Professional Classes
Ballet
The dance standard for grace and precision of movement, ballet sculpts the entire body while promoting flexibility, proper alignment, and strength. The Ailey School offers a range of ballet levels from II-VII, as well as Men's Ballet, Pointe, and Barre à Terre.
Dunham
Steeped in ballet fundamentals, the legendary Katherine Dunham's polyrhythmic technique incorporates an eclectic fusion of Afro-Caribbean dance from Jamaica, Martinique, and Haiti. Live Caribbean drumming accompanies this class.
Graham-based Modern
Cultivated in the 1920s by Martha Graham, this codified modern technique develops deep core stability through breathwork, contraction and release, while moving through space. Classes are split into three equal segments of floorwork, standing work in the center, and travel combinations across the floor to develop a strong, expressive torso as the source of movement.
Horton
A modern technique based on Native American dances, anatomical studies, and other movement influences. Codified classes incorporate 17 "fortification studies" that each focus on a different idea, such as descent/ascent and laterals, or body parts such as the Achilles tendon or abdominals. Class then progresses across the floor with movement phrases, turns, and single-foot arch springs.
Jazz
Energetic and dynamic, The Ailey School's jazz classes incorporate diverse styles including lyric, blues, hip hop, and Broadway.
Tap
Four instructional components comprise this approach to Tap, starting with strengthening exercises at the barre, through choreography, and progressions across the floor. All parts of the body are used in the development of more complex technical skills.
West African
An energetic union of music, dance, and oral tradition of the people of West Africa. Live drumming accompanies each class.
Yoga / Body Conditioning / Stretch
These classes focus on the connection between mind, body, and breath to build strong foundations and toned, agile bodies.