First Steps and Bounding Boys (ages 3 to 6)

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The Ailey School
Creative Movement, Ages 3-6
First Steps and Bounding Boys (ages 3 to 6)
Admissions

Program Details Admissions Tuition & Fees FAQs

Program Details

First Steps Program

Three to six-year-old students develop mind and muscle memory through a series of fun exercises that lay the groundwork for learning proper dance technique. Students are introduced to basic dance vocabulary as they develop a sense of body, spatial, and musical awareness, while exploring their own creativity. Classes include live music and are led by an instructional team dedicated to providing each child with a fun-filled joyous introduction to dance.

Classes convene once per week (on either Saturday or Sunday) and are split into three age groups.

First Steps I: age 3 and 4
First Steps II: age 5
First Steps III: age 6

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Rosalie O'Connor

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Rosalie O'Connor

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Rosalie O'Connor

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Rosalie O'Connor

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Rosalie O'Connor

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Rosalie O'Connor

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Rosalie O'Connor

Bounding Boys Program

Bounding Boys offers a creative, athletic experience for young students, ages 5 and 6, to develop dance skills and coordination through music, movement and tumbling techniques.

Classes are once per week on Saturday:

Bounding Boys II/III: ages 5 and 6

A dress code is strictly enforced for both programs. To purchase dress code items, please visit The Ailey Boutique located inside The Ailey School. For store hours, please call 212-405-9100.

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The Ailey School's Bounding Boys Program, photo by Rosalie O'Connor

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The Ailey School's First Steps Program, photo by Rosalie O'Connor

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The Ailey School's Bounding Boys Program, photo by Rosalie O'Connor

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The Ailey School's Bounding Boys Program, photo by Rosalie O'Connor

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The Ailey School's Bounding Boys Program, photo by Rosalie O'Connor

Admissions

For information on training for ages 7-17, please visit the Pre-Professional Program page.

*Auditions are not required for the First Steps and Bounding Boys Program.

Registration for the Spring 2023 Term begins on January 5th. For more information about the First Steps and Bounding Boys Program, including upcoming Junior Division Open Houses, fill out the inquiry form below.

Inquire Now-First Steps and Bounding Boys

To view a sample schedule, click below.

Class Offerings

Important Dates

Saturday, December 10, 2023 – Junior Division Open House.

Thursday, January 5, 2023 – Junior Division enrollment opens for the Spring Term.

Saturday, January 21, 2023 – First day Spring Term in-person dance classes.

Thursday, January 28, 2023 – Junior Division enrollment closes for the Spring Term.

Saturday, May 6, 2023 – Last day of classes for First Steps and Bounding Boys.

Tuition & Fees

Annual tuition for First Steps & Bounding Boys is $1330. For more detailed information on payment plans, deadlines, and discounts, please see the Tuition and Fees Price Chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: FAQs listed below pertain to procedures at The Ailey School prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and may not be applicable during the current school year. Click here for current FAQ's

How do I enroll my child in the First Steps and Bounding Boys Program (ages 3 to 6)?

To begin the process of enrollment, please visit the First Steps and Bounding Boys Admissions page.

Is my child required to audition for First Steps and Bounding Boys?

No, First Steps and Bounding Boys are introductory classes that do not require an audition for participation.

What styles of dance will my child learn?

First Step and Bounding Boys curriculum is creative movement based allowing students to learn foundational technique for future dance training.

What is the difference between First Steps and Bounding Boys?

Both programs are designed to facilitate the first steps your child will take in establishing a solid foundation for future dance training. Bounding Boys is an extension of First Steps that offers a more athletic approach to developing dance skills through creative movement.

What is the dress code?

Dress code is strictly enforced for both programs.

First Steps: Solid red leotard.
Bounding Boys: Red Ailey shirt and black biker shorts.

To purchase dress code items, please visit The Ailey Boutique located inside the Ailey School. For store hours, please call 212-405-9100.

Will there be opportunities to observe my child’s class?

Yes, parents will have the opportunity to observe class during Parent Observation Week.

Do First Steps and Bounding Boys classes have a performance?

Yes, First Steps and Bounding Boys students with participate in an in-studio performance at the end of this year.

Does my child have to take all of the classes assigned to him/her?

Yes! Because the Junior Division Program is curriculum-based, students must participate in every class assigned to his or her level in order to meet the requirements to advance to the next level.

Does my child have to attend classes on Saturdays?

Yes. Junior Division Students must attend all of the classes scheduled for their level.

How much is the tuition?

Tuition fees are based on the level and program in which the student is placed. Please visit Tuition and Fees for details.

Are there scholarships?

Yes, intermediate and advanced students between the ages of 15-17 may audition for merit-based scholarships. Scholarship audition dates and times will be posted on the Audition Calendar or email juniordivision@alvinailey.org for more information.

What day and time would my child's classes take place?

Class schedules are based on student placement and class levels.

What is the attendance and lateness policy?

Students are allowed 5 excused absences per term. If a student will be absent from class, it is best that the parent fills out the Absence Notification Form. Students are permitted a 10-minute grace period for lateness. After the grace period elapses, students will not be allowed in the classroom.

Will my child get a Feedback Form that indicates their artistic progress and grades?

In lieu of traditional academic Report Cards, The Ailey School issues written Feedback Forms that are an overview of your child’s growth and development.