Certificate Program Curriculum
Certificate Program students at The Ailey School pursue a three-year structured curriculum that includes a diverse variety of dance technique courses, somatic courses, dance academics, and an integrated performance component.
Coursework
Certificate Program students must successfully complete all required courses from the School’s established curriculum, as well as several supplemental elective courses.
A total of 3,060 hours at set minimum technique levels must be attained in order to graduate with a Certificate of Dance. Students who surpass the minimum technique level requirements may graduate with Honors.
Technique levels are determined for each individual student at the beginning of their first year and students are expected to progress technically and artistically in order to advance to the next level each subsequent year. In their final year, students attend a repertory and performance workshop, in which they learn original works created specifically for them as well as select Ailey repertory.
Technique, Somatic & Performance Courses
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Academic
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Evaluation & Advisement
Certificate Program students are guided and mentored by their Program Faculty Advisor Freddie Moore.
Students meet with him regularly to ensure they are making sufficient progress and meeting all program requirements. At the end of each semester, students receive written evaluations and grades from each teacher and meet with their advisor to review their progress and create a schedule for the following year.
Performance Opportunities
Certificate Program students are offered opportunities to participate in annual performances throughout the school year.
Each year, several artists-in-residence set original works or re-stage established works on the students. Students audition to be selected by the choreographers and School directors to participate in workshops that culminate in the following performances:
- January Explosion Concert
- ASPG Studio Showing
- Spring Concert
- Certificate Program Graduation Performance
Ailey Student Performance Group (ASPG)
In their final year, Certificate Program students become members of the Ailey Student Performance Group (ASPG).
Mentored by ASPG Rehearsal Director Freddie Moore, students learn sections of classic Ailey repertory and works by guest artists, which they perform throughout the New York Tri-State area. Students gain valuable professional experience performing together as a small company while they hone their performance skills.
Special Programs
The Ailey School offers several innovative programs and unique opportunities for our students to further develop their artistry and prepare them for a professional career.
Ailey Students/Ailey Professionals (ASAP) Mentoring Program
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.
Memoria performances
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 the Company 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.
Satisfactory Progress Guidelines
Satisfactory Progress Measurements
As this program is designed to allow the advanced beginner to meet certificate requirements within three years, students are expected to pass 100% of the courses. Should a student fail a course or fail to attend class, they will be placed on Academic or Attendance warning status in the subsequent semester. The student is expected to repeat any courses that they have failed. The student will be placed on probation if the courses are failed again and will not be able to receive financial aid unless satisfactory progress is restored or the student files an appeal. Certificate Program students are not allowed to extend enrollment into a fourth year.
Appeal Procedure for Academic Probationary Status
You may appeal your probationary status in writing to the School directors. The written conclusions of the Appeal Committee (composed of the directors of the School and two selected members of the school administrative and/or teaching staff) will be forwarded to you by the office staff within two weeks of the appeal.
For a successful appeal, the following factors are considered in re-determining whether you have made satisfactory progress:
- Unusual circumstances, such as extended illness or injury when properly documented
- Quality of written or oral work in dance academic\theory courses
- Attitude and participation in courses
