Housing & Student Services
Summer Housing
The Ailey School offers summer housing for Professional Division and Junior Division students. 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 is limited and is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reserving Housing - Deadlines:
- Summer Housing enrollment opens on January 15, 2024.
- A $300 deposit is due by April 19 to reserve your space. (separate from tuition deposit)
- The balance of housing fees is due by May 17.
- All housing fees are non-refundable.
- Fees are subject to change.
Fordham University McMahon Hall
Fordham University 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. A chaperone program is offered for Junior Division students ages 14 - 15.
Meals are not included, but students can prepare meals in each suites full kitchen facilities.
2024 costs
Professional Division - ages 16 to 17
Cost:
$2835 - 5-week session
Junior Division - ages 14* to 15
*Students must be 14 years of age or older by June 25, 2023. (There are NO exceptions to this policy.)
Cost:
$2445 - 4-week session
The Ludlow Residence
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 with en suite bathrooms. 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 and free laundry facilities. Meals and transportation to and from The Ailey School are not included.
2024 costs
Professional Division - ages 18 and older
Cost:
$2835 - 5-week session
Off-Campus Housing
A list of independent residences and housing resources for those students in all Professional Division Programs who wish to live independently is linked in the sidebar of this page.
Academic Year Housing
Housing for students in the Certificate Program, Independent Study Program, and Scholarship Program
The Ludlow Residence
During the school year, The Ailey School offers limited housing at the Ludlow Residence for students in the Certificate, Independent Study and Scholarship Programs. The Ludlow Residence is located in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, a short subway commute from The Ailey School.
Because housing at Ludlow is subsidized by The Ailey School during the academic year, students must demonstrate financial need in order to be considered for housing. Fees are based upon each applicants demonstrated financial need and vary between $4000 and $10,000* per academic year (late-August through mid-May). Fees are per person (for single or double occupancy rooms) and do not include meals. Please be aware that submitting an application does not guarantee housing. Space is limited and rooms are granted to those with the greatest documented financial need. If you are granted housing, you will be notified of your housing cost and you will have a limited time to accept.
Housing applications are sent to students after they have been accepted and have made a tuition deposit. It is not possible to apply for housing prior to being accepted. The Ailey School Co-Director and Admissions Director review applications in May, after all auditions have taken place and acceptance notifications have been sent to students. Late applications will be considered only if there is space available in the residence.
Application Deadline - April 1
*Housing fees are subject to change.
Housing for the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program
Housing for students in the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program is available at Fordham's McMahon Hall and McKeon Hall during the academic year. Learn more at the Office of Residence Lift at Fordham University or call 212-636-7100.
Off-Campus Housing
For those students in all Professional Division Programs who wish to live independently, a list of residences and housing resources that are not affiliated with The Ailey School is linked in the sidebar of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students enrolled in the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program may be housed at Fordham University’s McMahon Hall.
Students in the Certificate Program, Independent Study Program, and Scholarship Program may apply for limited subsidized housing at the Ludlow Residence.
Please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@alvinailey.org for information on the Ludlow Residence.
The Ludlow Residence is available for students 18 and older. Please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@alvinailey.org for information on the Ludlow Residence.
Fordham University’s McMahon Hall is available for all students 14 to 17. Professional Division students that are attending the program for 3 weeks ONLY can also reside at McMahon Hall. A chaperone program is available for 14 and 15 year old students. Students must be 14 by April 1 to be eligible for housing at McMahon Hall. Please contact the Summer Housing Coordinator at housing@alvinailey.org or 212-405-9138 for information on McMahon Hal
The cost of housing at McMahon Hall includes wireless internet, free laundry facilities, and two complementary physical therapy visits with The Ailey School Physical Therapists. Meals are not included.
The cost of housing at the Ludlow Residence includes wireless internet and free laundry facilities. Meals and transportation to and from The Ailey School are not included. Complementary Physical Therapy visits are also not included but are available at an additional cost of $25 per visit (maximum of two visits per student).
No. Housing is reserved on a first come, first served basis, until all beds have been assigned. Housing deposits will only be accepted from students who have already made a tuition deposit to confirm their attendance in the summer program.
During the school year, accepted students may apply for subsidized housing at the Ludlow Residence. Subsidized housing may be awarded to students with demonstrated financial need, on a limited basis. Please email admissions@alvinailey.org for a Ludlow Housing Application Packet
Limited need-based financial assistance for summer housing is available by application . Only those students who have made a tuition deposit to the Summer Intensive may apply for housing assistance. In addition, we happily accept payments from your local, third-party supporters. You are also welcome to make small, incremental payments as long as the total housing cost is received ON or BEFORE the final payment deadline.
No. Although it is highly recommended, housing in the dormitories is optional. You may request a list of alternate housing options by emailing admissions@alvinailey.org.
McMahon Hall is located a 5 minute walk from the Ailey School at 155 West 60th Street (between 9th and 10th Aves), New York, NY 10023. There is no need for public transportation between the dormitory and the school, as students can easily walk to and from both locations.
