A group of students in various color unitards stand on one leg, with their back leg in attitude and arms reach out on a diagonal line.

Independent Study Program

About The Program

The one-year Independent Study Program offers intensive training for students ages 17 to 25 who have completed their secondary school requirements and wish to develop their artistry and technical skill while enhancing their professional potential. Students may also obtain college credit for their attendance in this program if they are already working towards a degree in another college or university.

Curriculum

Students must attend a minimum of 14 classes weekly and successfully pass 952 hours of dance technique and somatic classes weekly from the core curriculum, including daily ballet classes and Horton and/or Graham-based modern five times a week. Elective technique classes include jazz, tap, Dunham, West African, barre à terre, yoga, Gyrokinesis®, and body conditioning. 

A group of students at a ballet bar in a dance studio. They have one hand on the bar and the other above their heads. The girls are in black leotards and the boys in black pants and white tee shirts.
Students of The Ailey School Professional Division, photo by Nir Arieli

How to Apply

Auditions begin in January. Review the audition requirements and application deadlines.

FAQs