Professional Division Admission & Auditions

The Professional Division programs at The Ailey School are designed for dancers between the ages of 17 and 25 who wish to pursue a professional career in dance. Our programs are geared towards developing dancers with a wide range of technical skills and artistic sensibility, preparing them for the vast range of performance, choreography, and teaching opportunities available to them in today’s dance field.

How to Apply

Artistic Criteria

The Ailey School recommends that students have a minimum of 3 to 5 years consistent dance training in ballet and modern in order to be a seriously considered candidate for acceptance. Criteria for acceptance vary, depending on the structure, curriculum and requirements of each program. The audition panel decides which program is appropriate for each applicant at the audition or upon viewing of the video. Decisions are emailed to applicants within 2 to 3 weeks of the audition.

We are looking for:

• An advanced-beginner to intermediate level training in ballet and modern
• A toned, flexible, well-proportioned body
• A demonstrated sense of musicality
• A desire to explore the artistry and esthetics of movement
• A commitment to developing technical skills
• A willingness to enhance one’s sense of discipline

Audition Process

Auditions consist of abbreviated classes in ballet and Horton technique. There is no barre and students should arrive warm and ready to dance. No solos are required. Resumes and headshots are not required. An advance online application and audition fee are required. Walk-ins will not be accommodated.

Attire

Dancers should be dressed in neat, professional looking dance attire for their audition. Leotards of any color are acceptable. Leggings should convert to footless, so that students can be barefoot for the modern section of the audition. Students should wear ballet shoes for the ballet portion. Dancers should not wear shorts, leg warmers, skirts, t-shirts, or other loose-fitting clothing. Hair should be neat and pulled back away from the face and neck.

Ailey/Fordham BFA Admissions Criteria

For BFA Program Admissions Criteria, visit BFA Admissions

Junior Division Admission & Auditions

Admission to the Junior Division varies depending on the age of the student. Enrollment to the First Steps & Bounding Boys for children between the ages of 3 and 6 is on a first come-first served basis. To begin the process of enrollment, please visit the First Steps and Bounding Boys Admissions page.

Enrollment to the Pre-Professional Program for students 7 to 17 years of age is by live audition at The Ailey School. Auditions consist of an abbreviated class in Ballet. There is no barre and students should warm up prior to arrival.  Criteria for acceptance vary depending on the age of the applicant. Decisions are emailed to applicants within 2 to 3 weeks of the audition.

How to Apply

Artistic Criteria

We recommend that applicants have the following:

• Some prior dance education
• A desire to learn strong technical skills
• A willingness to develop a sense of discipline

Attire

Dancers should be dressed in neat, professional looking dance attire. Students should wear ballet shoes and tights that are convertible so you can be barefoot for the modern section of the audition. Hair should be neat and pulled back away from the face and neck.