Junior Division Resources
Updates for School Opening
Our staff is available to help. See below and direct questions accordingly for a timely response.
- First Steps and Bounding Boys: juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org - Attn: Dawn
- Pre-Professional Program: juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org - Attn: Merceditas
- Registration questions: juniordivisionregistrar@alvinailey.org
- Tuition and Payments: Bursar@alvinailey.org
Scroll down for updated Junior Division events and announcements.
From the Ailey Safety Task Force
Use of the HealthCheck App has been discontinued. The Joan Weill Center for Dance home to The Ailey School, will no longer require proof of vaccination or HealthCheck surveys for building entry. To allow Security to monitor building occupancy and enhance safety, a new building entry system called Sign In App will be utilized for signing in and signing out of the building.
Junior Division students in Levels III-VII who attend classes on weekdays and weekends will receive more information about new procedures for building entry from Blythe Koster, Administrative Coordinator.
Level II students should continue to check-in with staff at the freight elevator upon arrival.
Level I students will be greeted by a staff member upon arrival and admitted to the second floor for class by school staff.
First Steps and Bounding Boys students should continue to proceed to Studio 1A upon arrival.
Mid-Year Feedback on Student Progress is Available
Faculty have provided written feedback noting student progress to date. Keep in mind, feedback is provided not as a report card, but with the intent to highlight areas where progress has been made and to indicate where there is room for growth. Feedback will be shared at the end of the year as well. In addition, student progress will be assessed throughout preparation for performances and during year-end placement classes in April.
Frequently Asked Questions about mid-year feedback.
Q: Why does feedback vary from teacher to teacher?
A: A student’s response to each technique can vary for many reasons.
Feedback often differs from class to class given varied levels of energy required, instructional approaches and level of enjoyment experienced by a student in each class.
Q: How can I help my child understand feedback and how can I help them understand constructive yet critical feedback regarding areas that require improvement?
A: Encourage your child by congratulating them on their achievements and let them know we are here to help them improve in areas that need improvement. Many instructors have provided students with warm up exercises or steps to be practiced at home that reinforce concepts presented in class. Merceditas is available at juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org as a resource if further assistance is required.
If you have any other questions regarding feedback received, feel free to contact Dawn Tricarico, First Steps and Bounding Boys Program Coordinator, or Merceditas Mañago-Alexander, Pre-Professional Program Coordinator at juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org.
Feedback will be emailed to parents of students in First Steps/Bounding Boys, and Levels I-III via juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org from Blythe Koster, Administrative Coordinator, the week of February 13th. Feedback is available for students in Levels IV-VII in Google Classroom.
To access information in Google Classrooms please login to your Ailey.school email account, go to classroom.google.com, and visit your level-specific Bulletin Board.
Spring 2023 Junior Division Open Houses for Prospective Families
Do you have a friend or family member interested in attending The Ailey School? The Office of Junior Division Admissions will hold Open Houses on February 25, March 11, and April 22. Inquiring families will have the opportunity to meet faculty members, observe classes, and tour The Ailey School studios. More information is available on our website for the: First Steps and Bounding Boys Program (Ages 3-6) or for the: Pre-Professional Program (Ages 7-17).
First Steps and Bounding Boys Year-End Presentations May 6 – Save the Date
First Steps and Bounding Boys Year-End Presentations will be held in-studio on Saturday, May 6 at The Ailey School. More information will be sent next month.
Junior Division Spring Concert May 21 – Save the Date
Junior Division Spring Concert will be held on Sunday, May 21 at 12:30 and 4:30pm at Hostos Community College (500 Grand Concourse, The Bronx, NY 10451). Technical rehearsals will be held Thursday, May 18 through Saturday, May 20. Each class will be assigned a technical rehearsal time and one or more performance times. More details will be sent in March.