101 Ludlow Street is a 30 minute commute by public transportation. There are several convenient subway lines that travel to and from The Ailey School. The cost of commuting is the responsibility of the residents. A monthly Metrocard is NOT included in the cost of housing.
McMahon Hall is a 20-story building with elevator service that offers apartment-style housing with a 24-hour security guard. Each air-conditioned, apartment-style suite is composed of a common room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and either 2 or 3 bedrooms that can accommodate 2 to 3 students per bedroom. There are 4 to 8 students per suite. Apartments come with basic dorm-style furnishings. Kitchens are equipped with refrigerators, electric stove-top oven, and sink.
Rooms are NOT equipped with; Televisions, microwaves, dishwashers, cooking ware, dishware, bedding, towels, toilet paper or cleaning supplies. A complete list of furnishings is included in the Housing Application packet, as well as a list of what household and comfort items to bring.
The Ludlow Residence hall is comprised of single rooms with a shared bathroom, and double rooms with a shared bathroom. The facility is full air-conditioned. Each room has a small refrigerator and a microwave. There is a large outdoor patio, a large recreation room in the basement with a large screen TV, a lounge area, and a common kitchen which is available for student use. Free laundry facilities are located in the basement.
Although a meal plan is not available during the summer, Fordham University has a cafeteria that is open from 8:30AM to 3:30PM, Monday to Friday. The Cafeteria offers prepared foods and hot meals for purchase. The cafeteria is closed during the weekends and all Fridays after the 4th of July. Cash and debit/credit cards are acceptable forms of payment in the cafeteria.
Additionally, The Ailey Boutique located on the ground floor of The Ailey School offers lunch items and healthy snack options during the weekdays. There are several diverse local eateries and grocery stores within walking distance of McMahon Hall and The Ailey School, many of which provide delivery service to the dormitory.
As a reminder, the suites at McMahon hall are equipped with basic functioning kitchens for those students who wish to prepare their own meals.
Resident Assistants and Chaperones who are employed exclusively for the Ailey Summer Intensive Students live in the dormitory and provide a congenial and supportive environment for residents.
Chaperones and RA’s go through a thorough interview, background checks, and training process. Resident Assistants are available for all Professional Division students residing at the dormitory and Chaperones are responsible for all Junior Division students residing in the dormitory. Activities are planned throughout the summer for chaperoned students and are led by Resident Assistants and Chaperones. Non-chaperoned students are also welcome to participate in planned activities. However, those students will not be monitored by or accountable to the Chaperones.
McMahon Hall: There are curfews depending on a students’ age. There is no set curfew for Professional Division students 18 years old or older.
Curfews and room checks are in effect for Summer Intensive students as follows: Junior Division students must be in their apartments by:
- 10pm Sunday-Thursday
- 11pm Friday-Saturday
Professional Division students ages 16-17 must be in their apartments by:
- 11pm Sunday-Thursday
- 12am Friday-Saturday
The Ludlow Residence: As this is a facility for adult students there is no curfew at The Ludlow Residence for any residents. There is a dedicated Ailey Resident Assistant, and a Residence Hall Director who resides on the premises.
McMahon Hall: Absolutely NO guests are permitted. Parents will be allowed to assist their sons/daughters in the dormitory during assigned Move-In and Move-Out days ONLY. Parents will not be allowed upstairs into the dormitory at any other times during the Summer Intensive Program. During the summer months, McMahon Hall houses Fordham University students and other summer guests in addition to Ailey School students. Therefore, in order to respect the privacy of the Non-Ailey residents we ask that families socialize outside of the dormitory when visiting.
Summer Intensive students who do not reside in McMahon Hall are strictly prohibited from visiting fellow students who do reside at the dormitory.
The Ludlow Residence: There is a guest policy* at The Ludlow Residence and students are required to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the on-site Ludlow Residence Hall Director. A detailed handbook will be provided for residents upon confirmation of their housing reservation.
*Guest policies may be more prohibitive due to COVID-19 protocols.
Junior Division students may leave the dormitory overnight with their parents/primary guardian or Approved Visitors only. A written request must be sent by the parent by email to the student Chaperone and Summer Housing Coordinator at least 48 hours in advance.
Professional Division students who are under the age of 18 may leave the dormitory overnight. Written request must be made by the parent. Emails must be sent to the RA On-duty and Summer Housing Coordinator at least 48 hours in advance.
Professional Division students who 18 years of age and older must sign-in daily to affirm that they are in the dormitory for the evening. While these students do not have a curfew, they are expected to sleep in the dormitory at night.
Free internet is available at McMahon Hall and at the Ludlow Residence.
No. Students are expected to maintain a neat, clean and orderly room at all times and to show respect and courtesy to their fellow cohabitants by doing so. Students must provide their own cleaning supplies, and other housekeeping items. Upon vacancy, rooms should be left in the clean condition in which they were found. Any damage or additional cleaning fees will be assessed to those students occupying the room/suite.
McMahon Hall: Washing machines and dryers are located on the 2nd, 10th and 16th floors of the dormitory for student use at no additional cost. However, students must provide their own laundry detergent.
Ludlow Residence: A large laundry room is located in the basement where students may do their laundry for free.
