Ailey/Fordham BFA Program
Program Details
An innovative partnership between The Ailey School and Fordham University, the Ailey/Fordham Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree combines the finest in dance and liberal arts education in a 4-year program. Students complete a diverse curriculum while attending both institutions full time.
Program Overview
Located in the cultural heart of New York City, the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program offers the best of both worlds: professional dance training at the official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and an exceptional liberal arts education rooted in the Jesuit tradition of intellectual development and personal attention.
The program offers a comprehensive study of several dance techniques, preparing graduates for a variety of jobs in today's diverse dance profession. Our focus on dance technique and performance offers students the opportunity to hone their professional skills and prepare for life as a professional dancer.
The Best of Both Worlds
Ailey/Fordham students have the distinct opportunity to take advantage of the full range of student services offered by two esteemed institutions - The Ailey School and Fordham University.
The Ailey School:
- State-of-the-art dance studios
- Ailey Citigroup Theater
- Workshops and lectures on nutrition, healthcare psychological wellness and injury prevention
- On-site physical therapy facility and staff
- On-site dance video and research library
- Student teaching opportunities in Junior Division classes
- On-site Ailey dance boutique and concession stand
Fordham University:
- A challenging liberal arts and science curriculum
- State-of-the-art libraries and labs
- Exciting research opportunities across many disciplines
- Thoughtful advising that supports students’ personal, professional, and spiritual goals
Visit Fordham College at Lincoln Center
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Admissions
Dance criteria
- Superior talent and potential for a dance performance career
- Pre-professional training in ballet and modern for at least 3 years
- Musicality
- Energy, creativity and the ability to communicate through movement
- Stamina, drive, and independence to train in a rigorous dance program
Academic criteria for First Year Applicants
- Solid B+/ A- average in a college preparatory program
- Competitive GPA
- Strong writing skills
- Involvement in community or extracurricular activities and a desire to live in the heart of New York City.
More Information About Fordham Academic Admissions Criteria
Admission Procedures for First Year Applicants
Prospective students must submit separate applications to both The Ailey School and Fordham University to be considered for admission. For fall 2024 admission, The Ailey School Application and the Fordham University Common Application deadline has been extended to November 8, 2023.
Fordham University's Common Application
The Common Application requests information about the applicant's academic background and requires an essay, transcripts, and a recommendation from a school counselor. First year applicants must submit the Common Application online no later than the extended deadline of November 8, 2023. BFA Applicants must declare Dance as their intended major when filling out the academic application.
The Ailey School BFA Dance Application
The BFA Dance Application requests detailed information about the applicant's dance training. In addition, two dance photographs and an essay discussing the applicant's professional goals must also be submitted. The dance photos must be taken in leotard and tights in the following positions:
1. Standing in tendu a la seconde position, arms in second position
2. Standing in first arabesque, leg raised
Admission Procedures for Transfer Applicants
Prospective students must submit separate applications to both The Ailey School and Fordham University to be considered for admission.
Fordham University's Common Application
The Common Application requests information about the applicant's academic background and requires an essay, official college transcript(s), the transfer college report, and an unofficial high school transcript. The Common Application for transfers for fall will be available beginning November 1, 2023. Transfer applicants must submit the Common Application no later than June 1, 2024. BFA Applicants must declare Dance as their intended major when filling out the Common Application.
Admission decisions for transfer applicants are provided on a rolling basis. Notification of an admission decision for students admitted to the BFA will be provided beginning March 1, 2024.
The Ailey School BFA Dance Application
A student may submit their Ailey School Transfer Application prior to submitting the Common Application. For fall 2024 admission, those applicants that submit the Ailey School Application by November 1, 2023 may be considered for a winter/spring audition date. If the student choose to apply after November 1, 2023, student may complete an Ailey School Transfer Application beginning January 2024 and student may be considered for a video audition. The final deadline to submit the Ailey School Application is April 1, 2024.
The BFA Dance Application requests detailed information about the applicant's dance training. In addition, two dance photographs and an essay discussing the applicant's professional goals must also be submitted. The dance photos must be taken in leotard and tights in the following positions:
1. Standing in tendu a la seconde position, arms in second position
2. Standing in first arabesque, leg raised
International Applicants
As a courtesy to those students who reside outside of the United States, The Ailey School will waive the live audition requirement and allow international students to audition by video.
BFA applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents should familiarize themselves with the Fordham University international admission and financial aid requirements and deadlines. Fordham will also assist enrolling students with their I-20 and F-1 visa application process. For more information about international student application requirements, please visit Fordham's website.
Health and Safety Protocols
Please visit the following pages for addition information:
Junior Division Student Resources
Professional Division Student Resources
Curriculum
Ailey/Fordham students complete a diverse curriculum that includes a carefully designed sequence of dance and liberal arts courses, encouraging students to achieve their artistic and academic potential. BFA candidates are full-time students at both institutions.