December Reminders as of 12/8/22
Nutrition Lectures and Injury Prevention Workshops for Levels 4-3+
Nutrition Lectures: In November, we invited Maria Scioscia, The Ailey School Nutritionist and Founder of CINCH Nutrition, to conduct a virtual nutrition lecture with students in Levels IV-VII. Topics covered included How to Eat for Energy and Daily Eating Habits for the Scholar/Dancer. Ms. Scioscia will return to answer follow-up questions on December 9.
Injury Prevention Workshops: Also coming up, a multi-series injury prevention workshop, How to Prevent and Manage Injuries, with Dr. Katherine Yao from Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Yao will be covering the following topics: Care, Rest, and Injury Prevention for the Dancing Body, What is and How to Work through Injury and When to Seek Medical Care If Injured.
Parent Observation Week - December 13 - 17, 2022
The Ailey School is excited to welcome our Junior Division parents for class observation in person on December 13 through December 17. Please see the Parent Observation Schedule below with the assigned observation days for each level, more detailed information will be sent from juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org.
Note: In keeping with our current safety protocols mandated by the Ailey Safety Task Force, each student will be allowed 2 guests only inclusive of any siblings or extended family members.
Winter Break
In observance of the Winter holidays and various school breaks, The Ailey School will be closed Monday, December 19, 2022, through Monday, January 2, 2023. Classes will resume Tuesday, January 3, 2023. We wish everyone a restful holiday break.
January Explosion Concert at the Ailey Citigroup Theater
On Wednesday, January 11 and Thursday, January 12, 2023, Level 5/6, and Level 7 dancers will be performing with students from our PPAS/Ailey and Professional Division Programs. Junior Division dancers will be performing specially choreographed works by Adrienne Hurd and Sonia Dawkins. A limited number of General Sale tickets will go available on sale starting Thursday, December 15. Visit The Ailey School Performance Calendar for more information about January Explosion and upcoming Ailey School performances.
Note For Level 5/6 and 7 parents: Kaitlyn Miller, The Ailey School Production Manager, and Blythe Koster, Junior Division Administrative Coordinator, will be sending more production information in the coming week. Please watch for important communications.
Thanksgiving Break
The Ailey School will be closed on November 23- November 26. Classes resume on November 28th.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at NY City Center-Ailey Family Day!
We invite you to take advantage of two exclusive discounts for Ailey School families to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center, November 30 - December 24.
Please see the email from juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org for directions on how to claim discount offers and to learn more about Ailey Family Day on Sunday, December 4. This program has been curated especially for young audiences and Ailey School families. This is the perfect show for our First Steps and Bounding Boys through Level 3+ students to learn more about Mr. Ailey's work as well as participate in a Q&A with Ailey Artistic Director, Robert Battle, and a company dancer.
Please visit www.alvinailey.org for more information about the City Center season.
First Steps and Bounding Boys Halloween Party
Note: Level I-VII students should attend class in proper dress code attire.
The Ailey School is excited to invite our First Steps and Bounding Boys dancers to wear a Halloween costume for classes on Saturday, October 29. Additionally, parents will be invited to attend a portion of the class and participate in activities. One thing we do ask is that students, and parents, wear clothes they feel comfortable moving in.
Please note: Due to Ailey Forward Safety Regulations, only one parent per child can be invited into the studio.
We look forward to seeing all the creative costumes and welcoming our families into the studios on October 29!
Level 1 Meet and Greet
Please join us for a brief Level I Faculty Meet and Greet this Saturday, October 29.
Level I parents are invited to meet and greet their child’s Ballet and West African instructors. Level I faculty will introduce themselves, talk about material covered in class, and provide tips on what students should and should not practice at home. Faculty members will be in Studio 1A for 10-15 minutes at the following times:
- 1A - 11:20am
- 1B - 12:20pm
- 1C - 1:20pm
- 1D - 2:20pm
*Please note: Due to Ailey Forward Safety Regulations, only one parent per child can be invited into the studio.
Program Wide In-Studio Photo Sessions
Students will be photographed in class on Saturday, November 5 and November 12. Students will be photographed in Ailey School dress code, Images captured will be used for promotional and archival purposes only. Student appearance and attire will need to be fresh, neat and clean. Impeccable grooming is a must.
