Press Coverage

June 16, 2019

CBS New York - Ailey Extension Dance Studio Offering Dozens Of Free Classes For NYC Dance Week

NYC Dance Week is in full swing, and Ailey Extension is celebrating by offering dozens of free classes for new students. Instructor Karen Arceneaux says potential students shouldn't be intimidated by the name Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. "We have real classes for real people, so if you're a beginner, if you've never taken a class before, you can come in. It's a welcoming environment. It's inclusive, and at the end of class, you feel like a dancer,' Arceneaux said.

April 23, 2019

New York Magazine "The Cut" - In Her Shoes: The Dance Director Who Loves A Bright Suit

As the director of Alvin Ailey’s public dance and fitness center, Ailey Extension, Lisa Johnson-Willingham is literally on the move, constantly. On any given day she could be teaching a master class to students, taking a dance class herself, meeting with clients about potential partnerships, or all of the above. Add to that two teenage children, and Johnson- Willingham has a packed schedule that takes her from parent-teacher conferences to red-carpet appearances. To ensure she’s always appropriately dressed, her desk doesn’t just house extra shoes, but also workout clothes and the occasional camisole for after-hours events.

April 8, 2019

W 42 St - Let's Dance!

Remember the first half of Footloose? Where dance isn't allowed and no one does it? That's where I live. I don't want to dance with somebody and my hips do, in fact, lie. That being said, this month someone hit fast forward on my movie and I found myself at the warehouse dance party aka Ailey Dance Extension. With more than 90 weekly classes, I was quite overwhelmed with my choices. I started with salsa.

March 25, 2019

Dance Magazine - We Tried It: Afro Flow Yoga - Connecting With The Indian And African Gods Through Dance

Afro Flow Yoga is a body-and-soul awakening. Created by dancer-yogini Leslie Salmon-Jones and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Jones, the dance form melds yoga with West African diasporic dance.

February 1, 2019

Dance Magazine - Ailey's Artist of the Year

This season, Rennie Harris is Ailey's first-ever artist in residence and has created the company's first-ever two-act work.

December 20, 2018

NBC 4 New York - Jacque Reid Tries Out The Ailey Extension

The Hub Today's Jacque Reid hits the dance floor at Ailey Extension Dance Studio.

December 1, 2018

New York 1 News - Spotlight NY: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Ruschell Boone looks at the history of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with current and former artistic directors Robert Battle and Judith Jamison. They also discuss the 60th season, which is having performances at New York City Center through December 30th.

October 19, 2018

Dance Teacher - Why Study Horton

A dancer discovers the satisfactions of learning the famously demanding technique. Ana Marie Forsythe's eyes twinkle, and a smile plays at the corners of her mouth as she welcomes the 40-plus teachers who are enrolled for her two-week-long Horton teacher-training workshop at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater studios in New York City - plus me, a dancer and writer, taking part for the day.

September 17, 2018

Fox 5 - Where'd You Get That? Good Day New York's Christal Young Visits The Ailey Extension

Good Day NY's Christal Young tries a variety of dance classes offered at the Ailey Extension, including Horton, Hip-Hop, African and Vogue.

August 28, 2018

Dance Teacher - Robin Dunn: How I Teach Hip Hop For Beginners

The moment she walks into the studio, Robin Dunn transforms her beginner hip-hop class into a party. Her adult students at the Ailey Extension in New York City are a mix of first time drops-ins and longtime regulars. "My agenda is big," says Dunn, a native New Yorkers. "Its more than just 'Come sweat and have fun' - I want everyone to feel better about themselves, to feel fit and cool."