Professional Division (ages 17 to 25) 

Acceptance to the Certificate Program and Scholarship Program is by live audition only. Acceptance to the Independent Study and Summer Intensive Programs is by live audition, or by video audition demonstrating proficiency in ballet and modern.

Final Deadlines are as follows:
Summer - April 20  (extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic) 
Academic year - July 12 (June 12 for international students)

Audition Requirements

Ailey/Fordham BFA Admissions

BFA applicants please refer to the BFA admissions procedures, as they differ from the other Professional Division Programs.   

Auditions

Auditions are held at The Ailey School, throughout the United States, and in select cities in Canada. Auditions are scheduled between January and April. Auditions consist of abbreviated classes in ballet, Horton or Graham-based modern technique. There is no barre and students should warm-up prior to arrival. Solos are not required. Students do not need to bring head shots or resumes.

Advance online registration is mandatory. Walk-ins will not be accommodated.

Video auditions

Applicants to the Independent Study Program who do not live within a reasonable distance to an audition site may apply by submitting an online application and a video audition. Applicants must adhere to The Ailey School Video Audition Guidelines and demonstrate proficiency in ballet and modern dance. Videos that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered.

Submit a video audition

Video submission deadlines:
Summer Intensive: April 1
Fall/Spring academic year: June 1 (May 1 for international students)

Attire

Dancers should be dressed in neat, professional looking dance attire (i.e.: leotard and tights for women; tee shirt and tights for men). Students should bring ballet shoes to the audition and wear tights that are convertible so you can be barefoot for the modern section of the audition. Women’s hair should be neat and pulled back away from the face and neck.