to flourish under the direction of Denise Jefferson.  The Ailey School trains outstanding students as professional dancers by offering a curriculum of diverse dance training of the highest professional caliber.

The Ailey Organization is also committed to bringing dance into classrooms, communities and lives of people throughout the world in the form of Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs.  Each year, more than 100,000 young people explore their creative potential and build their self-esteem while fostering an appreciation for the art of dance through special performances, lecture-demonstrations, technique classes and curriculum-based residencies.

The Ailey Extension offers classes for children and teens in a “no pressure” atmosphere.  The Extension’s toddler program, Tiny Steps, is a series of movement and creative movement classes.  Weekly classes are designed to engage children, parents and caregivers through group and individual participation.  Children develop body awareness and control while exploring their own creativity to understand the connection between dance, rhythm and music. 

The Extension’s teen classes explore ballet and hip-hop.  There is no placement audition for these classes and no prior dance experience is necessary.  This relaxed environment allows teens to gain confidence in both their dancing abilities and themselves.  For more information on the Ailey Extension’s classes for toddlers and teens, please visit www.aileyextension.com.

• Directions: Subway: A,B,C,D,1 to 59th Street-Columbus Circle or N,R,Q to 7th Avenue.

• ADA Compliant Restrooms
• Disability Access
• Gift Shops: The online dance shop sells clothing, cds and dvds, books, gift cards and more.
• On-Site Food: Bag lunches allowed only in lounge
• On-Site Parking: On streets or in commercial lot on same block.
• Space Rental
• Tours

Get involved with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

• Donations through Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Web site
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Memberships
• Subscriptions