Students of The Ailey School Professional Division, photo by Nir Arieli

How to Apply

The Ailey School’s curriculum-based programs for ages 3 to 25 offer the highest caliber of multidisciplinary training while encouraging students to explore their own creative voice, preparing them for diverse and fulfilling careers in dance. Our two age Divisions have their own admission requirements and acceptance criteria. Find your chosen program below and click through to learn how to apply.

Junior Division

First Steps & Bounding Boys

Ages 3 to 6

Students interested in this program do not need to audition or apply. Parents can simply enroll their students in the program relevant to their child.

Pre-Professional Program

Ages 7 to 17

Prospective students must first apply and audition to be considered for this program.

Ailey Athletic Boys

Ages 7 to 10

Prospective students must first have applied, auditioned, and been accepted into the Pre-Professional Program to be considered for this scholarship track program.

Summer Intensive

Ages 12 to 15

Prospective students must first apply and audition either in-person or by video to be considered for this program.

Ailey/Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) Program

Grades 9 to 10

Prospective students interested in this program are expected to meet certain dance and academic criteria, be a resident of New York City, and apply through the NYC MySchools portal. An in-person audition is a required part of the application process.

Professional Division

Summer Intensive

Ages 16 to 25

Prospective students must first apply and audition either in-person or by video to be considered for this program.

Scholarship Program

Ages 17 to 21

Scholarship candidates should have at least five years of consistent training and demonstrate an intermediate-to-advanced level in ballet and modern. Prospective students must first apply and audition either in-person or by video to be considered for this program.

Certificate Program

Ages 17 to 23

This program is for students who have completed their secondary school requirements. Prospective students must first apply and audition either in-person or by video to be considered for this program.

Independent Study

Ages 17 to 25

This program is for students who have completed their secondary school requirements and wish to further develop their artistry and technical skills. Prospective students must first apply and audition either in-person or by video to be considered for this program.

Ailey/Fordham BFA

High School Graduates

This four-year program is for students interested in earning a dance and liberal arts degree from The Ailey School and Fordham University. Prospective students must apply to and be accepted by both institutions to be a part of this program.

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