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Coursework
Students take a rigorous core curriculum of daily classes in classical ballet, Ailey Horton, and Graham techniques. In addition, students also take a variety of other dance technique and creative courses that are specific to the BFA in Dance program including jazz, West African, partnering, and improvisation, among others. At the start of their first year, students take placement classes to determine their appropriate levels in the core dance technique courses. This enables each student in the Ailey/Fordham BFA in Dance program to pursue an individualized dance schedule consistent with their training level.
As part of the undergraduate community at Fordham College at Lincoln Center, BFA students take a core-curriculum of liberal arts courses taught by Fordham’s esteemed arts and sciences faculty, 93% of whom hold a Ph.D. or other terminal degree. Course work ranges across the fine and liberal arts including music, the social sciences, philosophy, theology, history, and foreign languages.
Evaluation & Advisement
At the close of each semester, students at The Ailey School receive detailed written evaluations on their technical and artistic progress in each dance class. Students also receive written feedback from repertory choreographers, artists-in-residence, and The Ailey School directors through jury evaluations.
Performance Opportunities
Students perform in the Ailey Citigroup Theater, with several performance opportunities per year, starting in their first year of the program. Guest choreographers include:
Professional Experience for Advanced Students
Seniors and occasionally juniors with outstanding dance and academic records may dance with professional companies as apprentices or members with the approval of the BFA director.
Special Programs
The mission of ASAP is to give students the opportunity to build a mentor/mentee relationship with members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater over the course of an academic year. Overseen by the Interim Artistic Director, Matthew Rushing, the program provides a rare opportunity for students to engage with their mentors through a multitude of activities including masterclasses/workshops, professional development sessions, and access to private rehearsals.
Every December, The Ailey School students are offered the unparalleled opportunity to perform in Alvin Ailey’s ballet Memoria, a touching and powerful tribute to Mr. Ailey's mentor Joyce Trisler. Twenty-six students are chosen by audition to perform a section of the ballet that was choreographed by Mr. Ailey for a cast including Company members and students. Over the course of several weeks, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Rehearsal Director Ronni Favors rehearses with the students, culminating in several performances with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater during their annual season at New York City Center. Students experience the thrill of performing to sold out houses in a legendary theater located in the heart of the theater district.
