The Ailey School First Steps students Photo by Rosalie O'Connor
First Steps & Bounding Boys
JUMP TO:
About the Programs
Learn, grow, create, and dance.
For children ages 3 to 6, the First Steps and Bounding Boys programs are an introduction to dance where each child gets personalized support and attention. All First Steps and Bounding Boys classes have an instructional team comprised of a primary teacher, one-to-three teaching assistants, and a live accompanist. Start your child on their dancing journey in a warm, supportive, and playful atmosphere.
First Steps Curriculum
Students activate their minds and bodies through a weekly series of fun and creative exercises that give them a strong foundation of dance technique. They also gain an understanding of the connection between dance, rhythm, and music through exercises that encourage body awareness while exploring their creativity.
Classes convene once a week on Saturdays and are split into three age groups with 3-year-olds including boys and girls and ages 4 to 6 only girls:
First Steps I
Ages 3 and 4
First Steps II
Age 5
First Steps III
Age 6
The Ailey School First Steps students Photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC
The Ailey School First Steps students Photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC
The Ailey School First Steps students Photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC
The Ailey School First Steps students Photo by Eduardo Patino, NYC
The Ailey School First Steps students Photo by Rosalie O'Connor
The Ailey School First Steps student Photo by Rosalie O'Connor
The Ailey School First Steps students Photo by Rosalie O'Connor
The Ailey School First Steps students Photo by Rosalie O'Connor
Bounding Boys Curriculum
An extension of the First Steps program, Bounding Boys offers a creative and athletic experience for boys ages 4 to 6. Students develop their coordination and a passion for dance through movement exercises and tumbling techniques.
Classes are once a week on Saturdays and are split into three age groups:
Bounding Boys I
Age 4
Bounding Boys II
Age 5
Bounding Boys III
Age 6
The Ailey School Bounding Boys students Photo by Rosalie O'Connor
The Ailey School Bounding Boys students Photo by Rosalie O'Connor
The Ailey School Bounding Boys student Photo by Rosalie O'Connor
The Ailey School Bounding Boys student Photo by Rosalie O'Connor
The Ailey School Bounding Boys students Photo by Rosalie O'Connor
Faculty
Ready to Enroll?
Set your child up to learn, grow, and dance in our upcoming programs. Auditions are not required for First Steps or Bounding Boys. Learn how to enroll your child today!
FAQs
To begin the process of enrollment, please visit the First Steps and Bounding Boys Enrollment page.
Program levels are determined by age; eligible students must be program age by August 31st.
First Step and Bounding Boys curriculum is creative movement based, allowing students to develop a strong sense of spatial awareness, body awareness, musicality, and foundational technique for future dance training.
No, an audition is not required for admission to the First Steps and Bounding Boys programs.
Both programs are designed to facilitate the first steps your child will take in establishing a solid foundation for future dance training. Bounding Boys is an extension of First Steps that offers a more athletic approach to developing dance skills through creative movement.
Trial classes are not available. New students must enroll for the academic year (September to May).
No, the First Steps and Bounding Boys program is curriculum-based where classes build upon skills and movement memory throughout the year.
A dress code is strictly enforced for both programs:
- First Steps: Solid red leotard.
- Bounding Boys: Red Ailey shirt and black biker shorts.
To purchase dress code items, please visit The Ailey Boutique located inside The Ailey School. Boutique hours are Monday-Friday 11am-7pm and Saturday 9am-4pm.
Parents will have the opportunity to observe classes each semester on designated Parent Observation Days.
Culminating performances are presented at The Ailey School in late April and/or early May.
Tuition fees are based on the level and program in which the student is placed. Please visit Tuition and Fees for details.
Contact Us
For questions or general inquiries, please contact [email protected].
Hero Credit: Photo by Rosalie O'Connor