Professional Division Summer Intensive (ages 16 to 25)
Summer in New York City!
June 24, 2024 to July 26, 2024
The Ailey School’s Professional Division Summer Intensive offers intermediate to advanced dancers an opportunity to train in-person in a vibrant professional environment centered in the heart of New York City’s Theater District. Motivated students ages 16 to 25* with at least three years of consistent training receive first class dance training among a student body of versatile dancers who strive for excellence.
*Age parameters are the age of student by the start of the program (not at the time of audition).
Enrollment
We will offer a 5-week session taught by our distinguished faculty. The curriculum includes ballet, Horton, Graham-based modern, and additional techniques.
The 5-week intensive includes a repertory workshop taught by a guest artist. The workshop may culminate in a performance in the Ailey Citigroup Theater.**
*Students must attend the full duration of whichever session they enroll in. We do not allow latecomers.
**Live, in-person performances are contingent upon COVID safety restrictions and may be replaced by virtual performances if necessary.
Admission
Professional Division Summer Intensive Application Procedures
Acceptance to the Summer Intensive is by submission of the following:
- an online application.
- a $20 application fee.
- an audition* - students may audition in person, OR by video.
In-Person Auditions: Audition cities and dates are be posted on our Auditions page.
*Video Auditions: An audition Video Demonstration and instructions are posted on our Video Auditions page. Students should refer to that video for specifications on video requirements.
*Note: it is NOT necessary to submit a video audition if the applicant is attending an in-person audition. Students are not permitted to do both.
Video Audition Deadline
We will start accepting video auditions on November 1. The final deadline to submit an application and video audition is March 1, 2024.
However, we recommend sending video auditions as early as possible, as we expect the program to fill before the deadline. Video applications received after the program is full will be place on a waiting list.
Tuition & Fee Information
Curriculum
Alvin Ailey believed that dancers should have the versatile training that produces a “ballet bottom and a modern top”. The training at The Ailey School is structured with this philosophy in mind.
Professional Division Summer Intensive students attend classes Monday through Friday. The weekly curriculum of 15 classes includes a daily ballet class, and a daily modern technique class of either Horton and/or Graham–based modern.
Student technique levels are determined based on their in-person audition or by their video audition. Each applicant is evaluated based on their audition performance and placed in the appropriate technique levels for their proficiency.
Scholarships: Students who exhibit the strongest technical and artistic potential for a career in dance will be considered for a merit-based scholarship based on their performance at their in-person audition or by their video audition.
Tuition & Fees
2024 Tuition costs will be announced soon!
The 2023 Professional Division Summer Intensive costs were as follows:
Costs listed below include a $50 registration fee & $300 advance deposit. Discounts are available if paid by the early payment deadlines listed.
Cost of the 5-week Summer Intensive:
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$2575 - If paid in full by 4:00pm on April 14, 2023
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$2650 - If paid in full by 4:00pm on May 5, 2023
Cost of the 3-week Summer Intensive:
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$1750 - If paid in full by 4:00pm on April 14, 2023
- $1835 - If paid in full by 4:00pm on May 5, 2023
Summer Scholarship Participation fees - 5-week session only
Students may be awarded a merit-based scholarship based on their audition. Scholarship awards cover the cost of tuition only. The following Participation fees and Housing costs are the sole responsibility of the recipient.
- Level 1 Scholarship - $250 (includes a $50 registration fee)
- Level 2 Scholarship - $375 (includes a $50 registration fee)
Scholarship fees are due in full by April 14, 2023
Other Fees during the Summer
- Audition Fee: $20
- Late Fees:
$75 applies for tuition payments received after 4:00pm on May 5, 2023
$75 applies for Scholarship fees received after 4:00pm on April 14, 2023 - Housing - available at an additional cost
All fees are non-refundable.
Housing
Professional Division Summer Housing
The Ailey School offers two housing options for Professional Division students 16 and older. It is not possible to apply for housing prior to being accepted and submitting a tuition deposit. Directions on how to apply for Summer Housing are sent to accepted students after they have made a tuition deposit to the Summer Intensive. Space in both dormitories is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, therefore we strongly recommend that you reserve housing as early as possible.
Reserving Housing:
- A $300 deposit is due to reserve your space. (separate from tuition deposit)
- All housing fees are non-refundable.
- Fees are subject to change.
Fordham University’s McMahon Hall - ages 16 to 17
Fordham University's McMahon Hall dormitory is a five minute walk from The Ailey School. McMahon Hall offers air-conditioned apartment-style housing with a 24-hour security guard. Each suite contains a common room, kitchen, bathroom, and either 2 or 3 bedrooms that can accommodate 2 to 3 students per bedroom. Apartments come with basic dorm-style furnishings. Kitchens are equipped with refrigerators, electric stove-top oven, and sink.
Included in the cost of housing is wireless internet, free laundry facilities, and two complementary physical therapy visits with The Ailey School Physical Therapists. Resident Assistants live on-site to monitor students and plan activities on weekends and evenings.
Meals are not included, but students can prepare meals in each suites full kitchen facilities.
