A program of dance and fitness classes designed for the general public.  The program is comprised of beginning to intermediate-level classes offered mainly in the evenings and on Saturdays to fit into the working professional's busy schedule.  The Ailey Extension is a warm and welcoming, non-competitive environment in which to take classes taught by teachers who are experts in their fields.  All levels are welcome, from the novice to the experienced.

The Ailey Studios at The Joan Weill Center for Dance, which houses The Ailey Extension, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, and The Ailey School are located at 405 W. 55th at 9th Avenue in midtown Manhattan.

The Joan Weill Center for Dance is walking distance from Columbus Circle Station (accessible via 1, 2, 3, A, C, B, D lines) and 57th and 7th Ave. Station (accessible via N, R, & Q lines). Convenient buses include M30, M31, M57 & M11.

When you come in for your first class, we issue you an Ailey keytag. Ailey keytags are small orange & red key chain tags that have barcodes on the other side. These barcodes are unique to each student and identify you in our system. When you come to take a class, with one swipe we can bring up your account details or sign you into class if you have classes in your account. There is no monetary value attached to a keytag.

No, there is no membership fee like a gym. All classes can be taken on a walk-in basis anytime. No need to sign up in advance.

1. Click on "Prepay for Classes" or "Online Class Schedule".
2. Click on "Register".
3. Click on "New Users: Sign Up", enter your first and last names and click "Next".
4. Fill in all the required fields and click "Create Account".

Once your account is set up and you are registered in our system, you can purchase a single class or multiple classes at a discount:

1. Click on "Prepay for Classes" or "Online Class Schedule".
2. Click on "Register".
3. Login by entering Username and Password.
4. Click on "Online Store". A drop down menu will appear with class purchase options. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card are accepted.
5. Your account is automatically updated to reflect the purchase.

Once you have registered and your account has been created, you can either buy classes online or at The Ailey Studios.

1. Go to the south side of the Ailey Boutique, on the right as you enter the building.
2. In addition to credit cards, cash and travelers checks are also accepted. We do not accept personal checks.
3. Your account is automatically updated to reflect the purchase.

Once you have registered, your account has been created, you have your keytag, and you have purchased classes, enrolling is quick and easy. When you arrive at The Ailey Studios, tell our Ailey Extension staff at the right-hand corner of the security desk which class you would like to take and they will scan your keytag. That is it!

Class prices range from $16.50 for a single class to $276.45 for a 20-class card. We also offer discounts to employees of our Corporate Donors. To see if your employer participates in our Corporate Donor Program, please visit your company's website.
Class prices and fees

In general, we suggest you wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes that you can move in, like sweats, yoga pants, t-shirts, tanks, etc.

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• For Horton, West African, Afro Caribbean, Capoeira, Samba and all fitness classes, we suggest you don't wear shoes or socks, just barefeet.
• For Broadway Theater Dance, we suggest you wear jazz shoes or dance sneakers.
• For Hip-Hop, please wear clean street shoes.
• For Salsa and other partner dance courses, we suggest ladies wear a skirt and shoes with a low heel and gentlemen wear trousers, a shirt, and regular shoes (like normal everyday attire).

Each class specifies level indicating its relative difficulty. For example, Capoeira (Beg) is a beginning level Capoeira class. In general, classes at The Ailey Extension are easier and slower paced. If you are interested in a particular class and are concerned about the level, we suggest you observe the class before taking it.

The Ailey Studios have a state-of-the-art locker room with showers. Lockers are for day use only so you will need to provide your own lock. Belongings may not be kept in lockers overnight.

You must be 16 years or older to take any open enrollment classes at The Ailey Studios, including those offered by The Ailey School.

Many of the classes offered by The Ailey Extension program are suitable for the elderly. If you are interested in a particular class, we suggest you observe the class before taking it.

The Ailey Boutique offers a wide variety of dance and fitness wear featuring the Ailey logo. Hours of operations are Monday through Thursday 9:00am - 7:30pm and Friday and Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm.

• Novice:  For the absolute beginner. No dance training necessary. Not available in Professional Classes.
• Advanced Beginner:  Some dance/movement experience suggested (minimum 1 year prior training).*
• Intermediate:  Prior dance training required (minimum of 3-4 years of prior training 2 or more times weekly).
• Advanced / Professional:  Assumes 5+ years of prior daily dance training in ballet or modern techniques; not recommended for beginners.
• Open:  Open to all levels.

*Professional Classes start at the Advanced Beginner level, which recommends at least 2-3 years prior training at least twice per week.