Notes from the Ailey Safety Task Force
Vaccination Requirement Update, as of October 14:
As you are aware, The Ailey School requires all students to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19. If your child has received two doses, more than 5 months ago, they are currently eligible to receive a booster.
The new bivalent booster is now available to ages 5 and up. As a result of this and the new omicron variants that are spreading, Ailey is updating its policy. The grace period for children under 12 who have not yet received a booster will end on Nov 30.
Once they receive their booster, please upload their vaccine card here.
If your child has not submitted proof of booster or request for exemption is not received by Dec 1, they will be denied entry into the building.
Face masks are required at all times inside the building. Anyone, regardless of age, who enters the Ailey building must wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth and remain masked for the entire time they are in the building. This includes during dance classes. Students must bring their own masks; however, Ailey will also have enough disposable masks, and hand sanitizer available.
Students must download the HealthCheck Screening Application. Please see the HealthCheck User Instructions and Video Tutorial in the right hand sidebar of this page.
Positive COVID test results and all inquiries about Ailey’s response to COVID-19, Monkeypox and additional health and safety concerns should be sent to aileyforward@alvinailey.org.
Welcome Back to the Joan Weill Center for Dance
On Saturdays only, we are excited to offer Studio 1A as a parent waiting area. The cold, winter months are moving in and AileyForward has been gracious in allowing us this provision. With that, there are a few rules regarding the space that we need to pass along.
- Please do not leave belongings in the studio unattended.
- Water is the only food or beverage allowed in the studio.
- Scooters are not allowed in the building.
- Masks must be worn at all times.
From the Ailey Boutique
Junior Division Dress Code requirements are now in effect for all classes.
This includes hair pulled cleanly away from the face secured in a bun towards the back of the head; no hair accessories, or jewelry. Please no holes in tights and wear the appropriate footwear.
All dress code materials are now back in stock and available for purchase and/or pick up.
Ailey Boutique hours of operation for Junior Division:
Tuesdays - Fridays 12:00pm - 6:30pm
Saturdays 9:45am - 3:00pm*
*No shoe fittings on Saturdays between 12pm-1pm.
Parents, who show proof of vaccination will be granted entry to The Joan Weill Center for Dance to shop at the Boutique. For more information, visit Ailey Boutique.
Attendance
There are approximately 16 weeks in the Fall Term. Absences are set by Level and the number of days they are scheduled for class.
- First Steps and Bounding Boys - 5 absences per term
- Level 1 - 5 absences per term
- Level 2 - 7 absences per term
- Level 3 - 7 absences per term
- Level 4 - 7 absences per term
- Level 5 - 14 absences per term
- Level 5/6 - 14 absences per term
- Level 7 - 14 absences per term
*While missing class this frequently is NOT recommended and may impede one’s ability to maintain progress, we recognize temporary leniency in the attendance policy for some of our adolescent students is warranted until further notice.
Note change, this is for the 2022-2023 School Year only. More information to come from Ms. Merceditas.
Absences
Please communicate ALL absences through the Absence Notification Form. This is the fastest and most efficient way to notify the office if your dancer will be out. Please also include as much information as possible in the “Additional Details” section. We will follow up via email if we have any questions or concerns.
Early Dismissal/Late Arrival
Students are not allowed to leave class early or to arrive late. Students must attend all classes scheduled for the day to receive credit for attendance. To clarify, on day(s) the student is scheduled to take two or more classes they may not attend one class and skip the other. They may not take one class and leave early, or miss the first class and take the 2nd or 3rd.
Class Observation
At this time, students are not allowed to attend or observe class if they are sick or injured. If students are sick or injured, please keep them home, allow time for rest, and recovery. Then, send them back well and refreshed for the next class. Please contact juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org ATTN: Dawn (First Steps and Bounding Boys) or ATTN: Merceditas (Levels I-VII) before coming to class if injured.
