About AILEY

Founded by Alvin Ailey on March 30, 1958, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of the most acclaimed dance companies in the world. With a repertory that boasts close to 300 works by more than 100 choreographers, it has performed in more than 70 countries on six continents and has been designated a "vital American Cultural Ambassador to the World” by a US Congressional resolution. 

The Ailey Organization includes: Ailey II (a second performing company of young dancers and emerging choreographers), The Ailey School (one of the world's most extensive dance training programs), Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs (which bring dance into classrooms and communities), and Ailey Extension (offering dance and fitness classes to the public). Using the American modern dance tradition and the beauty of the African American cultural heritage, AILEY enlightens, unites, and inspires all people.    

Featured News Releases

Ailey Extension Is Shaking Up Physical Fitness Month With Upbeat World Dance Workshops, A Lively Free Times Square Dance Series, And More Ways To Keep Moving Throughout May

(NEW YORK) April 29, 2024 – This May, Ailey Extension is spicing up National Physical Fitness Month with an assortment of flavorful dance and fitness classes to get people of all backgrounds and experience levels moving. All are encouraged to add some excitement to their wellness routines by joining in the dance during workshops which dive into high energy movement styles from around the world at the Joan Weill Center for Dance – NYC’s largest building dedicated to dance, and a free series of up-tempo outdoor workshops accessible to all in the heart of Times Square!

Ailey Extension Kicks Off 2022 With Celebration Of Founder Alvin Ailey, New Weekly Classes, And Free Dance Cardio Workshop

(NEW YORK) January 6, 2022 – Ailey Extension is helping people all around the world kickstart their 2022 resolutions with new workshops and weekly classes to help make movement part of a fun and healthy lifestyle. Throughout January, students of all ages and experience levels will have the chance to explore new dance styles and get started on their fitness goals by getting moving with New York City’s elite instructors. The updated weekly schedule offers dancers ages 16 and up plenty of new opportunities to join in the dance either in-studio at the Joan Weill Center for Dance – NYC’s largest building dedicated to dance – or virtually from wherever they are located. Kids ages 5-11 and teens/tweens ages 12-17 can also get moving with Ailey during the Kids & Teens Sunday Dance Series.

Featured Press Coverage

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Well + Good - There Are 3 Kinds Of Hip Flexibility, And This Yoga Flow Hits Them All To Reduce Physical *And* Emotional Tension

Yoga teachers are fond of saying that the hips hold a lot of pent-up emotions—and right about now, you may be more in your feelings than usual. While stretching your body can't solve all the world's problems, it can help you squeeze in a little self care when times are tough. So on this week's episode of Trainer of the Month, yoga instructor and Mirror trainer Pilin Anice leads you through a flow to help you get deep into your hips from every angle.

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Well + Good - Lunge Pose Is The Ultimate Lower Body Strengthener—As Long As You Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes

There are a few poses—or "asanas"—that you just can't yoga without. There's child's pose, cat-cow, and (of course) downward dog, but lunges are also an essential part of any yoga practice. On this week's episode of The Right Way, yoga instructor and MIRROR trainer Pilin Anice shows you how to do a high lunge pose (or "ashta chandrasana," meaning crescent high lunge pose) the right way, so your yoga foundation can be on point.