History

The Ailey School is proud of its history of developing accomplished, well-rounded women and men who have been forging successful careers as artists, educators, and performers since Alvin Ailey first opened his school in Brooklyn in 1969. Our alumni  often credit The Ailey School's diverse curriculum for making them proficient in several dance techniques and styles, and helped hone their artistry, choreographic skills, and powers of analysis. They credit the School's staff and faculty in helping them foster expressiveness, flexibility and ability to take risks.

Community

While virtually thousands of Ailey School alumni are making waves in the dance community around the globe, many remain close to home and can often be found in our studios taking classes, teaching at the Ailey Extension, choreographing and setting new works on Ailey School students, and working as professionals in the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation. Ailey School Alumni have demonstrated the power of giving back by serving as mentors and cultivating friendships with the close knit community of students who are currently pursuing their dreams at The Ailey School.

Careers

For over 50 years, alumni of our BFA, Scholarship, Certificate, and Independent Study Programs have forged successful careers across the globe in a wide range of leading dance companies, Broadway productions, on cruise ships, and in films and video. Many have become choreographers, producers, artistic directors, arts administrators, costume designers, and dance teachers. Others have studied at prestigious conservatories, colleges and universities, pursuing advanced degrees and careers as dance educators. 75% of the dancers of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater are graduates of The Ailey School. Below is a list that reflects the wide scope of careers our alumni are engaged in.

• Ain't Too Proud on Broadway
• Alonzo King/LINES Ballet
• An American In Paris on Broadway
• Ballet Black (Great Britain)
• Ballet Hispanico
• Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Companie
• Cedar Lake Dance Company
• Cirque du Soleil
• Complexions Contemporary Ballet
• Dallas Black Dance Theater
• Elisa Monte Dance 
• Evidence, A Dance Company / Ron K. Brown
• The Forsythe Company (Germany)
• Hamilton! on Broadway
• Hubbard Street Dance
• Jose Limon Dance Company
• The King and I on Broadway
• The Lion King on Broadway
• Lar Lubovich Dance Company
• Mark Morris Dance Group
• Martha Graham Dance Company
• Metropolitan Opera Ballet
• Nederlands Dance Theater
• Parsons Dance Company
• Pascal Rioult Dance Theater
• Radio City Rockettes 
• Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company
• Taylor 2
• West Side Story (National Tour)

We love to hear from all our alumni so please email us and let us know what you are up to!