External Auditions
If you are planning to attend an external audition, you MUST meet with your advisor and complete the Ailey External Audition Form PRIOR to attending the audition.
Medical and Attendance
To request a personal or medical leave of absence, school year students please email juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org.
- Level I-VII - ATTN: Merceditas
- First Steps and Bounding Boys – ATTN: Dawn
Preferred Dancewear of The Ailey School
Use code VEBZMG to order your dancewear online
and BLOCH will donate a portion of the proceeds to The Ailey School.
Announcements
Upcoming Auditions
Summer Audition in New York City
Sunday, March 26, 2023
To view the full National Audition Tour, visit the Audition Calendar.
NOTE: Students are no longer required to submit a PCR test prior to the first day of school.
Message from the Co-Directors
As New York City strives to return to a semblance of normalcy under the safety guidelines of New York State’s Governor and New York City’s Mayor, the leadership within the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation remains focused on how the organization can safely, effectively, and efficiently continue to offer quality educational programming.
Mr. Ailey's mission to make dance accessible to the people is a legacy which drives our school. The Joan Weill Center for Dance, home to The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, Ailey Arts-In-Education and Community Programs, The Ailey Extension and The Ailey School, is operating with adherence to strict safety protocols under advisement from our medical and regulatory counsel and by government-related mandates. Our administrative staff is working in hybrid mode, both in person and remotely, and public access to the building is kept at as low capacity as possible. Limited student cohorts allow us to offer high quality training without compromising safety.
On-going communications regarding procedural and safety updates are regularly sent to students. Our Administrative Staff can be reached at the email addresses in the sidebar of this page and a dedicated email, aileyforward@alvinailey.org, is in place to address your COVID-19 questions and concerns. Despite the challenges we face during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are committed to offering high quality training with the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff as our first priority. It is with true Ailey spirit that we continue to create safe new ways to move and dance together at The Ailey School and we look forward to welcoming students to our Professional Division Programs in the 2022-2023 school year and beyond. Above all, stay safe and healthy.
Tracy Inman and Melanie Person
The Ailey School Directors
Directions from Airports
Public transportation in New York City is very good and regardless of your port of entry you will probably have several options to consider. Remember that The Ailey School is not able to pick-up and transport students to and from the airport, so please plan ahead. Try to arrive in the daytime when more services are available. You can find directions from the major airports at this link: http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk.html or refer to the information below:
From JFK International Airport or LaGuardia Airport
By Taxi
A taxi is the easiest, most direct way to The Ailey School, McMahon Hall, or the Ludlow Residence. The cost is approximately $45 (plus a few dollars tip). Taxis are available at ground level at each airport. Drivers are familiar with the way to most locations in Manhattan. Make sure you have the exact address of whichever location you are headed to for the driver.
By Bus & Subway
Buses provided by New York Airport Service are available to Manhattan and make stops at both Grand Central Station, (East 42nd Street and Lexington Ave.), and the NY Port Authority Bus Terminal (West 42nd Street and 8th Ave.). Buses depart from the airport every fifteen (15) minutes until 11:00pm. The fare is $15 and no advance reservations are necessary. For more info, contact New York Airport Service at 718-875-8200 or go to their web site: www.nyairportservice.com
Once you arrive at either Grand Central Station or Port Authority, you can take a taxi to your final destination for a fare of $10.00 - $20.00 (plus tips to the driver), or you can take the subway. For subway directions go to Google Maps and enter your starting destination as either “Grand Central Station” or “Port Authority Bus Terminal”, and one of the following addresses for your final destination:
From Newark International Airport
If you are arriving at Newark Airport, Olympia Trails operates a bus service from the Ground Transportation Information Booth. The fare is $15 and no advance reservations are necessary. For more info on this service, call Olympia Trails 1-877-8-NEWARK or go to their web site: www.olympiabus.com. Limousine and taxi service is also available for approximately $50 - $75 (plus a $15 surcharge).
