Yes, all students, staff, faculty, administration, and visitors to the Joan Weill Center for Dance must be fully vaccinated* and boosted** for Covid-19 with an approved vaccine, as described in the Vaccination Policy.
*Fully vaccinated means that two weeks have passed since you received two doses of a two-dose vaccine, or a single dose of a one-dose vaccine considered effective by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and/or the World Health Organization (“WHO”).

**Upon the advice from Ailey’s medical team and the AGMA Playbook updated December 21, 2021, Emergency Guidance on Omicron Surge, Ailey has instituted a COVID booster shot mandate for those who are eligible (more than 5 months from your Moderna or Pfizer or 2 months from JJ) to receive it. Under this mandate, those who do not have an Ailey-approved exemption from vaccination must get a booster shot when eligible and supply Ailey with proof of that booster shot. All booster-eligible individuals must complete their vaccines.

For answers to questions such as, "When am I fully vaccinated?" and "If I am fully vaccinated, do I have to quarantine if I am exposed to an individual who tests positive for Covid-19?", visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Students requesting an exemption should send an email the following people for further instructions, depending on your Division:

• Junior Division Students contact Dawn Tricarico, Associate Director of the Junior Division, at dtricarico@alvinailey.org.
• Professional Division Students contact JoAnne Ruggeri, Director of Admissions, at jruggeri@alvinailey.org.

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, staff, faculty, and musicians who are fully vaccinated and boosted* for COVID-19 do not need to submit a test prior to entering the building.

Those individuals who have been approved for a vaccine and/or booster exemption or accommodation must submit a negative COVID-19 nasal swab PCR Test no more than three (3) days prior to their first entry to the building, and on a weekly basis thereafter (as detailed in their exemption approval letter). Test results must be submitted to aileyforward@alvinailey.org in order to receive clearance to enter the building

In addition, all students must utilize the HealthCheck app on a daily basis.

*Fully vaccinated and boosted is defined as having received 2 doses of a 2-dose vaccine plus one booster shot; or 1 dose of a single-dose vaccine plus one booster shot no less than 2 weeks prior to the first entry to the building, as described in the Vaccine Policy.

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

LABQ 24-hr PCR results

CareCube Same Day PCR results

Mount Sinai Hospital Urgent Care

NYC.gov - testing sites

Mobile Testing Sites

Regardless of your vaccination status, anyone who tests positive must do the following:  

• 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.

• Isolate yourself at home for 5 days. 

• 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. 

• 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.  

• All those who reside at the Ludlow Residence will receive communication and instructions from the Ludlow Health Services.

• 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 4^th. You received a Covid test on June 5^th and your results came back positive on June 7^th. Your day 0 is June 4^th and day 5 is June 9^th. You may exit isolation on Day 6, June 10^th.
  • Asymptomatic case: You have no symptoms, but you received a covid test on June 5^th and your results came back positive on June 7^th. Your day 0 for monitoring symptoms starts June 5^th and your recommended testing window is between June 8^th-10^th.
  • Exposure case: Please see FAQ I have been in contact with someone who tested positive. What should I do?

The HealthCheck by Stratum app is a health screening app used to screen for potential COVID-19 related symptoms prior to students entering the building. Your child must complete the HealthCheck screening in the app the morning before leaving home.

If it is determined that students are completing the HealthCheck app just prior to entering the Ailey building, admittance will be denied. If students receive a yellow or red notification admittance to the building will be denied.

Healthcheck user instructions>
Healthcheck password reset>
Healthcheck FAQ’s>

Yes. For the safety of everyone in the building, all students, faculty, musicians, administrative staff, and company dancers are always required to wear a surgical mask in the studios and in public areas of the building.  Ailey will also have enough disposable masks, gloves, face shields (upon special request), hand sanitizers, and wipes on hand for everyone in the building. 

Ailey also recommends that everyone entering the building consult NY Forward and CDC to learn about cloth masks in order to make personal decisions regarding mask usage.  Ailey does NOT recommend gaitors, fleece, or bandanas. Fabric masks should be washed at home frequently. 

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 daily wear at The Ailey School.
• 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
 

Junior Division will be offering a schedule of classes for a limited number of students in Levels III, IV, V and VI/VII.

We thank you for your continued interest in training at The Ailey School. At this time, we are unable to accept new students and in-person auditions have been canceled until further notice. Feel free to check our website for updates. Inquiries may be directed to JuniorDivision@alvinailey.org.