Cost: to be determined
The Ludlow Residence ages - 18 and older
Students 18 and older may be housed at the Ludlow Residence, located in Manhattan’s vibrant Lower East Side neighborhood, a short subway commute from The Ailey School. The Ludlow Residence offers air-conditioned, single-occupancy rooms. Rooms come with basic dorm-style furnishings, a small refrigerator, and a microwave oven. The facility features a large common kitchen and an outdoor patio. A dedicated Ailey School Resident Assistant also lives on the premises to offer support to students as they acclimate navigating around New York City.
Included in the cost of housing is wireless internet, free laundry facilities, and two complementary physical therapy visits with The Ailey School Physical Therapists. Meals and transportation to and from The Ailey School are not included.
(Space at the Ludlow Residence is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.)
Cost: to be determined
Health and Safety Protocols
Mask Policy
As of March 1, 2023, the Joan Weill Center for Dance is a mask-optional environment. While masks will still be encouraged, they will not be mandatory for students, faculty, musicians and staff of The Ailey School
Masks are also optional, but strongly recommended, at the Ludlow Residence and at Fordham University McMahon Hall.
Note: A masking policy will remain in effect for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II dancers and crew, and anyone working in direct contact with these individuals.
Vaccine Policy
As of January 1, 2023, The Ailey School no longer requires students who are taking in person classes to submit proof of vaccination and booster shot for COVID-19. However, because the dance studio environment involves close contact, physical exertion, and perspiration, we strongly recommend that students continue to be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19, as well as maintaining an annual flu vaccine.
As of May 1, 2023: Student's residing at McMahon Hall and the Ludlow Residence are no longer required to submit proof of vaccination and booster shot for COVID-19. However, because communal dormitory living involves close contact we strongly recommend that students continue to be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19, as well as maintaining an annual flu vaccine.
*Health & Safety Protocols are subject to change without notice.
Off-Campus Housing
The Ailey School provides a list of independent residences and housing resources for those students in all Professional Division Programs who wish to live independently.
Email admissions@alvinailey.org for a Housing List.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, as of March 1, 2023, the Joan Weill Center for Dance became a mask-optional environment. While masks will still be encouraged, they will not be mandatory for students, faculty, musicians and staff of The Ailey School
Note: A masking policy will remain in effect for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II dancers and crew, and anyone working in direct contact with these individuals.
All protocols and FAQs are subject to change without notice.
We are complying with COVID-19 safety precautions and are keeping class sizes in each cohort under 25 - 30 students. Classes of this size will also allow faculty to have better interaction and make more focused evaluations of students work.
Please refer to Ailey Forward for the latest safety information.
Yes, a limited number of spaces will be available at the Ludlow Residence, a short subway commute from The Ailey School. Space is prioritized for out-of-state students and those who do not permanently reside within a reasonable commuting distance to The Ailey School. Housing applications will be sent to all accepted students.
Yes. Merit-based scholarships for the 6-week session* may be awarded to students who exhibit the highest potential at their audition. We regret that need-based financial aid is not available for the Summer Intensive.
*Scholarships are not available for the 3-week session.
Yes, International Students who live outside of the U.S. may submit a video audition. Students should contact the International Student Advisor for guidance on the correct visa to obtain for short-term, avocational study in the U.S.
Professional Division Students are permitted to wear colorful form fitting dance attire of their choice while adhering to the guidelines listed in the Summer Intensive Student Handbook.
All students who have attended an audition have been placed in the appropriate levels by the audition panel.
Students should keep in mind that levels at The Ailey School do not correspond to the levels at other schools. Therefore, the level you attend at your current school has no bearing on the level you will be placed in at The Ailey School.
Health & Safety FAQ
As of January 17, 2023, proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter the Joan Weill Center for Dance. However, because the dance studio environment involves close contact, physical exertion, and perspiration, we strongly recommend that students continue to be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19, as well as maintaining an annual flu vaccine.
Please note: proof of vaccination may be required in certain high risk situations.
Health & Safety Protocols are subject to change without notice.
As of May 1, 2023: Student's residing at McMahon Hall or the Ludlow Residence are no longer required to submit proof of vaccination and booster shot for COVID-19. However, because communal dormitory living involves close contact we strongly recommend that students continue to be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19, as well as maintaining an annual flu vaccine.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, we advise you complete a PCR test to eliminate the concern that you may be positive. Please remain home while waiting for your results and send them to Ailey Forward for review. After review, the Safety Task Force will provide you with instructions on how to move forward.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to the following:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Students can get a COVID-19 test at many local pharmacies, or at one of the sites listed below. Valid Health Insurance may be required at some testing sites.
NYC Health and HospitalsFree tests available.
NYC Health Express Testing - Free tests available
Regardless of your vaccination status, anyone who tests positive must do the following:
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Send an email immediately to aileyforward@alvinailey.org to inform us of your positive test result. Students who reside at the Ludlow Residence should also send an email to student-covid-alert@sva.edu.
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Isolate yourself at home for 5 days.