McMahon Hall: Students may receive mail AFTER they have moved in to the dormitory. No mail will be accepted prior to move-in or after move-out dates. Students will be assigned a mailbox and will receive a mailbox code upon Move-In. Students must present their Guest Identification card to the Mailroom staff during business hours in order to retrieve their package. Mailroom hours are 9am-5pm, Monday-Thursday and 9am-1pm on Friday and are subject to change. Fordham University does not accept responsibility for the transportation of students’ belongings. Students can only send letters with the appropriate postage from the University’s mailroom. There is a US Postal Office located at 27 West 60th Street, NY, NY 10023 from which students can mail packages home.
The Ludlow Residence: Mailboxes are assigned to students who reside at Ludlow during the academic year. Small packages and mail may be sent to students who reside at Ludlow during the summer and will be received by Security.
Unfortunately, space can only be reserved with a deposit payment and the required paperwork. Please submit payment and paperwork at the same time. (Reservations will be jeopardized if final deadlines are not met.)
The Ailey School does not provide transportation from the local airports. Students have several transit options between the airport and our two summer dormitories. Please visit www.panynj.gov/airports for more detailed information on shuttles, taxis, trains, buses and car services. An internet search will also yield results for the many shuttle buses and car services that are available.
Please contact the Summer Housing Coordinator at housing@alvinailey.org or 212-405-9138.
Students can move into McMahon Hall and the Ludlow Residence during the assigned move-in times ONLY as indicated in your housing packet.
Please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@alvinailey.org or 212-405-9513.
Students housed at the Ludlow Residence are required to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the on-site Ludlow Residence Hall Director. A detailed handbook will be provided for residents upon confirmation of their housing reservation.
Please note that because of COVID-19 safety protocols, policies at the Ludlow Residence are more stringent in order to maintain the health and safety of it's residents.
Student Services
The Ailey School offers a range of services to meet the educational, physical and personal needs of its students.
- Workshops and lectures on nutrition, health care, psychological wellness, injury prevention and other relevant topics.
- Career counseling and placement assistance
- Counseling services (staff, faculty and professional)
- Financial aid counseling
- International student services
- On-site physical therapists and treatment room
- On-site video library and reading room
- Student teaching opportunities as assistants in Junior Division classes
- On-site Ailey Boutique and concession booth
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy services to avert and treat injuries are available to students enrolled in all full-time programs. Injuries are evaluated by one of our physical therapists, who will advise on how to manage the injury and/or modify activity. More serious injuries are referred to a physician for additional treatment. These services offer an excellent opportunity for dancers to learn about their own bodies.
The on-site physical therapy room is equipped with strength and cardiovascular equipment for cross training, including:
- Lower and upper extremity bikes
- Treadmills
- Pilates Cadillac (reformer and trapeze table)
- Free weights
- Cable columns
- Balance equipment
Physical Therapy FAQ's
Academic Year: Students can sign up for an appointment with the Receptionist on the 2nd floor. A limited number of appointments are available each week. Students cannot add additional time slots if there are no more appointments available on any given day. You must make an appointment to see the Physical Therapist. "Walk-ins" are not allowed.
Summer Intensive: Physical Therapy services are limited to students living at McMahon Hall. Students can sign up for an appointment online*. You must make an appointment to see the Physical Therapist. "Walk-ins" are not allowed. A limited number of appointments are available each week. Students cannot reserve additional time slots if there are no more appointments available in their online account.
*Enrolled summer students will receive specific directions about making online appointments. Professional division students not residing at McMahon Hall should inquire about optional Physical Therapy upon enrolling in the program. Physical Therapy is not available for Junior Division students not residing at McMahon Hall.
Students should arrive no earlier than ten minutes before your appointment and check in with the student assistant in the PT room on the 3rd floor.
Students should wear appropriate clothing so that your injury can be addressed properly. For example, if your injury is a knee injury, please wear shorts and remove your shoes. For the back, wear a sports bra, not a leotard.
Students are welcome to use the equipment, but if the PT needs to work with a student, we ask that you step aside.
Students are asked to clean up after themselves: wipe down the seats with a wet wipe, put small items back where you found them. Organization is key to sharing the space with many.
Cell phone use is not permitted in the PT room. Because the room can sometimes get crowded with dancers using equipment and being treated by the PT, we ask that you keep your voice lowered.
An emergency is defined as “An urgent need for assistance or relief. A condition that would potentially require an ambulance or hospitalization.” The PT will evaluate whether this is necessary or treat you appropriately.
A chronic condition or injury that is acting up is not an emergency. A pulled muscle, an over-worked or sore muscle/tendon, or a mild sprain, are not considered emergencies. Please keep this in mind when requesting to be seen by a PT because of an “emergency”.
A recent injury that is swollen should be iced. This includes sprained ankles, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis or nerve pain. A muscle that is no longer bruised or swollen can be treated with heat.
The PT will ask you to fill out a form, take a brief history, and conduct an evaluation. If she recommends that you see a physician, she will give you information about doctors that we work with. Recommendations will be made for how to take care of the injury. If you should not dance, a note will be sent to your teachers. If modified dance is possible, this will be communicated.