First Steps & Bounding Boys Program Overview
Overview
Learn and grow! Create and play! Have fun and dance!
Our First Steps and Bounding Boys Programs are for children ages 3 to 6 years old. The programs are designed to give each child personalized instructional support and attention. All First Steps and Bounding Boys classes have an instructional team comprised of a primary teacher, 1 to 3 Teaching Assistants who are either current students or alumni of The Ailey School, and a live accompanist. We strive to create a warm, supportive, and inviting atmosphere for your child.
First Steps Curriculum
In this program, 3 to 6-year-old students develop their mind and muscle memory through a weekly series of fun exercises that lay the groundwork for proper dance technique. They develop body awareness and control while exploring their own creativity and develop an understanding of the connection between dance, rhythm, and music. Children are encouraged to think creatively and listen attentively while they develop rhythmic awareness and learn the healthy habit of exercising at an early age.
Classes convene once per week (on either Saturday or Sunday) and are split into three age groups.
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First Steps I: age 3 and 4
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First Steps II: age 5
- First Steps III: age 6
Bounding Boys Curriculum
An extension of the First Steps program, Bounding Boys offers a creative, athletic experience for young dancers, ages 4-6, to develop dance skills and coordination through music, movement, and tumbling techniques.
Classes are once per week on Saturday:
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Bounding Boys I: age 4
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Bounding Boys II: age 5
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Bounding Boys III: age 6
Dress Code
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.


















First Steps & Bounding Boys Enrollment
Fall Enrollment begins soon!
Auditions are not required for the First Steps and Bounding Boys Program. Enrollment happens twice a year; in the fall and spring, on a first-come, first-served basis. Parent Observation Days offer families the opportunity to watch classes and meet the faculty. Fun studio presentations are scheduled at the end of each term.
Regular Open House events are scheduled and offer opportunity to ask questions, visit our facility, and meet the program administrators and faculty.
Enrollment for the fall term begins on June 7 at 12:00noon.
Class Offerings
Classes for our 2023-2024 First Steps Program will be held once a week on Saturdays. The school year commences in September and ends in May.
To view the tentative class schedule, click below.
2023-2024 School Year Enrollment Timeline*
May 25 - Re-enrollment opens (for families enrolled during the 2022-2023 school year).
June 7 at 12:00 noon - Enrollment for new families opens.
September 9 - First Day of First Steps and Bounding Boys classes.
Note: If your child is matriculating from First Steps III or Bounding Boys III into the Pre-Professional Program, visit the Junior Division Resource page.
*Dates are subject to change.
For information on training for ages 7-17, please visit the Pre-Professional Program page.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition & Fees
Annual tuition for First Steps & Bounding Boys is $1370. For more detailed information on payment plans, deadlines, and discounts, please see the Tuition and Fees Price Chart.
*Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
To begin the process of enrollment, please visit the First Steps and Bounding Boys Enrollment page.
No, First Steps and Bounding Boys are introductory classes that do not require an audition for participation.
First Step and Bounding Boys curriculum is creative movement based allowing students to learn foundational technique for future dance training.
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.
Dress code is strictly enforced for both programs.
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First Steps: Solid red leotard.
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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.
Yes, parents will have the opportunity to observe class during Parent Observation Week.
Yes, First Steps and Bounding Boys students with participate in an in-studio performance at the end of this year.
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.
Yes. Junior Division Students must attend all of the classes scheduled for their level.
Tuition fees are based on the level and program in which the student is placed. Please visit Tuition and Fees for details.
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.
Class schedules are based on student placement and class levels.
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.
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.