Apply to the Professional Division Summer Intensive
JUMP TO:
June 29 – July 31, 2026
Spend your summer immersed in the best dance training New York City has to offer! The Professional Division Summer Intensive for ages 16 to 25 is a five-week training program, offering dancers the opportunity to train in-person in a vibrant professional environment with The Ailey School's best instructors. Our Audition Tour begins in January and video auditions are accepted from November to April. The final deadline to submit a video audition is April 1.
Criteria
Prospective students must first audition in person or by video to be considered for the Professional Division Summer Intensive. Candidates should have a minimum of three years of consistent training in ballet and modern. In addition, candidates should possess a keen sense of musicality, strong artistic performance qualities, and experience in multiple techniques.
Students must register for an audition or upload their video audition with their application and $30 application fee in the Admissions Portal.
Students must be program age by the start of the program (not audition date) to be eligible for acceptance.
Tuition & Housing
Summer 2026
$2,869 (when paid in full by April 10, 2026* at 4pm, Eastern Standard Time)
$2,994 (when paid in full by May 8, 2026 at 4pm, Eastern Standard Time)
Total costs listed include a $75 registration fee and $300 advance deposit. *Discounts are available if paid by the early payment deadlines.
There is no guarantee that the Intensive will not fill to capacity before the final payment deadlines. Therefore, a non-refundable $300 deposit is required two weeks after acceptance to reserve a place. We strongly recommend making the non-refundable deposit as early as possible. Total costs include the $75 registration fee and the $300 advance deposit. Discounts are available if paid by the early payment deadlines.
Students may be awarded a merit-based scholarship based on their audition. Scholarship awards cover the cost of tuition only. The following participation fees and housing costs are the sole responsibility of the recipient.
Summer 2026
| Level 1 | $300 (includes $75 registration fee) |
| Level 2 | $425 (includes $75 registration fee) |
This tuition is for the 5-week session only. Scholarship awards cover tuition only. Students pay nominal participation fees only. Housing costs are the sole responsibility of the award recipient. Does not include other fees: $30 audition fee (one time).
Scholarship fees are non-refundable and are due, in full, two weeks after notification of acceptance.
The Ailey School offers Professional Division students two options for housing, depending on the student's age.
2026 Housing costs
Fordham University’s McMahon Hall (ages 16 to 17): $2980
Ludlow Residence (ages 18 and over): TBD
Directions on how to apply for Summer Housing are sent to accepted students after they have made a tuition deposit. Space is limited—therefore we strongly recommend that you reserve housing as early as possible!
Deadlines
November 14–April 1
Audition registration opens
Video Auditions Accepted
January–April
In-Person Audition Tour
April 1
Summer Video Audition Final Deadline
Reserving a space
Two weeks after acceptance notification, a non-refundable $300 tuition deposit is required to reserve a space in the intensive. Space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Acceptance to the program alone does not guarantee a space!
Early tuition discount deadline: April 10
Full tuition must be paid in full/received by 4:00pm (Eastern Standard Time).
Final payment deadline: May 8
The balance of tuition must be paid in full/received by 4:00pm (Eastern Standard Time). A $75 Late Fee applies for payments received after 4:00pm (Eastern Standard Time).
Apply Now
FAQs
Yes, students who exhibit the strongest technical and artistic potential for a career in dance will be considered for a merit-based scholarship based on their performance at their in-person audition or by their video audition.
Yes, international students who live outside of the US may submit a video audition. Students should contact the International Student Advisor for guidance on the correct visa to obtain for short-term, avocational study in the US.
Yes, a limited number of spaces will be available at the Ludlow Residence, a short subway commute from The Ailey School. Space is prioritized for out-of-state students and those who do not permanently reside within a reasonable commuting distance of The Ailey School. Housing applications will be sent to all accepted students.
Yes, students are required to adhere to the dress code and etiquette guidelines listed in the Student Handbook. Students may be asked to observe class if they are not in the required dress code.
Students may order dancewear needed for classes online or by visiting The Ailey Boutique located inside The Ailey School. Boutique hours are Monday-Friday 11am-7pm and Saturday 9am-4pm.
Contact Us