Due to limited staffing resources and the necessity for modified use of conditioning and learning spaces at the Joan Weil Center for Dance, it has been determined that Junior Division will have the capacity to offer programming suitable for and limited to older students in Levels III-VII for this academic year.

Online Classes

• An internet-enabled device with webcam to participate in Zoom classes
• Reliable internet access
• A safe moving space clear of obstructions
• The ability to log in and out of Google Classrooms and Zoom independently
• If desired, students may choose to purchase marley floors or ballet barres, but these items are not required

In-Person Classes

• Masks will be required at all times in The Ailey Studios
• A bottle of water
• A cell phone (for contact tracing app. & building entry)
• A supply of small bottles of hand sanitizer you can carry with you daily
• A basic First Aid Kit (ie: pain reliever/fever reducer, a supply of any personal medications you are prescribed to take by a physician, etc.)

To reduce the number of people in the building at one time, parents will not be permitted into the building. Drop off and pick up procedures will be announced at the start of the academic year.

Level placements for the 2021-2022 Academic Year have been determined based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, proficiency in ballet and modern, instructor recommendations, and informal observation prior to Ailey School closure in March 2020. Previous evaluations and attendance records were also reviewed to determine level placement.

Please review the Dress Code.

The Ailey School Bursar has contacted all families with remaining credits on their accounts. If your questions are not addressed by that email, contact the Bursar directly at bursar@alvinailey.org for more information.

Under the Ailey umbrella of educational programming is another resource available for your consideration: The Ailey Extension Program. The Ailey Extension offers a variety of classes for Kids and has no audition requirement. For more information, please visit www.aileyextension.com. 

Health & Safety Questions: aileyforward@alvinailey.org.
Please cc: dtricarico@alvinailey.org.

Questions and information about the program: juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org.

Registration assistance: juniordivisionregistrar@alvinailey.org.

Payment questions: bursar@alvinailey.org.

No, students under the age of 16 cannot participate in professional level classes, regardless of their years of training or proficiency.

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.

Some school year discounts are available if certain eligibility requirements are met during enrollment. For example, a 10% discount applies when tuition is paid in full in ONE installment by the deadline. Review enrollment materials for more details.

Once in Level 3 or higher, students in need can request some tuition assistance twice per school year (if the student was enrolled the previous academic year). Application instructions are provided during re-enrollment with the assigned schedule. First year students are not eligible. Tuition Assistance is different from the merit-based Scholarship Program. They cannot be combined. Tuition Assistance can only be combined with tuition discounts.

Scholarships are not available for this program.

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

Class schedules are based on student placement and class levels.

Students are not allowed to sample a class. Anyone participating in Junior Division classes must be enrolled in the Junior Division program.

No, students must participate in the full curriculum of classes assigned to their level. There are no open classes available in the Junior Division.

Hip Hop is not a part of our curriculum. Students interested in Hip Hop classes should contact the Ailey Extension for information on their Teen Extension Hip Hop classes.

Enrollment for the First Steps/Bounding Boys program takes place annually in late July. Enrollment takes place online and is on a first-come/first-served basis and tends to fill quickly.  
If you are interested in being placed on a waiting list at any time of the year other than the July enrollment period, please email juniordivision@alvinailey.org providing the following information and a packet will be mailed to you:

• Parent's name
• Student's/child's name
• Student's/child's date of birth
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Email address

The placement of Junior Division students is determined by their proficiency in ballet.

If your child is going to miss class, please email jdattendance@alvinailey.org and include the student's name and level in the subject line. (Example: Jane Smith, 2A-3)

Parents should contact the following assigned Parent Liaisons:

• First Step/Bounding Boys: Baredu Ahmed
• Level I-III; AABD: Baredu Ahmed
• Level IV: Dena Hardee
• Level V, VI/VII: Dena Hardee

Evaluations tend to differ from class to class due to the energy level or the focus of the class. For example, a student’s energy level from Ballet to West African is different. It also depends on the energy of the class.

If your child received a mark in that area the instructor most likely commented on how they could progress at the bottom of the evaluation. Encourage your child and let them know they can improve in those areas; encourage them to stretch at home. Many instructors provided students with exercises throughout the school year. Have them speak with the teacher to receive further explanation or exercises in which they can improve. If you still need further clarification, please contact your parent liaison.

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

It is the norm for students to spend two, sometimes three years in a Level.