Active Aging Workshops

About

Classes every Tuesday through June 23!

Active Aging Workshops at the Ailey Studios are thoughtfully designed 60-minute dance classes for seniors that support strength, balance, and flexibility, while stimulating cognitive function, fostering artistic expression, and creating social engagement. 

These weekly classes, developed from the AileyDance for Active Aging curriculum, are open to adults of all abilities, including those with wheelchairs, canes, or walkers, as well as those living with memory loss accompanied by their care partners.

Please note that classes are 1:00–2:00pm through April 28 and 12:00–1:00pm starting May 5.

Upcoming Classes

Pricing

Active Aging Workshops are available for registration on a drop-in basis.

Seniors can save with 4- and 8-class packages to use throughout each workshop session (March 1–April 28 or May 5–June 23).

Single Class$24
4-Class Package$88
8-Class Package$160

 

Purchase 4-Class Package

Purchase 8-Class Package

Care partners attending with a participant do not need to register separately.

Class Structure

The workshops are co-led by two instructors who ensure the movement is always demonstrated both seated and standing with clear visibility so every attendee can participate fully. Chairs are available for all participants. 

Each workshop begins with a gentle warm-up and a progression of stretching while seated, followed by dance phrases that cover a variety of movement qualities, and a cool-down. Movement modifications are made for participants with mobility or balance challenges.

No prior dance or exercise experience is necessary!

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to prepare for class. We recommend wearing comfortable, loose clothing and supportive rubber-soled shoes (sandals and other non-stable shoes are not permitted).

Instructors

Active Aging Workshops are co-led by renowned Ailey instructor and former Ailey dancer Amos Machanic and Associate Director of Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs Heidi Miller.

Amos Machanic studied dance at The New World School of the Arts and continued his training at The Ailey School where he was a fellowship recipient. Machanic was a member of Ailey II and joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1996. During his 15 years with the company, Amos had the pleasure of traveling and performing across the globe.

Heidi Miller spearheads the development and expansion of the AileyDance for Active Aging program and contributes to Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs' special projects, professional learning initiatives, and hiring of artists. Miller has taught dance and aesthetic education extensively in K–12 public school classrooms and in higher education, including Hunter College School of Education, where she taught dance integration at the graduate level.

FAQs

Our staff is here to help you walk into the studio with ease!

Check out our FAQs below to learn more about creating your account and attending classes at Ailey Extension.

Hero Credit: Photo by Erica Hochstedler