AILEY
Welcome to AILEY! Meet our founder Alvin Ailey, discover Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II, and learn more about The Ailey School and our other educational programs.
The Joan Weill Center For Dance (2013) by Rosalie O'ConnorAiley
The Organization
Since its founding in 1958, AILEY has grown to comprise two repertory companies, a school, public classes, and multiple community outreach programs—all of which are guided by Alvin Ailey’s philosophy that dance is for everyone.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
On March 30, 1958, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater premiered at 92NY (formerly 92nd Street YM-YWHA) in New York City, establishing the Company as a trailblazer of modern dance. In all, more than 235 works by over 90 choreographers have been part of the Company’s repertory.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is recognized by the U.S. Congress as "a vital American cultural ambassador to the world.” Ailey company members have performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents—as well as millions more through television broadcasts, film screenings, and online platforms—promoting the uniqueness of the African American cultural experience and preservation of the American modern dance tradition.
Ailey II
Ailey II was founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble. Under Artistic Director Francesca Harper, Ailey II fosters the country’s best young dance talent and invites vital emerging and established choreographers to stage new works.
Ailey II
The Ailey School
Directed by Tracy Inman and Melanie Person, The Ailey School offers world-class dance education to students ages 3-25 in a variety of techniques, including the Horton technique, ballet, West African, and more.
The Ailey School offers a diverse curriculum of over 300 classes weekly, as well as performance opportunities and support services. The faculty is comprised of over 100 dance professionals who are experts in their fields, 40 professional musicians, and a staff of dedicated administrators and advisors. Esteemed alumni, representing a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds, use their unparalleled training to dance professionally, choreograph, and teach around the world.
The Ailey School Professional Division students
Students from The Ailey School Junior Division (2023) by Nir ArieliAiley
The Ailey School Junior Division students
Ailey Extension
A variety of weekly dance and fitness classes are taught at Ailey Extension in person and online. Dancers of all ages and experience levels can participate in a welcoming environment. Performance opportunities and private group classes are also offered.
Ailey Extension offers a wide variety of programs for adults, teens, and kids as young as 2 years old.
Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs (AAIE)
AAIE is committed to bringing dance into classrooms, communities, and the lives of people around the world. Each year, over 100,000 people from diverse backgrounds explore their creative potential and build self-esteem while fostering an appreciation for the art of dance.
The Joan Weill Center for Dance
In 2005, AILEY opened its permanent home, The Joan Weill Center for Dance in Manhattan. The striking glass-enclosed space is the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City. In 2017, it was expanded with the addition of The Elaine Wynn & Family Education Wing.
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