New York, NY - April 2, 2020 - The Ailey organization continues to share the Ailey spirit with people wherever they are during this challenging time through Ailey All Access – free online streaming series featuring performances of full length works from the repertory, Ailey Extension dance classes, and original short films created by the Ailey dancers, and other especially created content.
(New York) October 7, 2019 – This October Ailey Extension offers a wealth of opportunities for dancers of all ages to learn moves from internationally-acclaimed dance icons and veterans of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Pose on FX’s Dashaun Wesley, will teach every element of vogue in a workshop focused on the culturally rich and highly stylized history and fundamentals of this alluring technique. Veteran Ailey dancer Vernard Gilmore will lead multiple Rommett Floor Barre® workshops allowing dancers to correct alignment and understand their energy. New and seasoned dancers alike will have the exciting chance to dance in a Contemporary workshop taught by Ailey’s Jamar Roberts, before he makes his premiere as Ailey’s first-ever resident choreographer. Students can take part in an exciting new collaboration project between famed Afro Latin Artist/Choreographer Sekou Miller and Senegalese Experimental Sabar Innovator Babacar Top during a lively Afro Fusions Masterclass combining African modern dance with traditional and social dances from West Africa, the Caribbean and the US. Dancers of all experience levels can learn the basics of vogue from Cesar Valentino - an icon of New York City’s famed Ballroom Vogue scene - and put their moves to the test on the runway during a Halloween- themed Vogue Workshop/Mini Ball. Ailey Extension also invites the public to join In Conversation with Masazumi Chaya, moderated by former Ailey Company member Renee Robinson, to reflect on Chaya’s history-making five-decade journey with the Ailey organization prior to his final season as Associate Artistic Director at New York City Center from December 4, 2019 – January 5, 2020.
(New York) UPDATED August 5, 2019 – Shimmy into summer at Ailey with a variety of exciting workshops, classes and more for movers of all ages and experience levels. As temperatures rise, Ailey Extension opens its doors for novice and professional students alike to refine their technique, learn from the city’s top instructors, connect with others in the NYC dance community, and have an unforgettable experience with the Ailey legacy all summer long at the Joan Weill Center for Dance – home of the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, and The Ailey School.
(New York) July 20, 2018 – Ailey Extension invites dancers to find their summer groove with exciting workshops and master classes. In addition to its annual Summer Performance Workshop series, Ailey Extension will offer an Alonzo King LINES Ballet Master Class with Meredith Webster and a “Werk That Twerk” workshop with famed hip-hop instructor TweetBoogie. These opportunities allow students to refine their technique, boost stage presence, and perform movement highlighting their personal style while learning from some of New York City’s top instructors at The Ailey Studios.
Each summer, Ailey Extension invites students to take their dancing to another level and unleash their inner performer. Beginner and advanced beginner dancers are welcomed to enroll in a four-week Summer Performance Workshop to learn and showcase choreography from some of Ailey Extension’s top instructors.
To celebrate Women’s HERstory Month in March, Ailey Extension presents two workshops to promote health awareness and empower women of all shapes and sizes. On Tuesday, March 14th at 7 p.m. three of Ailey Extension’s top dance and fitness instructors – Sarita Allen, Karen Arceneaux, and Sarah Rozek – lead a Women’s Health and Fitness Day workshop. On Saturday, March 25th at 7 p.m. Pretty BIG Movement’s founder and CEO Akira Armstrong instructs the Move Your Curves workshop designed for voluptuous, plus-sized women.