Summer Intensive - A Day in the Life

The Ailey School’s Summer Intensives are underway! One student who is participating in the intensive for the first time takes you into the classroom to experience a day in their shoes.  

Hi! 

My name is Ami-Maxine and I’m a student in The Ailey School’s Professional Division Certificate Program. I started the program in 2023 at age 22, and now I’m entering my final year. I’ll be 25 when I graduate.  

I began dancing relatively late. I first trained with Lula Washington and soon after continued my training at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy under Debbie Allen and Karen McDonald—the same incredible teachers my mom studied under. My mom was a professional dancer, so whenever she was teaching, I would attend her classes. However, I didn’t take dance seriously or consider training professionally until I was about 13. Before that, it was just a fun hobby I was good at—not the passion it has become.  

Although I’m sure my mother took me to see the company perform before, my first clear memory of seeing Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was at 11 years old, when they performed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in 2012. I was in awe the entire time. When I got home, I couldn’t stop talking about it. I knew that’s where I wanted to be. Now that I’m here, it’s hard to believe how close I am to that dream.  

This summer is my first time participating in the Summer Intensive. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship, which allows me to keep strengthening my training, build more strength, and stay on track.  

Morning  

I wake up between 6 and 6:30am. The first thing I do is thank God for another day, then I start my morning routine. I usually make breakfast—Greek yogurt with blueberries and protein granola—and prepare a protein shake to take with me. After that, I get ready for the day. I set aside 15 minutes before leaving to lie on my heating pad and roll out my muscles. I’m out of the house by 8am.  

Class #1  

I arrive at The Ailey School around 8:30am and spend 30 minutes warming up. My classes run from 9am to 1:30pm without any breaks. My first class is Somatics with Ms. Renee Robinson. We focus a lot on being present in our bodies, moving with intention, and being aware of how we place ourselves physically in the space around us. Right now, we’re doing a lot of floor barre exercises. Since we're only in the second day of classes of the summer, I’m curious to see how it will progress. We spend a lot of time talking, exploring, and discovering our bodies.  

Class #2  

My second class is ballet with Ms. Cassandra Phifer. I love her. People often say she’s intimidating, but I don’t see it that way. To me, she’s passionate—serious and intense about the craft—which makes sense, considering she was an original member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She’s more inspiring than anything. When she critiques my technique or keeps a close eye on me, I think, “Yes, be on me. Look at me.” The class is definitely challenging, but it pushes me, and I feel driven when I’m in that space.  

Class #3  

My last class is Graham technique with Ms. Jacqulyn Buglisi. She gives us affirmations to say to ourselves: “Thank you to my knees. Thank you to my heart for beating. Thank you to my brain. Thank you, body.” It’s nice to be reminded of this because it’s something we often take for granted and don’t think about on a day-to-day basis. I’m jumping every day and putting my body into positions that aren’t natural. So yes! Thank you to my knees, even if I go home in pain sometimes. The use of breath in the Graham technique allows the movement to feel grounded, expressive, and full. The Graham technique wasn’t one of my favorite styles when I first started, but I’ve grown to appreciate it. From level one in my first year to level three in my third, I’m starting to develop a deeper understanding of where my breath should be and how my body should feel in each position. Now, I truly enjoy it.  

Physical Therapy  

Right now, I have a slight strain in my psoas and tendinitis in my left knee, which bothers me from time to time. I’m doing physical therapy outside of my classes and have opted out of the repertory workshops in the Summer Intensive to support my recovery. I mostly do my exercises at home while I’m rolling out in the morning. Every few weeks, I check in with my physical therapist to update my routine, track my progress, and adjust the exercises as my strength improves.  

I also do floor exercises to strengthen the muscles around my hip and activate the support from my core, to keep from putting a strain on my hip socket. These exercises have helped a lot, and I can lift my legs now with little to no pain. I usually do my PT exercises about three times a week, especially since I cross-train by going to the gym. I try to be mindful not to push myself too hard between dancing, the gym, and working.  

Work  

After classes, I work as a hostess at a restaurant. I usually rush home to shower and eat something I’ve meal-prepped before heading to work. I’m on my feet from 4pm to 11pm, which can be quite exhausting. Balancing a full day of dance with a long shift on my feet is definitely challenging.  

What I’m Thinking About the Future  

For my final year in the Certificate Program, I’m really excited to be part of the Ailey Student Performance Group (ASPG). It’s an incredible opportunity to learn the Ailey repertory, dive into Alvin Ailey’s Revelations, and work closely with Rehearsal Director Freddie Moore. He often tells us, “You have to get out of trying to perform it how you see it and actually put yourself in the movement, in the moment. Explore it for yourself—not as if you’ve never seen it, but as if you’re living it, experiencing it.” I’m eager to fully immerse myself in this experience. After graduating, my goal is to dance with Ailey II and eventually join the main company. I’m also drawn to opportunities on Broadway, where I can combine my passion for dance with my love for singing and storytelling. No matter where my path leads, I’m excited to apply everything I’ve learned and continue growing as an artist.