Technique
Graham
Instructors
Pricing
- In-Studio New Students $20
- In-Studio Single Class Card $25
- In-Studio 3 Class Card $70
- In-Studio 5 Class Card $115
- In-Studio 10 Class Card $220
Created by choreographer Martha Graham, Graham technique is centered around the contraction and release of the diaphragm, where the dancer's breath becomes the motor for movement. Graham technique utilizes floor work to strengthen the use of the torso in contractions and spiraling actions, before moving to standing and traveling patterns that move across the floor. The fundamental principles of the technique include contraction and release, the shift of weight, and spirals that create dramatic tension.
Our classes are defined by the following so you can determine which level is best for you.
- Absolute Beginner (ABS BEG): for students with little to no prior experience or knowledge of the technique.
- Beginner (BEG): for students with a basic understanding of the fundamentals and foundations of the technique.
- Advanced Beginner (ADV BEG): for students with prior experience and a more comprehensive understanding of the technique and vocabulary.
- Intermediate/Advanced (INT/ADV): for students with extensive training and an expansive knowledge of the technique and its proper alignment.
- Open: for students of any level.
Upcoming Classes
FAQs
It's easy to start dancing at Ailey Extension! First, create an account online here or through the Ailey Extension app.
We encourage students to register for class in advance—classes and workshops can and do sell out. Simply sign into Mindbody on your app or browser, find your class or workshop, click “Book,” and pay for your class. Please note that class packages are subject to expiration dates upon activation.
Students are also welcome to sign up for class at the Extension Desk at The Joan Weill Center for Dance by paying with card, cash, or contactless payments.
You must be 16 years or older to take Ailey Extension classes and workshops.
If your child is not old enough to take our drop-in classes or workshops, we offer Kids & Teens classes for ages 2–3 and 5–17 every Sunday.
Weekly adult classes are $15 for a single online class and $25 for a single in-studio class. Discounts are available to first-time students and senior dancers (age 60+), and you can save on all classes by purchasing 3-, 5-, and 10-class packages. Learn more here.
We also offer discounts to employees of our Corporate Donors. To see if your employer participates in our Corporate Donor Program, please visit your company's website.
Workshops and Kids & Teens classes are priced individually. Please visit those pages for specific pricing information.
The Ailey Studios, at The Joan Weill Center for Dance, are located at 405 West 55th at 9th Avenue in midtown Manhattan. We are walking distance from the Columbus Circle subway station (accessible via 1, 2, 3, A, C, B, and D lines) and 57th and 7th Ave. Subway station (accessible via N, R, and Q lines). Convenient buses include M30, M31, M57, and M11.
In general, we suggest you wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes that you can move in, such as sweats, yoga pants, leotard, t-shirts, tank tops, etc.
For Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Capoeira, Dunham, Horton, Graham, Limón, and West African, we suggest you don't wear shoes or socks, just bare feet.
For Afro’Dance and Masala Bhangra, students are welcome to dance barefoot or wear clean sneakers—whatever you are most comfortable in.
For ballet, we suggest ballet shoes, leotards, and tights, or other form-fitting ballet attire.
For hip hop, hip hop cardio, house, and Zumba®, please wear clean street shoes.
For heels, we suggest wearing comfortable, low heels or boots if you do not own a pair of dance heels. You are also welcome to dance barefoot or in clean sneakers.
For jazz and Broadway dance, we suggest you wear jazz shoes or dance sneakers.
For Lastics® Stretch Technique, Pilates, and yoga, we suggest you don't wear shoes or socks, just bare feet. We recommend practicing on a non-slip yoga or Pilates mat—Ailey Extension does not provide students mats.
For salsa and NY-style mambo, we suggest wearing comfortable low heels, character shoes, or clean sneakers.
For vogue, students are welcome to dance barefoot, wear clean sneakers, or practice in comfortable heels.
For Tiny Steps classes, students and chaperones are encouraged to wear easy-to-move-in clothing and socks or bare feet.
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