Coursework
At The Ailey School, BFA students are part of the Professional Division, trained to be among the vanguard of the finest and most versatile dancers. Students take a rigorous core curriculum of daily classes in Classical Ballet, Horton, and Graham-based Modern. In addition, students also take a variety of other dance technique and creative courses that are specific to the BFA in Dance program including Jazz, West African dance, Partnering, and Improvisation, among others. At the start of their freshmen year, students take placement classes to determine their appropriate levels in the core dance technique courses. This enables each student in the Ailey/Fordham program to pursue an individualized dance schedule that is consistent with their level of training.
As part of the undergraduate community at Fordham College at Lincoln Center, BFA students take a core-curriculum of liberal arts courses taught by Fordham’s esteemed arts and sciences faculty, 93 percent of whom hold a Ph.D. or other terminal degree. Course work ranges across the fine and liberal arts including music, the social sciences, philosophy, theology, history and foreign languages.
More information about Fordham College at Lincoln Center
BFA Curriculum Overview
Evaluation and Advisement
Each Ailey/Fordham student is assigned a dance advisor at The Ailey School as well as an academic advisor at Fordham University. Both advisors aid the students in making the most of the curriculum and are available for advice and support throughout the program.
At the close of each semester at The Ailey School students receive detailed written evaluations of their technical and artistic progress in each of their dance classes. Students also receive written feedback from repertory choreographers, artists-in-residence, and The Ailey School Co-Directors through Jury evaluations..
Performance Opportunities
Throughout the four years, BFA students are provided many opportunities to learn from and perform varied repertory with renowned choreographers and guest artists. Students perform both at the Ailey Citigroup Theater and at Fordham University's Pope Auditorium. In their senior year, students also perform in venues in the greater New York City area as part of a touring repertory ensemble, the Ailey Fordham Student Dancers (ASFD).
Previous choreographers have included:
- Stefanie Batten Bland
- Norbert de la Cruz
- Amy Hall
- Christopher Huggins
- Jae Man Joo
- Nicolas Villeneuve
Professional Experience for Advanced Students
The Ailey/Fordham program offers its most advanced students the unique opportunity to dance professionally while earning credit toward their BFA degree. Seniors and occasionally juniors with outstanding dance and academic records may dance with professional companies as apprentices or members with the approval of the BFA Director.
Special Programs
The Ailey School offers several innovative programs and unique opportunities to further develop the artistry of our students and prepare them for a professional career.
New Directions Choreography Lab (NDCL)
NDCL is a creative residence for emerging and established choreographers created by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle. Four artists are selected annually to receive a stipend, access to dancers from The Ailey School, and studio time during which they are free to take creative risks and explore new ideas that they may not have had the financial resources, time, or space to do otherwise. Each choreographer is paired with a Creative Advisor who, as seasoned professionals, serve as an artistic resource offering guidance and feedback during the creative process. Informal studio showings and Q & A dialogue between audience and dancers allows both students and choreographers the opportunity to delve into the creative process and artistic self-discovery.
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 three months. Overseen by the Company Rehearsal Director and Guest Artist, Matthew Rushing, the program provides a rare opportunity for students to spend time with their mentors through workshops, professional development sessions, and access to private rehearsals. Additionally, mentors meet with their students in a multitude of activities outside of Ailey to further strengthen the relationship. Students have enjoyed outings to museums, live performances and concerts, coffee shops, and potluck dinners with their mentors.
“Memoria” performances
Each December, students are offered the unparalleled opportunity to perform in Mr. Ailey’s ballet “Memoria”, a touching and powerful tribute to his mentor Joyce Trisler. Twenty-six students are chosen by audition to perform a section of the ballet that was choreographed by Mr. Ailey specifically with students in mind. Over the course of several weeks, students are rehearsed by Ronni Favors, former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Rehearsal Director and dancer, culminating in several performances with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater during their annual season at New York City Center Theater. Students experience the thrill of performing to sold out audiences of Ailey’s enthusiastic fans in a legendary theater located in the heart of New York’s theater district.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition
Students attending the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program pay tuition directly to Fordham University. Please visit Fordham University's website for information on Tuition & Fees.
The only fees paid to The Ailey School are an annual Physical Therapy fee.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid for the BFA program is offered through Fordham University. Their extensive program includes:
- Standard need-based assistance: grants, loans, and work-study programs
- Merit-based awards: based on artistic and academic potential
Financial Aid applicants must apply directly through Fordham University, not through The Ailey School Financial Aid Office. Applicants who are interested in financial aid should file the CSS Profile and the FAFSA application. Contact the Fordham University Financial Aid Office for instructions on how to apply for financial aid or call 718-817-3800.
