Scholarship Program Curriculum

Scholarship Program students must successfully pass all required courses from the School’s established curriculum each year of their enrollment.

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 re-audition to continue in the program and continue to receive financial support. 

View Course Descriptions

Scholarship Program students are guided and mentored by The Ailey School Co-Director Tracy Inman. 

Students meet with him regularly to ensure they are making sufficient technical progress, meeting all program requirements, and to discuss their post-completion career goals and performance opportunities. At the end of each semester, students receive written evaluations and grades from each teacher. They also meet with Mr. Inman to determine if they will stay in the program or have completed the program and will embark on a dance career.

Scholarship Program students are offered opportunities to participate in annual performances throughout the school year. 

Each year, several artists-in-residence set original works or re-stage established works on The Ailey School 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.

Professional Opportunities (Threshold Component) 

Threshold is a special component of the Scholarship Program for advanced students who are given the opportunity and time to perform with professional dance companies, in workshops, and in master classes with outside choreographers and master teachers. Threshold students who have attained advanced technique levels work under the guidance and mentorship of a dedicated faculty advisor. 

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 and former Company member, 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 is a highly competitive one to two-year renewable program for the intermediate/advanced dancer. As a limited number of Scholarships are awarded on a one-year basis by audition, students are expected to uphold the highest standards of artistic and academic achievement, along with excellent attendance. Students are expected to pass 100% of their courses in order to successfully complete each year of enrollment and be eligible to re-audition for continuance in the program. Scholarships students are expected to maintain the Code of Conduct and standards of excellent behavior at The Ailey School, and when serving as a representative outside of the School.  

Appeal Procedure for Academic Probationary Status 

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