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If you have been fever-free for 24 hours and have no symptoms, or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house. If you still have a fever or your symptoms are not resolving, you are required to remain in isolation until your fever resolves.
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All those who test positive, as well as those who have been in direct contact with a someone who tested positive, will receive communication from The Ailey School further instructions.
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All those who reside at the Ludlow Residence will receive communication and instructions from the Ludlow Health Services.
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If you have been cleared by The Ailey School to exit isolation and return to the Ailey building after 5 days of isolation, you will be required to double mask (2 layers of mask protection) for 5 additional days.
For vaccinated + boosted (those who completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 5 months or J & J in the last 2 months + a third additional shot)
- You do NOT need to quarantine. Wear a mask when in public and monitor your symptoms. If you have no symptoms, get tested between day 3-5 after exposure (day of exposure is day 0). If you develop symptoms, get tested immediately and isolate yourself until you get your results. If you test positive, see I’ve tested positive for Covid-19.
Vaccinated, but not boosted (completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine more than 5 months ago or J & J more than 2 months who is not eligible for third shot or who hasn’t received it)
- Separate yourself from the individual that tested positive and quarantine for 5 days from the last day of exposure to the individual. If you remain asymptomatic you may exit quarantine to get tested on day 5 but continue wear a mask around other for 5 more days. If your test is positive, see FAQ What Happens if I Test Positive for Covid-19?
- If you cannot separate yourself from the positive individual (i.e you are the caregiver), then stay home with the infected individual for the duration of their isolation and begin your 5-day quarantine at the end of their isolation.
You may test positive up to 90 days after experiencing Covid. Submit official documentation and/or a doctor’s note of your positive test result to Ailey Forward. The doctor’s note should include your name, the date of your positive test result, and a statement that have fully recovered.
Isolation and quarantine help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease.
- Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
- Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.
- Stay home and away from other people for at least 5 days (day 0 is the date of your exposure). Wear a well-fitting mask when around others at home, if possible.
- If possible, stay away from people you live with, especially people who are at higher risk for severe disease or for getting very sick from COVID-19, as well as others outside your home throughout the full 10 days after your last close contact with someone with COVID-19.
- Do not travel during your 5-day quarantine period. It is best to wait until day 11 before traveling. If you must travel before the 10-days are completed, wear a well-fitting mask when you are around others for the entire duration of travel during.
- Do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask, such as restaurants and some gyms, and avoid eating around others at home and at work until after 10-days after your last close contact with someone with COVID-19.
- If you tested positive, the day of your positive test result, or the day of your first symptom is day 0.
- Symptomatic case: You developed a cough on Saturday, June 4th. You received a Covid test on June 5th and your results came back positive on June 7th. Your day 0 is June 4th and day 5 is June 9th. You may exit isolation on Day 6, June 10th.
- Asymptomatic case: You have no symptoms, but you received a covid test on June 5th and your results came back positive on June 7th. Your day 0 for monitoring symptoms starts June 5th and your recommended testing window is between June 8th-10th.
- Exposure case: Please see FAQ I have been in contact with someone who tested positive. What should I do?
Starting March 1, 2023, the Joan Weill Center for Dance became a mask-optional environment. While masks will still be encouraged, they will not be mandatory for students, faculty, musicians and staff of The Ailey School
Note: A masking policy will remain in effect for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II dancers and crew, and anyone working in direct contact with these individuals.
The mask policy at Ailey is continually under review and is guided by the level of community outbreak in New York City. All Health & Safety Protocols are subject to change.
Ailey is following all Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Dance USA guidelines on cleaning and air flow. Details can be found in Ailey Forward. In brief, Ailey will clean all studios with electrostatic sprayers, use CDC approved cleaning supplies, and maximize airflow and air filters (Merv 13 and higher) in the HVAC system. Bathrooms are fully hands-free including toilet seat activated flushing devices.
Yes, we encourage all students, faculty, musicians and staff to receive their annual flu shots.
We suggest you make a check-list to be certain you have covered some essential things, such as:
- Make sure you have a digital thermometer to monitor your temperature daily.
- Contact your primary care physician to see if they provide telehealth services.
- Make sure your health insurance is up to date, valid for the full duration of the school year, and is valid in New York State.
- Have enough CDC-recommended face masks for when circulating in crowded environments in New York, such as the the subway, in theaters, or anywhere else you wish to have extra protection.
- Have a supply of small bottles of hand sanitizer you can carry with you daily.
- Bring a basic First Aid Kit with you (ie: pain reliever/fever reducer, a supply of any personal medications you are prescribed to take by a physician, etc.).
- Make sure your Emergency Contact person is listed in your cell phone under I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency)
- Make sure The Ailey School has your current telephone number and email on file, as well as that of your emergency contact person.
Students are encouraged to email aileyforward@alvinailey.org for ongoing questions, which will be kept confidential. Please use the subject line STUDENT COVID QUESTION.
Additionally, your school leaders are here to hear! Students can email their Faculty Advisor, School Staff, or The Ailey School Co-Directors with questions.
Please visit the following links for information:
New York Forward
Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization