Summer Intensive (Ages 14-16)

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The Ailey School
Summer Intensive
Summer Intensive (Ages 14-16)

Program Details Admissions Curriculum Tuition & Fees Housing FAQs

Program Details

July 26, 2021 to August 6, 2021

The Junior Division Summer Intensive is a two-week intensive training program for students ages 14-16*. The Ailey School’s Summer Intensive offers young dancers an opportunity to train in a vibrant professional environment centered in the heart of New York City’s Theater District. Motivated students with at least three years of consistent training receive first class dance training among a student body of versatile dancers who strive for excellence.

*Student ages by the start of the program (not at the time of audition). Students ages 11-13 interested in applying should email juniordivision@alvinailey.org.

Enrollment Options

In-Person Classes: Junior Division Summer Intensive classes will be offered in person. Taught by a distinguished faculty, program curriculum includes Ballet, Horton, Limón, Jazz, Contemporary, West African and a master class with a guest artist. Please Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only students who permanently reside in New York or one of the 5 following contiguous states may attend the in-person Summer Intensive: New Jersey; Connecticut; Massachusetts; Vermont; Pennsylvania.

Online Option: Junior Division Summer Intensive classes will be offered in person only. Online training for kids and teens is available through the Ailey Extension. No audition is required.

Learn more

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Students from The Ailey School Junior Division, photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC

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Students from The Ailey School Junior Division, photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC

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Students from The Ailey School Junior Division, photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC

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Students from The Ailey School Junior Division, photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC

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Students from The Ailey School Junior Division, photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC

Admissions

Please Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only students who permanently reside in New York or one of the 5 following contiguous states may attend the in-person Summer Intensive: New Jersey; Connecticut; Massachusetts; Vermont; Pennsylvania.

Summer Intensive Application Procedures

Acceptance to the 2021 Summer Intensive is by submission of the following:

an online application
two dance photos in specified positions
a video audition
a $20 application fee.

An Audition Video Demonstration is posted on our Auditions page. Students should refer to that video for specifications on video requirements.

Video Audition Deadline: Video auditions are accepted between January 14 and June 1, 2021. 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.
A significant early discount on tuition is only available if full payment and all enrollment materials are received by May 14.

Curriculum

The Junior Division Summer Intensive offers a leveled course of study designed to fulfill Alvin Ailey's visionary philosophy of training versatile dancers. The program offers several techniques in small class sizes of 12 students or less.

Small class sizes will enable instructors to provide students with valuable interpersonal feedback which will enhance the learning experience and technical growth of each participant. The daily schedule will consist of two in-person technique classes per day.

Level and Cohort Assignments:

Students, at the time of audition, are assigned to one of four Levels A-D. Each level will have Ballet five days per week and Horton twice per week, plus a master class. Students will also be assigned to one of four additional classes – West African, Jazz, Limon, or Contemporary - that takes place two times per week.

Technique Offerings:

Ballet
Horton
West African
Jazz
Limón
Contemporary

Class Schedules:

*Please note that all class times are subject to change.
The daily schedule will consist of two in-person technique classes per day.

Level A

Techniques offered: Ballet, Horton, West African, Master Class
Class days and times: Monday-Friday 9:00am -10:30am / 10:30am -12:00pm

Level B

Techniques offered: Ballet, Horton, Jazz, Master Class
Class days and times: Monday-Friday 10:30am-12:00pm / 12:00pm-1:30pm

Level C

Techniques offered: Ballet, Horton, Limon, Master Class
Class days and times: Monday-Friday 10:30am-12:00pm / 12:00pm-1:30pm

Level D

Techniques offered: Ballet, Horton, Contemporary, Master Class
Class days and times: Monday-Friday 2:00pm-3:30pm / 3:30pm-5:00pm

Tuition & Fees

2021 Summer Intensive Tuition

The cost of the Summer Intensive is as follows:

*If paid in full by 4:00pm on May 14, 2021: $540* (includes a $50 registration fee & deposit)
If paid in full by 4:00pm on June 4, 2021: $750 (includes a $50 registration fee & deposit)

A $300 deposits is due within two weeks of acceptance in order to reserve your space. Space in the program is limited and we cannot guarantee your space if a deposit is not received within two weeks of your acceptance! Students who submit deposits later than two weeks after acceptance may be placed on a waiting list. We recommend sending video auditions as early as possible, as we expect the program to fill before the deadline.

*Important note about costs and application deadlines: The significant early discount on tuition is available only if full payment and all enrollment materials are received by May 14. In order to insure you will receive the early discount on tuition, and to avoid paying a late fee, videos must be received no later than May 1, as it takes two weeks to review videos and notify students of acceptance.

All deposits and fee payments are non-refundable.

Summer Scholarships

Students may be awarded a merit-based scholarship to the Summer Intensive, awarded by video audition. Scholarship awards are applied to the cost of tuition only.

Participation Fee: $150
Registration Fee: $50

Other Fees during the Summer

Audition Fee: $20
Late Fee: $75 (if tuition is not received in full by June 4. Space in the program cannot be guaranteed after June 4.)

All fees are non-refundable.

Payment Instructions

Housing

The Ailey School will not offer housing for students ages 14-16 attending the Summer Intensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to attend less than 2 weeks of the Junior Division Summer Intensive?

Students must commit to training for the duration of the Junior Division Summer Intensive Program. We do not allow partial participation or late arrival to the program.

Which Division should I audition for if I will be 17 years old by the start of the Summer Intensive?

Students who will be 17 years of age by the start of the Junior Division Summer Intensive Program should audition for the Professional Division Summer Intensive Program, even if they are 16 at the time they apply.

How long will it take to be notified if I am accepted to the Summer Intensive?

