Ailey/Professional Performing Arts School Program

The Ailey/Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) Program is a joint dance education program for high school students with a fully subsidized curriculum-based dance education of the highest caliber. PPAS, an intimate magnet school committed to fostering excellence in the performing arts, provides a high-quality academic curriculum with instruction in dance, vocals, drama, and musical theater. The two institutions—conveniently located within seven blocks of each other in New York City's theater district—have formed a vibrant and dynamic venue for superior interdisciplinary education in academics and dance. The program fulfills the requirements of the New York State Regents' Diploma while preparing students to pursue careers as professional dancers.

Graduates from the school have gone on to study in such prestigious conservatories as the Juilliard School, North Carolina School of the Arts, USC Kaufman, Trinity Laban Conservatoire, and the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program. Several dancers have gone on to dance for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and many are working professionally for dance companies, on Broadway, commercially, as choreographers, and other related work in the industry.

In the Ailey/PPAS Program, 90 to 100 dance majors attend academic classes every morning at the Professional Performing Arts School from 8:15am to 1:40pm. Students commute to The Ailey School where they take their scheduled dance classes.

Students work through 4 levels of training. Each level takes in a broad curriculum of six-to-eight classes a week in diverse techniques such as ballet, Horton, West African, Graham-based modern, jazz, repertory, and dance history. Classes are taught by the distinguished faculty and staff of The Ailey School. Students training in the program are exposed to additional workshops taught by alumni working professionally in the dance world and esteemed guest instructors. Exposure to performances and dance events are organized throughout the year.

While the Ailey/PPAS Program focuses primarily on training, performance opportunities are offered for students in all grades and levels as an essential component of the professional learning process. All students will have the opportunity to perform in a yearly Spring Concert held at the Ailey Citigroup Theater. 

The Ailey/PPAS Program has a dedicated faculty that creates a space where students can grow and progress as individuals. The Ailey/PPAS program coordinator communicates with PPAS staff and faculty to ensure that the students are equally supported in their academic pursuits and in their dance endeavors.

Access to The Ailey School's on-site physical therapist is available upon request for an additional fee. 

Junior Division classes are taught by our esteemed dance educators who share their experience and expertise in a nurturing class environment. Our teachers allow students to develop a love of movement while giving them a strong technical foundation. Learn more about The Ailey School’s faculty.

Our Faculty