Ailey Extension exemplifies Alvin Ailey’s legacy that dance comes from the people and should be given back to the people by making dance accessible to all people in a welcoming environment. We offer programs that enrich the lives of the community around through dance classes, workshops, student performances, panel discussions, and private groups with prominent instructors and musicians from around the world.

Ailey Extension offers public technique, dance fitness, and world dance classes and workshops to dancers of all levels, from absolute beginners to professionals. Classes are offered seven days a week in the morning, afternoon, and evening both online via Zoom and in person at the Ailey Studios. Extension instructors are experts in their fields and ensure a welcoming, non-competitive environment at all times.

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.

Classes are $15 for a single online class and $25 for a single in-studio classes. Discounts are available to first-time students, senior dancers (ages 60+), and you can save on all classes by purchasing 5 and 10-class packages. Learn more here.

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.

You can purchase single, 5, and 10-class packages at any time in Mindbody. Purchase a class package here.

You must be 16 years or older to take Ailey Extension classes and workshops.

We offer Kids & Teens classes for age 2 & 5-17 every Sunday if you or your child is not yet old enough to take our drop-in classes. Learn more about Kids & Teens classes here.

Once your account has been created and you’ve purchased a class or class package, simply click the “Sign Up Now” button next to the desired class. You will receive an automated email confirmation for your registration. Online classes are always open for registration and in-studio classes open 5 days in advance. You must reserve a spot in all in-studio classes, no walk-ins are permitted.

Please note that there are no refunds or exchanges, and all classes are non-transferrable and may not be used by another client. You may ‘early cancel’ yourself out of a class up to 1 hour before the class starts without being charged.

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

• For contemporary, Horton, and most world dance and fitness classes, we suggest you don't wear shoes or socks, just bare feet.
• For ballet, we suggest ballet shoes and leotards or other form-fitting ballet attire.
• For jazz, we suggest you wear jazz shoes or dance sneakers.
• For tap, we encourage you wear tap shoes.
• For hip-hop, please wear clean street shoes.
• For salsa and other latin style and partner dance courses, we suggest wearing a skirt and shoes with a low heel for those wishing to be a follower (typically female-presenting) or wearing trousers, a shirt, and regular shoes for those wishing to be a leader (typically male-presenting), or whatever you feel most comfortable in.

• ​Absolute Beginner (ABS BEG): for first time students with no prior experience or knowledge of technical vocabulary.
• Beginner (BEG): for students with a basic understanding of the fundamentals and foundations of the technique.
• Advanced Beginner (ADV BEG): for students with prior experience and a more comprehensive understanding of the technique and vocabulary .
• Open: open to all levels.

As you enter the Joan Weill Center for Dance, the Extension desk will be off to your right. They can let you know what studio your class is in if you don't know already and point you in the right direction.

Locker rooms and showers are available on the lower level.

The Ailey Studio locker rooms are currently operating at a limited capacity due to COVID-19. Ailey Extension students can use the lower level (LL) locker rooms for changing only, showers and lockers are currently unavailable. Masks must remain on when in the locker rooms and students are limited to a time capacity per locker room use.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask the Extension desk staff upon your arrival to the studios.

Yes. Follow these steps:

1. Find the desired class in the online schedule and select the “Sign Up Now” button and log-in to your account when prompted. Once you are logged-in you’ll come to the Make a Reservation screen where you will have the option of making a reservation for ‘Myself’ or for ‘Someone Else’.
2. Enter the name of your friend/relative in the search bar. The ‘Pay for this client?’ box will always remain checked. Since packages may not be shared, even if you have a class card, you will not have the option of using any of your packages to sign another client into class. You must purchase a new class for the requested client. Note: If you are reserving classes for yourself then proceed as usual and select ‘Myself’ so the reservation will appear under your name.
3. Select the pricing option and add to cart.

Please note that there are no refunds or exchanges, and all classes are non-transferrable and may not be used by another client. You may ‘early cancel’ yourself out of a class up to 1 hour before the class starts without being charged.

You may early cancel out of an existing class reservation up to one hour before class starts.

To cancel a reservation, log in to manage your account, navigate to "My Schedule" and click "Cancel" next to the class you to do not want to attend. You will receive an automated email confirming your cancellation.

 If you cancel your class reservation within 1 hour of the class start time, you will forfeit your spot in class and you are no longer eligible for a refund.

Each class specifies level indicating its relative difficulty. For example, Absolute Beginner Horton is a class designed for those taking class for the first time whereas Advanced Beginner Horton is for those who have slightly more experience and have taken previous levels of class. In general, classes at Ailey Extension are easier and slower-paced. If you are interested in a particular class and are concerned about the level, we suggest asking our staff what they think is right for you by emailing us aileyextension@alvinailey.org.

Many of the classes offered by The Ailey Extension program are suitable for senior. We recommend Sarita Allen's Online Restorative Stretches for Adults class if you are looking for a slow-paced adaptable fitness class focused on increasing mobility and flexibility. If you are interested in a particular fitness, technique, or world dance class, we suggest asking the Extension staff what they think is right for you by emailing aileyextension@alvinailey.org.

The Joan Weill Center for Dance is a mask-optional environment. While masks are still be encouraged, they are not mandatory for students, faculty, musicians, and staff of Ailey Extension. We continue to monitor case levels, prioritizing the safety of our community. In the event of another COVID-19 surge or a new variant of concern arises, our guidance will adjust accordingly.

Read more about our detailed in-studio policies and other FAQs about our COVID-19 procedures here.