Two dancers dressed in white, on jumping up in the air towards the second one standing nearby

Ailey/Fordham BFA Program

About the Program

The Ailey/Fordham BFA Program is a four-year joint program offering professional dance training at The Ailey School and an exceptional liberal arts education rooted in the Jesuit tradition of intellectual development and personal attention at Fordham University. Students complete a diverse curriculum while attending both institutions full time.

The program offers a comprehensive study of several dance techniques, preparing graduates for a variety of jobs in today's diverse dance profession. Our focus on dance technique and performance offers students the opportunity to hone their professional skills and prepare for life as a professional dancer. 

Curriculum

Ailey/Fordham BFA students complete a curriculum that includes a carefully designed sequence of dance and liberal arts courses, encouraging students to achieve their artistic and academic potential. At The Ailey School, students take a rigorous schedule of daily classes in ballet, Ailey Horton, and Graham techniques. In addition, students also take a variety of other dance classes and creative courses specific to the BFA in Dance program, including jazz, West African, partnering, and improvisation, among others. 

A group of students at a ballet bar in a dance studio. They have one hand on the bar and the other above their heads. The girls are in black leotards and the boys in black pants and white tee shirts.

Student Services

Ailey/Fordham BFA students have the distinct opportunity to take advantage of the full range of student services offered by both The Ailey School and Fordham University. 

Take a Virtual Campus Tour


The Ailey School 

  • State-of-the-art dance studios 
  • Ailey Citigroup Theater 
  • Workshops and lectures on nutrition, healthcare, psychological wellness, and injury prevention 
  • On-site physical therapy 
  • Student teaching opportunities in Junior Division classes 
  • On-site Ailey dance boutique and concession stand 

Fordham University 

  • A challenging liberal arts and science curriculum 
  • State-of-the-art libraries and labs 
  • Exciting research opportunities across many disciplines 
  • Thoughtful advising that supports students’ personal, professional, and spiritual goals
Ailey Fordham BFA Program students conversing in a dressing room, one wearing a Fordham hoodie and the other an Alvin Ailey hoodie. Photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC.

Ready to Apply?

Review the program application requirements, audition calendar, and then start your application today.

FAQs

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