Pre-Professional Program

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About the Program

The Pre-Professional Program offers diverse, curriculum-based year-round dance training for students ages 7 to 17, taught by The Ailey School’s experienced and distinguished faculty. Designed to nurture well-rounded young dancers, this program offers a graded curriculum in a wide variety of dance techniques. Performance opportunities are offered at the Ailey Citigroup Theater and a larger New York City theater in May.

Curriculum

Faculty

Students from The Ailey School Junior Division

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How to Apply

Online applications for the 2025-2026 school year open in May 2025. To receive updates and information about which Junior Division program would be right for your child, please fill out the inquiry form.

Junior Division Inquiry Learn How to Apply & Audition

FAQs

Yes! The Pre-Professional Program offers scholarships to eligible students (ages 15 to 17) who show the highest potential for a career in dance through the Scholarship Program. To be considered for the Scholarship Program, students must audition and are required to re-audition annually to maintain their scholarship.

Yes, a dress code is required for all programs. To purchase the required attire, you can order online or visit The Ailey Boutique located inside The Joan Weill Center for Dance. Boutique hours are Monday-Friday 11am-7pm and Saturday 9am-4pm.

Ailey Boutique

Junior Division Dress Code

Level placement is determined on several factors, including (but not limited to) a student's proficiency in ballet and modern dance, instructor recommendations, and observations made by the audition panel. Previous evaluations and attendance records are also reviewed to determine level placement.

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Ailey/Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS)

Students sitting in a classroom at the Ailey Studios

For questions or general inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Designed to develop well-rounded young dancers, the Pre-Professional Program offers a graded curriculum of classical ballet, enriched by several other dance techniques including modern, West African, jazz, and tap. Performance opportunities are offered in The Ailey Citigroup Theater and a larger New York City Theater in May.

The Pre-Professional Program requires an audition. Students are placed in a level at the time of audition. Level placement is determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, proficiency in ballet and modern. Students are required to take all the classes assigned to their level.

View the Class Schedule by Level