JUMP TO:
Ailey Teacher Certification Program: Ailey Horton Technique class led by Tracy Inman Photo by Whitney Browne
Ailey Teacher Certification Program: Ailey Horton Technique class led by Lakey Evans-Peña Photo by Whitney Browne
Ailey Teacher Certification Program: Ailey Horton Technique class led by Tracy Inman Photo by Whitney Browne
Curriculum
The Ailey Teacher Certification Program curriculum combines in-person and online learning and includes technique and anatomy studies, lesson planning and applied teaching activities, study of key figures who informed and inspired the work of Alvin Ailey and Lester Horton, assigned videos and readings, written assignments, assessments, and discussions.
Accreditation
Through this new teacher certification program, The Ailey School confirms that successful participants have received the highest level of authentic training in the Ailey Horton Technique, including a comprehensive understanding of its pedagogy, methodology, progressions, and instruction.
Leadership
Apply
FAQs
We’ve begun compiling a list of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received so far and will continue to expand the list over the coming months. If you have a question that is not answered below, please email [email protected].
Dance teachers now have the opportunity to achieve a credential in the Ailey Horton Technique that will confirm the depth and breadth of their skills, experience, and versatility, while demonstrating their deep commitment to students and dedication to excellence.
Supported by clear standards of achievement and specific professional development criteria, the new Ailey Teacher Certification: Ailey Horton Technique plays an important role in furthering the history, philosophy, creativity, vision, and artistry of Lester Horton and Alvin Ailey. The program offers educators world-class training in the Ailey Horton Technique, including a comprehensive and authentic understanding of its pedagogy, methodology, progressions, and instruction.
The Ailey School is renowned as one of the best dance schools in the world. Instructors in the Ailey Teacher Certification Program: Ailey Horton Technique offer dance teachers the highest level of authentic training in the Ailey Horton Technique—a technique designed to support all types of dancers in a style of movement that is dynamic, exciting, relevant, and versatile. Teachers looking to offer the very best to their students, advance their careers, and achieve the highest level of expertise in the Ailey Horton Technique will benefit greatly from this valuable credential.
Tuition & Fees | $7,750 |
Additional Fees | |
Application Fee | $65 (due when submitting application materials) |
Registration Fee | $150 (due when registering) |
*Prepare to pay the 1st and 2nd installments (2 of 6) by 5pm EST, Friday, March 14, 2025.
Tuition may be paid in 6 equal, interest-free, installments (monthly, starting the second Friday in February. Therefore, if enrolling between March 14 and April 10, 2025, prepare to pay 34% with the contract submission to catch up on the February and march installments). Full payment must be completed before Level 1, Section A classes start on July 21, 2025.
JUL 21–25 | Kick-off Week (in person) – Cohort 1 |
AUG 11–15 | Kick-off Week (in person) – Cohort 2 |
SEP 8–NOV 21 | Weeks 2-12 (virtual) |
NOV 22–JAN 4 | Holiday Break |
JAN 5–MAR 13 | Weeks 1-10 (virtual) |
MAR 14–22 | Winter Break |
MAR 23–APR 10 | Weeks 1-3 (virtual) |
APR 11–19 | Spring Break |
APR 20–JUN 5 | Weeks 4-10 (virtual) |
All three modules, A to C, are required for enrollment in Level 1 certification. Level 1 certification prepares participants to teach students who are beginners in the Ailey Horton Technique.
Commencing in 2026, Level 2 will offer three 10-week modules. Participants will be encouraged to enroll in the modules that best align with the level of students they teach:
While the remote learning weeks offer a great deal of flexibility to fit individual schedules and mesh with life and work commitments, all participants move through the curriculum at the same pace. Frequent opportunities for discussion and collaboration build community and promote a supportive learning environment to help ensure success for all students, while also fostering lifelong professional and artistic connections.
The course begins with an intensive 5-day in-person workshop. Taught by curriculum authors Tracy Inman and Lakey Evans-Peña, workshop classes take place from 9am to 6pm daily at The Joan Weill Center for Dance in New York City. To ensure participants receive focused personal attention, enrollment in each class is capped at 25 students.
Following the in-person week of instruction, teaching and learning will continue virtually across three modules:
The instructional experience across Level 1 will include:
Faculty/participant meetings will take place across all 32 weeks of Level 1, and a full-course reflective analysis will take place annually. Inman and Evans-Peña will serve as advisors to the students throughout Level 1, Sections A, B, and C. Meetings with the enrollees will take place during standardized office hours that are synchronistic as well as asynchronistic. Additional one-on-one time will be made available upon request.
Throughout Level 1, Anatomy and Kinesthetic terminology will be addressed through glossary and illustrations provided by Anatomy teaching faculty in The Ailey School. Further, expert core musicians from the Ailey Teaching Artist roster collaborate with Ailey Horton Faculty to bring discipline, structure, counts, and musicality to bear across the full curriculum.
At the conclusion of Level 1, enrollees will be prepared to teach—or to enhance teaching of—the Ailey Horton Technique, Level 1, in colleges, private studios, conservatories, company schools, and community settings through the historical legacy, creative philosophy, and artistic vision of Lester Horton and Alvin Ailey. Supporting teachers in this way, this singular technique will inform and enliven evolving forms of dance for generations to come.
Enrollees will be required to have access to the internet, a personal laptop/tablet and a smart phone. The laptop/tablet must have a camera and microphone, and participants must be able to film themselves, create audio files, and upload this work as part of their coursework. Technical support for the course platforms will be provided through Ailey School personnel.
Email List