Ailey Extension

Horton with Amos Machanic at Ailey Extension. Photo by Whitney Browne
Please Credit Photo: Horton with Amos Machanic at Ailey Extension. Photo by Whitney Browne
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Since 2005, Ailey Extension has been giving dance back to the people by offering open classes taught by renowned instructors for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels – from absolute beginners to professionals.  With a wide variety of dance and fitness techniques, there's something for everyone including workshops and weekly classes for adults (ages 16 and up) and workshops and drop-in classes for kids and teens (ages 2-17) in a welcoming, non-competitive environment. For information on the Ailey Extension weekly class schedule, please visit ailey.org/classes.

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Lisa Willingham leads Horton at Ailey Experience in DC 2020. Photo by Jonathan Hsu
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The Ailey Experience Jr.
The Ailey Experience Jr.
The Ailey Experience
The Ailey Experience
Mambo at Ailey Extension. Photo by Whitney Browne
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Hip Hop at Ailey Extension with TweetBoogie. Photo by Danica Paulos
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Ballet at Ailey Extension. Photo by Whitney Browne
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Horton with Amos Machanic at Ailey Extension. Photo by Whitney Browne
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Lisa Willingham leads Horton at Ailey Experience in DC 2020. Photo by Jonathan Hsu
The Ailey Experience Jr.
The Ailey Experience
Mambo at Ailey Extension. Photo by Whitney Browne
Hip Hop at Ailey Extension with TweetBoogie. Photo by Danica Paulos
Ballet at Ailey Extension. Photo by Whitney Browne
Horton with Amos Machanic at Ailey Extension. Photo by Whitney Browne
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Featured Video

Ailey Extension 2026 B-Roll
Ailey Extension 2026 B-Roll
Active Aging Workshops at the Ailey Studios
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Ailey Extension 2024 B-roll
Ailey Extension 2024 B-roll
Teen Dance Classes
Teen Dance Classes
Ailey Extension Virtual Class Compilation
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Ailey Extension 2026 B-Roll
Active Aging Workshops at the Ailey Studios
Ailey Extension 2024 B-roll
Teen Dance Classes
Ailey Extension Virtual Class Compilation
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Featured News Releases

Ailey Extension Shakes Up Latin & Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration With 30 Days of Dance Classes and Workshops

(NEW YORK) August 25, 2026 – Ailey Extension is inviting people of all ages (16+), backgrounds, and experience levels to celebrate National Latin & Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) with a curated collection of workshops and classes designed to expose participants to Latin cultures through dance. Whether moving to the beat of Havana drums, learning fundamental Latin dance steps, or sweating it out to cumbia and reggaeton rhythms in a cardio class; everyone is welcome to get moving with Ailey Extension’s elite instructors all month long.

AILEY Offers a Variety of Options to Celebrate Black History Month Including Live Performances, Dance Workshops, Free Classes, and Education Programming for Students and Educators

NEW YORK, NY (January 15, 2026) – As America prepares to celebrate a Century of Black History Commemorations this February, AILEY welcomes people from all walks of life to immerse themselves in the beauty of African American culture through performances, workshops, and educational programming. With a variety of options including free programming, in-person experiences, and online offerings, each initiative presents opportunities for all regardless of age, location, or dance abilities. Discover the magic of AILEY by witnessing live performances from the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and spirited Ailey II; explore Alvin Ailey’s choreography at Ailey Experience and get moving to a variety of dance styles with roots in the African diaspora during workshops and weekly classes presented by Ailey Extension; explore new educational resources for students and educators, and experience the life, career and impact of the organization’s founder with the Portrait of Ailey documentary.

AILEY Gears Up For "Let's Move: A National Dance Day Celebration" With Museum of the City of New York

(NEW YORK) September 16, 2025 – In celebration of National Dance Day this Saturday, September 20, AILEY is making it easy for people from all ages and backgrounds to make dance an integral part of their lives by seeing an upcoming performance and getting moving with elite NYC instructors. This weekend people of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to join Ailey Extension instructors at Museum of the City of New York for two free dance workshops, get children moving at the Ailey Studios during the start of the Fall Kids & Teens session, and make plans to try a free class of their choice when they purchase tickets to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater during the Company’s annual holiday season engagement at New York City Center.

Featured Press Coverage

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W42ST - “Hell’s Kitchen is a Hub for Artists, So I Feel Right at Home” — Dancer Olivia Bowman-Jackson’s West Side Story

Dancer and dance instructor Olivia Bowman-Jackson grew up in Brooklyn and travelled widely through her work — but now calls Manhattan Plaza home. This is Olivia’s West Side Story. Olivia Bowman, a dancer and dance instructor, walking around her favorite places in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC. So what’s your New York story? Born here, or just arrived? I grew up in Brooklyn, in Starrett City — a true melting pot and a neighborhood that had everything within it: schools, banks, stores, restaurants, a community center, parks, and handball and basketball courts in every section. It really felt like its own little world.

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Blavity - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Company Members On Expanding Its Legacy With Afro-Latino And Afro-Caribbean Dance

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s holiday season is underway at New York City Center through Jan. 4. This season marks more than just another year of the artistic phenomenon that uses dance as a catalyst for spiritual and cultural expression. It also marks the dawn of a new chapter under the guidance of Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, whose inaugural season embraces both the company’s foundational Black roots and its evolving commitment to diversity, now including the Afro-Latino diaspora.