The Joan Weill Center for Dance
The Ailey School is housed in the largest building in the United States that is devoted solely to the art of dance – The Joan Weill Center for Dance. The building has 16 climate controlled studios, 2 classrooms, a student lounge, an outdoor patio, an Ailey Boutique concession and gift shop, a physical therapy room, three floors of administrative offices, and a fully-equipped black box theater that seats 275. We are located in the heart of New York City's Theater District at 405 West 55th Street, corner of 9th Ave.
Preferred Dancewear of The Ailey School
Use code VEBZMG to order your dancewear online
and BLOCH will donate a portion of the proceeds to The Ailey School.
Important Dates
Calendars
2022-2023 Academic Calendar
2022-2023 Performance Calendar
Audition Schedule
2022 Fall - Upcoming important dates
October 15 - All students in Dress Code.
Saturday, October 29 - First Steps and Bounding Boys Halloween Party
Saturday, October 29 - Level I Meet and Greet with Faculty
Saturday, November 5 - In-Studio Photo Session, Day 1
Saturday, November 12 - In-Studio Photo Session, Day 2
Thursday, December 1 - Booster shot required for entry. Please direct all inquiries to AileyForward@alvinailey.org
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.
Students who are residing in the Ludlow Residence or McMahon Hall are still required to be fully vaccinated and boosted. Please see the following FAQ: Are Covid-19 vaccines and boosters required for housing at McMahon Hall and the Ludlow Residence?
Health & Safety Protocols are subject to change without notice.
All students who wish to reside at the Ludlow Residence must be fully vaccinated* and boosted** for Covid-19 with an approved vaccine.
As of May 1, 2023: Student's residing at McMahon Hall 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.
*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”).
**A COVID booster shot is required for those who are eligible (more than 5 months from your Moderna or Pfizer or 2 months from JJ) to receive it.
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 will be 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 dancers, 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
2022-2023 FAQs
Junior Division will be offering a schedule of classes for students in First Steps & Bounding Boys and Levels I-VII. All classes will be offered in person.
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.)
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
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. Every Saturday, your child must complete the HealthCheck screening in the app before leaving home, 2 hours prior to the start of class.
All HealthCheck apps MUST be completed BEFORE departing from 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.
Please read: How to use HealthCheck by Strattum app.
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.
All safety policies for The Ailey School are currently under review. Safety policies will be provided at the start of the academic year.
At this time, all dressing rooms and locker rooms are closed. Students are asked to arrive already dressed for class. The restrooms will be open, however, please do not use these in lieu of a dressing room.
This year, 2022-2023, we are excited to offer opportunities for parents to observe classes at designated times throughout the year. Details and dates are forthcoming.
Please contact the advisors over seeing your Level:
- First Steps and Bounding Boys: juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org ATTN: Dawn
- Level I-VII: juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org ATTN: Merceditas
If your child is going to miss class, please fill out the Absence Notification Form.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
NOTE: FAQ's listed below pertain to procedures at The Ailey School prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and may not be applicable during the current school year. Please visit the Health & Safety tab at the top of this page for current FAQs.
Yes. Junior Division Students must attend all of the classes scheduled for their level.
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.
Class schedules are based on student placement and class levels.
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.)
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
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.
Junior Division may NOT participate in professional level classes, regardless of their years of training or proficiency.
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.
Level placement has been determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, proficiency in ballet and modern, instructor recommendations, and panel observation. Previous evaluations and attendance records were also reviewed to determine level placement.
It is the norm for students to spend two, sometimes three years in a 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.
The option to request Tuition Assistance is available to students who have been enrolled for one or more years, and can be requested prior to the start of each semester. First year students are not eligible to receive Tuition Assistance. Application instructions are provided during re-enrollment. Tuition Assistance and scholarship funds cannot be combined. Tuition Assistance can only be combined with tuition discounts.
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.
If your child is going to miss class, please fill out the Absence Notification Form.
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.
Feedback Forms 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 Feedback Form. 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.
First Steps and Bounding Boys: juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org ATTN: Dawn
Level I-VII: juniordivisionparent@alvinailey.org ATTN: Merceditas