In December 2004, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, and The Ailey School moved to their permanent home at The Joan Weill Center for Dance, located at 405 West 55th Street (at 9th Avenue) in Manhattan.  In 2017, the Center was expanded and renovated with the creation of the Elaine Wynn & Family Education Wing, which includes four additional rehearsal studios and two academic classrooms.

In total, this beautiful glass-encased building – the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City – now houses 16 climate-controlled studios equipped with sprung floors, pianos, sound systems and state-of-the-art acoustics; the fully-equipped, 275-seat Ailey Citigroup Theater; physical therapy facilities; the Ailey Boutique; a library; student and faculty lounges; and administrative offices for the entire Ailey organization.

Located in New York City's midtown west area, the Ailey Studios are easily accessible by public transportation.

Directions

We are located on the northwest corner of 55th Street and 9th Avenue.

By Subway

• 1, A, B, C or D trains to the 59th Street/Columbus Circle station.
• N, R, Q or W trains to the 57th Street-7th Avenue station.
• C or E trains to the 50th Street station (at 8th Avenue).

By Bus

• M57 bus crosstown to 57th Street and 9th Avenue.
• M11 bus downtown to 55th Street and 9th Avenue.

By Commuter Train

• Long Island Rail Road - transfer to the uptown 1, A, or C trains to the 59th Street/Columbus Circle station.
• New Jersey Transit - transfer to the uptown A or C trains to the 59th Street/Columbus Circle station.
• Metro North - take the Shuttle or 7 train from Grand Central to Times Square, then transfer to the uptown A or C trains to the 59th Street/ Columbus Circle station.

Parking

Ailey does not have a dedicated parking garage.  However, the area does support numerous options, including:

• Rapid Park:  411 West 55th Street (right next door to the Ailey building, on the same side of the street)
• Central Parking System:  345 West 58th Street (between 8th and 9th Aves)
• 330 West Fifty Six Corporation:  330 West 56th Street (between 8th and 9th Aves)
• Imperial Parking:  300 West 55th St (at 8th Ave)
• Icon Parking Systems:  815 10th Ave (at 54th St.)

Experience Ailey in a whole new way!

Gather your dance studio, friends, co-workers, or family for an exclusive and custom class with Ailey Extension online or in person at the Ailey Studios. Our Group Coordinator will work with you to design a class tailored specifically to your  group's interests and budget. Whether you are looking for a corporate team-building activity or a quintessential Ailey experience with your friends, Ailey Extension has something just for you.

Classes are offered in modern, ballet, hip-hop, West African, and more all taught by Ailey instructors.

Please fill out the following form at least four weeks prior to your visit:

Submit a Groups Request

Online Rates

1 Hour with 15 or fewer participants: $300 flat rate

1 Hour with over 15 participants: $300 plus $15 for each additional person

In-Studio Rates

1 Hour with 25 or fewer participants: $450 flat rate

90 Minutes with 25 or fewer participants: $550 flat rate

*In-studio groups are limited to 25 participants due to studio capacity. Talk with our Groups Coordinator for other available options for groups larger than 25.

*In-studio group participants must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask at all times while in the Joan Weill Center for Dance. View Ailey Extension's Health Protocols here.

*There are no refunds after final payment, due prior to the class. Cancellation of any group visit package will incur a cancellation fee.

New York City Center Groups Package

Purchase group tickets to see Alvin Ailey’s return to New York City Center this December and receive a discounted package to take a private group class at the Ailey Studios!

Package includes:

• Up to 20% off your tickets to see Alvin Ailey at New York City Center

• Over 15% off a private group class at Ailey tailored to your groups’ interests

• A visit to the Joan Weill Center for Dance, the largest destination for dance in New York City

• A chance to shop at the Ailey Boutique and purchase exclusive Ailey merchandise

Contact us by emailing groupsales@alvinailey.org or calling 212-405-9082 to begin planning your group experience today.

Reservations must be made in advance for tours of The Ailey School's home at The Joan Weill Center for Dance. We look forward to your visit.

General Building Tours

General building tours are currently not being offer for the 2023-2024 school year.

To request information on when building tours will resume, please use the Contact Us form and select the "Building Tour" category.
For Groups of 10 or more, please contact our Group Coordinator.

Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program Tours

Applicants to the B.F.A. program are encouraged to tour The Ailey School facilities and studios.  Tours are available by appointment only, Monday through Friday, during the academic year and the summer.

Reservations must be made in advance. To make a reservation for a tour/information session, please email us or call 212-405-9124.

For a general information session and tour of Fordham University, visit Fordham University's website for more details.

For general inquires, please call 212-405-9000 or use the Contact Us form below.

Location and Directions

The Joan Weill Center for Dance
405 West 55th Street (at 9th Avenue)
New York, NY 10019