Independent Study Program Curriculum

Independent Study Program students must successfully pass all required courses from the School’s established curriculum over the course of one year.

Technique levels are determined for each individual student at the beginning of their enrollment and students follow a year-long syllabus in each technique. Upon passing all required courses, students may request permission from the School’s directors to audition for the Certificate Program or Scholarship Program if they wish to continue their training.

View Course Descriptions

Independent Study Program students are guided and mentored by their program faculty advisor and meet with them 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 determine if they have successfully completed the program.  

Independent Study Program students have the opportunity to participate in annual performances throughout the school year. 

Each year, several artists in residence set original works or re-stage established works on our 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  
• Spring Concert  
• Studio showings

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 Measurements

This one-year program is designed for high school graduates and college students who wish to further develop their technical proficiency in Horton and/or Graham-based technique. To maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress and to receive a Confirmation of Study, students must successfully pass the courses they attempt to complete each term. If a student fails a course, or fails to attend class, they will be placed on Academic or Attendance Warning for the subsequent semester. Should mitigating circumstances prevent a student from passing a course, the student may attempt the course for a second time upon receiving the School directors' approval. Students may request permission to continue studying in another program to further develop their technical proficiency provided the student has successfully completed 100% of the courses they have taken in the Independent Study Program. Acceptance into another program is contingent upon the School directors' approval and/or successfully passing an audition.  

Appeal Procedure for Academic Probationary Status 

You may appeal your probationary status in writing to the directors of the School. 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