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Independent Study Program

Curriculum

The Independent Study Program offers the same intensive technique training as the Certificate Program in a structured one-year curriculum that includes a diverse variety of dance technique courses. The program is also appealing to students who are already matriculating towards an undergraduate degree in dance at a college or university who wish to attend the Program for credit towards their degree requirements. With permission from their home school, the Independent Study Program can function much like a study abroad program in offering serious dance students the opportunity to enhance their studies with a year of intensive training in New York City.

Coursework

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 student individually in placement classes 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 Co-Directors to audition for the Certificate Program or Scholarship Program if they wish to continue their training.

Course Descriptions

  • Horton technique  
  • Graham-based Modern technique 
  • Taylor-based Modern technique 
  • Classical Ballet 
  • Pointe 
  • Men's Ballet 
  • Jazz 
  • Tap 
  • Hip Hop 
  • Dunham technique 
  • West African 
  • Contemporary  
  • Barre a Terre 
  • Body Conditioning 
  • Yoga 
  • Gyrokinesis® 
  • Ballet and Modern Partnering

Sample Schedule

Evaluation and Advisement

Independent Study Program students are guided and mentored by their Program Faculty Advisor and meet with him regularly in order 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 in conference to determine if they have successfully completed the program. 

Satisfactory Progress Guidelines

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.  To maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, and to receive a Confirmation of Study, students must successfully pass the courses they attempt to complete each term. Should mitigating circumstances exists that prevent a student from passing a course, the student may attempt the course for second time upon receiving the School Director’s approval. Students may request permission to continue study in another program to further develop their technical proficiency provided the student has successfully completed 100% of the courses he or she has taken in the Independent Study Program. Acceptance to 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.

Performance Opportunities

Independent Study 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 our students. Students are selected by the choreographers and School Co-Directors by audition to participate in workshops that culminate in the following performances: 

  • Winter Concert 
  • Global Harmony Concert 
  • Spring Concert 
  • Studio showings

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 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.