Professional Division (ages 17 to 25) 

Acceptance to the Certificate Program and Scholarship Program is by live audition only. Acceptance to the Independent Study and Summer Intensive Programs is by live audition, or by video audition demonstrating proficiency in ballet and modern.

Video auditions are no longer being accepted for the 2020-2021 school year. 

Ailey/Fordham BFA Admissions

BFA applicants please refer to the BFA admissions procedures, as they differ from the other Professional Division Programs.   

Auditions

Auditions are held at The Ailey School, throughout the United States, and in select cities in Canada. Auditions are scheduled between January and April. Auditions consist of abbreviated classes in ballet, Horton or Graham-based modern technique. There is no barre and students should warm-up prior to arrival. Solos are not required. Students do not need to bring head shots or resumes.

Advance online registration is mandatory. Walk-ins will not be accommodated.

Video auditions

Applicants to the Independent Study Program who do not live within a reasonable distance to an audition site may apply by submitting an online application and a video audition. Applicants must adhere to The Ailey School Video Audition Guidelines and demonstrate proficiency in ballet and modern dance. Videos that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered.

Attire

Dancers should be dressed in neat, professional looking dance attire (i.e.: leotard and tights for women; tee shirt and tights for men). Students should bring ballet shoes to the audition and wear tights that are convertible so you can be barefoot for the modern section of the audition. Women’s hair should be neat and pulled back away from the face and neck.  

Junior Division (ages 3 – 17)

COVID-19 UPDATE FOR FALL 2020

At this time, we are unable to accept new students and in-person auditions have been cancelled until further notice. For more information, please visit the FAQ page and select COVID-19 – Junior Division 2020-2021 School Year FAQ’s.

Pre-Professional Program (ages 3-17)

All new students are required to attend a live audition for acceptance in the Pre-Professional Program. Students should be dressed in ballet attire for the audition. Parents should be prepared to enroll and pay immediately after the audition (if accepted) to guarantee their child’s place in the program. Advance registration for the audition is strongly suggested, as auditions tend to fill up quickly.

Pre-Professional Scholarship Program (ages 15-17)

Acceptance to the Scholarship Program is by live audition only, held every semester at The Ailey School.

Students must re-audition annually in order to maintain their Scholarship. Auditionees should be prepared to take ballet and modern classes. Please view the School dress code for appropriate audition attire. Scholarship support may be extended for as long as five years for those who enroll while still in high school.

Audition Requirements

Auditions

Auditions for the Pre-Professional Program are held at The Ailey School several times a year. Summer Intensive auditions are also held throughout the United States, and in select cities in Canada. Auditions are scheduled between December and April and consist of abbreviated classes in ballet, Horton or Graham-based modern technique.  There is no barre and students should warm-up prior to arrival. Solos are not required.  Students do not need to bring head shots or resumes.

Advance online registration is mandatory. Walk-ins will not be accommodated.

Video auditions

Applicants to the Summer Intensive who do not live within a reasonable distance to an audition site may apply by submitting an online application and a video audition. Applicants must adhere to the Junior Division Video Audition Guidelines and demonstrate proficiency in ballet. Videos that do not contain the required materials will not be viewed.
Video submission deadline:
Summer Intensive: April 1
Applicants who submit videos after the deadline will be subject to placement on a wait list

Attire

Dancers should be dressed in neat, professional looking dance attire (i.e.: leotard and tights for women; tee shirt and tights for men). Students should bring ballet shoes to the audition and wear tights that are convertible so you can be barefoot for the modern section of the audition. Women’s hair should be neat and pulled back away from the face and neck.  

Summer Intensive 

Acceptance to both the Professional Division (ages 16 and older) and Junior Division (ages 11 to 15) Summer Intensive is by live audition or by video audition demonstrating proficiency in ballet and modern.

Live auditions

Auditions are held at The Ailey School, throughout the United States, and in select cities in Canada. Auditions are scheduled between December and April.  Auditions consist of abbreviated classes in ballet, Horton or Graham-based modern technique.  There is no barre and students should warm-up prior to arrival. Solos are not required.   Students do not need to bring head shots or resumes.

Advance online registration is mandatory. Walk-ins will not be accommodated.

Video auditions

Applicants who do not live within a reasonable distance to an audition site may apply by submitting an online application and a video audition. Applicants must adhere to the video audition guidelines for their Division.

Professional Division Video Guidelines - Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in ballet and modern dance.  

Junior Division Video Guidelines - Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in ballet. 

Videos that do not contain the required material will not be viewed.
Deadline for video submission: April 1

Attire

Dancers should be dressed in neat, professional looking dance attire (i.e.: leotard and tights for women; tee shirt and tights for men). Students should bring ballet shoes to the audition and wear tights that are convertible so you can be barefoot for the modern section of the audition. Women’s hair should be neat and pulled back away from the face and neck.