Note: Due to fluctuating government financial aid regulations, the data presented should only be used as a guide. Please confirm required forms and application deadlines with Fordham University's Office of Student Financial Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ailey/Fordham BFA Program requires the standard college application for Fordham University and the BFA Dance Application for The Ailey School. Please ensure you include all supplementary materials required for each application as listed. Fordham University requires an application fee; The Ailey School does not. If you are invited to audition, there is a small audition fee required at that time.
Both the Dance Application and the Fordham Application are due on November 1.
Fordham University and The Ailey School are two separate institutions and therefore have different application requirements. The decision for acceptance into the BFA program requires that a student be mutually accepted to both institutions. The separate applications allow each school to evaluate the student respectively.
Fordham University requires both the FAFSA (Federal Application for Financial Student Aid) and the CSS Profile. Both applications can be completed online. If you have more questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at Fordham University by calling 212-636-6700.
No. Because the program syllabus is based on a full year, transfer admission is granted for the fall term only.
No. The Ailey School will hold placement classes for all new students, after which those with little to no experience with either modern technique will be placed in level one for both.
The same artistic panel adjudicates each audition and the same audition material is given in each city, which allows for a fair audition process for all students. If you are interested in viewing the facilities of The Ailey School and Fordham University, this can be done once you are accepted by scheduling a visit. Additionally, Fordham University holds an open house for accepted students in April where you will have the opportunity to meet current BFA students and faculty. Please make arrangements to visit in advance.
The maximum length is three (3) minutes, but it should not be less than two (2) minutes. Your solo should be professionally choreographed by a teacher or choreographer.
You will be informed by Fordham University, not The Ailey School, in mid-March.
The number of students accepted in a given year is determined by the total program enrollment. The typical class size does not exceed 35 students.
The Ailey School will choose students who are exceptional dancers just as Fordham University will choose students who excel academically, with no emphasis placed on the applicant’s gender.
After taking placement classes, all students receive a customized dance schedule that reflects their previous training. A student’s schedule might consist of a dance class at Ailey in the morning, an academic class at Fordham, a lunch break, and then one or two more dance classes. There are no dance classes or rehearsals on Saturday or Sunday.
All BFA students will take classes only at Lincoln Center campus.
All BFA students will live at the Lincoln Center campus if they have chosen to live in the dorm. Fordham has two dormitories that students can live in: McKeon Hall, which is dorm-like rooms for first-year students, and McMahon Hall, which is suite-like housing for upperclassmen. If a student accepts housing as a freshman, they are guaranteed housing throughout their four years, as long as they remain in the dorm. Students may live off campus if they wish but it is very difficult to move back into the dorm once they have moved out.
All dance technique courses are taken at The Ailey School, along with a few dance academic courses such as Anatomy & Kinesiology and Performance and Art. All academic courses are taken at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus, along with a few dance academic courses such as Music for Dancers and Dance History.
The freshmen and sophomores participate in workshops which result in performances in the fall and spring. The juniors take a Repertory Workshop that culminates in studio showings and performances. In the senior year, students will participate in Ailey/Fordham Student Dancers (AFSD) and perform numerous times in the tri-state area. Various student-run concerts and private engagements offer students more opportunities to perform as well.
No. After the November 1st deadline, the Director of the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program reviews the application and invites students to the audition. Notification of whether or not a student is granted an audition will be sent via email by December 1st.
No. A video is only required for international students invited to audition for the BFA program.
No. Letters of recommendation are not required for the dance application. However, Fordham University does require letters of recommendation for the common application.
No. The audition dates listed on The Ailey School website are strictly for the Summer Intensive, Certificate, Independent Study, and Scholarship programs. BFA auditions are separate and are not publicized on the website as they are invitation-only auditions.
Prospective students for the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program have two tour options. Fordham University holds tours on the Lincoln Center campus that explore the dorms and campus life. These tours are open to prospective students regardless of their area of study. To schedule a tour at Fordham University, please visit the Undergraduate Admission website.
The Ailey School offers an Ailey/Fordham BFA Program tour specific to the day-to-day experiences as a BFA student. The tour explores The Ailey School facilities only and lasts about 45 minutes. To schedule an Ailey/Fordham BFA Program tour, please email bfa@alvinailey.org at least 2 weeks prior to your visit. The tours are led my current BFA students and scheduling is dependent on the students' availability.
Unfortunately, drop-in tours are not available. If you wish to speak to a BFA program representative, please email bfa@alvinailey.org prior to arriving to The Ailey School.
At this time, due to class capacities, prospective students are unable to take class. However, you are welcome to arrange a class observation by emailing bfa@alvinailey.org at least 2 weeks prior to your visit.
At this time, we do not offer a minor.
Yes. Depending on the area of study, many students pursue an additional major or minor. Some of the most popular choices are: African American Studies, Economics, English, and Visual Arts.
Please be sure to carefully review the information found on our Health & Safety FAQ page.