Students will be notified within 2-3 weeks of applying.

Will The Ailey School consider allowing students who reside elsewhere than New York and the 5 contiguous states to enroll in-person if they have been vaccinated for COVID-19?

This question is understandable given the enthusiasm for in-person learning and the promise of the vaccine. However, The Ailey School is guided by government safety mandates and by the predictions of medical experts on the vaccine's efficacy by the start of the Summer Intensive. Therefore, we plan to enroll only dancers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont, regardless of a student's vaccine status. The Ailey School will continue to require face masks in all classes throughout the summer session. All safety and health mandates currently in place at The Ailey School will continue as well.

Please refer to Ailey Forward for the latest safety information.

Will I be required to provide proof that I live in New York or one of the 5 contiguous states?

Yes. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only students who permanently reside in New York or one of the 5 following contiguous states may attend the in-person Summer Intensive: New Jersey; Connecticut; Massachusetts; Vermont; Pennsylvania. Proof of Permanent Residency in one of these states must be submitted in one of the following at the time of deposit:

Driver’s license or State photo ID (in the parent’s name or student’s name)
Home utility bill
School ID or report card which clearly states NY/NJ/CT/MA/VT or PA address

Please refer to Ailey Forward for the latest safety information.

Will a COVID-19 test be required for students attending in-person classes?

Yes, a negative PCR test will be required. Antigen or antibody tests are not acceptable. The nasal swab PCR test is the only test we will accept.
The test must be dated no more than 5 days prior to the first day of class (not later than July 7 for Professional Division students, and not later than July 21 for Junior Division students).

Please refer to Ailey Forward for the latest safety information.

When I enter The Ailey School, will I be required to wear a mask?

Yes. Students are required to wear a surgical mask at all times. Ailey also recommends that students bring their own fabric mask which can be worn over the surgical mask. Ailey will have enough disposable masks, gloves, face shields upon special request through The Ailey School, hand sanitizers, and wipes on hand for everyone in the building.

Please refer to Ailey Forward for the latest safety information.

Will I need to wear a mask in class and throughout the building?

Yes. For the safety of everyone in the building, all dancers, students, faculty, musicians and staff are always required to wear a mask in class and in public spaces. All staff in The Joan Weill Center for Dance are always also required to wear a KN95 mask including Faculty, Administrative Staff, and Staff who are required to circulate in public areas of the building. KN95 masks are provided by Ailey.

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

Will I be required to register for a health screening app to enter The Ailey School?

Yes. The Ailey School uses the HealthCheck by Stratum, used to screen for potential COVID-19 related symptoms prior to students entering the building. Every day, students must complete the HealthCheck screening in the app before departing from home, 2 hours prior to the start of class. Only those students who receive a green notification at the end of the screening will be admitted to enter the building.

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

Please refer to Ailey Forward for the latest safety information.

Will I have to take my temperature as part of the app screening?

Yes, students must take their temperature every morning prior to logging into the Healthcheck app. All students are required to have a digital thermometer.

Please refer to Ailey Forward for the latest safety information.

When I arrive at The Ailey School, will I get a temperature check?

Yes. Members of Ailey’s security staff will be present to assist as you take your no-touch temperature on temple or wrist. If you register a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, you will not be permitted to proceed into the building.

Please refer to Ailey Forward for the latest safety information.

Is housing available?

No. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only students who permanently reside in New York or one of the 5 following contiguous states may attend the in-person Summer Intensive: New Jersey; Connecticut; Massachusetts; Vermont; Pennsylvania.

Please refer to Ailey Forward for the latest safety information.

How many classes are students assigned each week?

Junior Division students attend 10-11 classes per week. Classes take place Monday through Friday.

How many classes per day will I be taking?

Generally, students have 2 classes per day, except on days when master classes are held. Classes take place between 9am and 6pm Monday through Friday. Each class is approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

How are students placed in the appropriate technique levels?

All students who have submitted a video audition have been placed in the appropriate levels by the audition panel.

How many students are in each class?

We are complying with COVID-19 safety precautions and are keeping class sizes to no more than 12 students per cohort. 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.

Are make-up classes allowed?

No. Make-up classes are not offered.

Do I need to audition for the Summer Intensive?

Admission is by submission of an online application and video audition. Please refer to the video audition guidelines for specifications on video requirements.

Are scholarships available for the Summer Intensive?

Yes. Students may be selected to receive a merit-based scholarship to the Junior Division Summer Intensive Program. Scholarship awards are applied to tuition only.

Is there a dress code?

Yes, students should abide by the following:

Ballet: Black leotard with pink tights.
Modern: Black leotard with black tights.

Students may keep one colorful leotard on hand for Free Dress Fridays.

Not Permitted: Head wraps, scarves, body/facial piercings, jewelry, plastic pants, sweatpants, ankle warmers, large t-shirts, transparent dance attire, bare midriffs, shorts, cut-out shirts, crop tops, and bra tops. Clothing must not inhibit your ability to fully execute movement.

Can I select the classes I wish to take?

No, students will receive a pre-made schedule of 10-11 classes per week after they have registered and paid.

Will there be a performance or showing at the end of the 2 weeks?

Yes, a virtual presentation will take place at the end of the session! Students will have an opportunity to present what they have learned in virtual studio showings.

Is there an option to train virtually if I cannot commute to The Ailey School?

No, there is currently not an option to train virtually for the Junior Division Summer Intensive Program.

Audition

Leadership

TRACY INMAN & MELANIE PERSON

The Ailey School Co-Directors

TIFFANY BARNES

Junior Division Director

DAWN TRICARICO

Junior Division Associate Director

Questions?

FAQs
Professional Division Summer Intensive (ages 17 - 25)

For questions, email juniordivision@alvinailey.org