** Irini is an amazing, seasoned yoga teacher, and her Ashtanga class is what a yoga class should be. She teaches here. Take her class. ** West African classes are great here, too. Take Ya-Yah's Saturday morning class. ** Karen teaches Horton, along with a wickedly-fun Saturday evening Zumba class - also a great way to dance, sweat, and tone. read more

This dance studio is totally MISMANAGED, first of all, the people who work there are so rude!! They never like any of your questions and they treated you like shit! All classes are extremely crowded, all they want is to take your money! After you purchased your pass, everything changes! Secondly I cannot believe there is no class limitation. How could a 30 people classroom tolerate 80 people in there? I am a dancer who often try different studios to in different studio, usually customers are polite and considerate but the ones I have seen in this studio really blew out of my mind. They are and rude and aggressive! They would not let the people out because they care so much about their spots! People try to take your spot in every min! They do not seem to be well-educated people. They The thing I cannot bear the most is people are screaming and yelling all the time during the class, taking photos and videos without any permission. There were a group of people doing the dirty dance in zumba class and video taping everybody, ignoring all of us the rest. If you want others to constantly moving around you, being video taped or seeing these "dirty" moves in a zumba class, Don't go there! read more

Anyone buying a package of classes from the Ailey Extension should be forewarned that their scheduling software screws up the count of the number of classes actually used and, not surprisingly, screws it up in their favor. For instance, I just bought a 5 class package last week and then, over the weekend, received an email stating that I had 2 classes left. WTF?? Whether this is deliberate fraud or not, I can't say but my best guess is that an employee is using member packages to illegally register themselves or their friends for classes. The outcome is that, if you don't monitor them carefully, you can and will be ripped off. read more

I started to take Pilates Mat with Laya Barak and I love the class. I'm new to pilates and was nervous at first. But with Laya's class, I was able to push myself at my own pace. I still have a long way to go in terms of doing the exercises correctly, but Laya is very good at making adjustments and corrections as we go along. If you haven't taken pilates before, it will kick your ass the first time you do it. You'll realize how weak your core is. But don't be discouraged. After the second or third time, you will feel stronger. And if you don't know already, pilates isn't just for dancers (although it's esp. great for them. It's certainly helped me). It helps with everything. I mean everything!! Including that!! And Laya is great. She's friendly and chill and she knows what she is doing. After long bouts with injuries and recoveries, she knows the body very well. At the beginning of the class she gets a read of the room and tailors the exercises based on whether there are a lot of beginners or a lot of returning folks. Take her class and you won't regret it! read more

This studio has been such a wonderful, safe space for me to continue my passion as an adult/working professional in the city. I appreciate the diverse class offerings (so many classes and styles to explore!), talented and vibrant instructors, and the non-competitive atmosphere. Purchasing and booking classes are simple (love the app!). The classes are pricey, but reasonable. Going to class here is my therapy :) read more

I took my first class last night here. When I was walking in, the ground floor studios have wide open windows and there were nothing but women in the class. I was already thinking, oh great, I'm going to be the only guy in the class, how awkward. I go in and immediately to your right is where you go to check in for your walk in classes. You need to go down two flights of stairs to get to the changing rooms. After I changed, I headed upstairs to my capoeira class and thankfully, I was NOT the only guy in the class phew. The instructor took things slowly and started adding in additional movements as the class got familiar with each step. I've gotta say, it was one very intense workout being all legs and core. Basically the moves were all leg lifts, lunges, and squats. By the end of the one hour class, I had completely drenched my shirt in sweat. I would definitely considering signing up for more classes here because I had a great time. read more

If I could, I would give zero or negative rating for the terrible experience I had at this studio, specifically the Contemporary Latin Jazz Fusion taught by Sekou McMiller. Firstly, he was late to the class. At the beginning of the class, I was so surprised that there were only 4 people. Everything that happened afterwards explained why. The instructor only corrected posture of students that he knew. Then we started dancing line by line. He even didn't let me finish my dance before he taught next movement. Then he stopped the music when I was still dancing. That was very very rude. I was a dancer, and always think dancing is one of the most beautiful arts in the world. I admire all dancers who put huge amount of time and effort practicing over and over again to breakthrough our bodies' limitations. The experience at this place won't change my perspective on dancing and dancers. However, I hope people who loves dancing not go to this place because they ruined the beauty of dance. read more

Ben Byrd's zumba classses .... I have been dancing & cross training in different countries all my life so far and though mostly taking ballet classes I am open to find new ways to keep my fit & healthy. When my dance teacher recommended giving Ben Byrd's zumba class a try I was reluctant to join at first - the packed atmosphere did not appeal to me at all. That has changed the moment I kicked myself to really set foot in Ben's class and I am hooked ever since. Not your average generic 'zumba' workout but a full blown dance experience combining so many styles with dancy choreography and demanding workouts which had me sweaty, head spinning & smiling from the very first class. It has become my favorite work out at the weekends for sure - a great way to kick-start a Saturday & Sunday!!! Come and join in until the end of March! read more

Love, love, love Alvin Ailey. Their building and studios are beautiful. Everyone is friendly and everything is clean. I've auditioned, seen performances, and taken classes here. Nothing is more awesome than taking a ballet class during a thunderstorm and looking out the windows to see Manhattan and thunderbolts. Sam's zumba class is fabulous. So is Teresa's - she's adorable and a sweetheart. Kat's ballet class is fabulous. Irini's yoga class is fabulous. This is an awesome establishment. You can't go wrong with their package deals either - 10 class card doesn't expire for 4 months. Doesn't get much better than this! read more

Took my first Samba class here this Saturday and had soooooo much fun!!! I was sweating and laughing and experiencing euphoria. The live drums make the class that much more amazing. I have to say deciding to take a class here was one of the best decisions I have made lately. My instructor's name is Quenia Ribeiro she was very good at getting everyone on track. I have to say when I first started I was completely lost but kept at it and was able to catch up and feel more at ease. I am looking forward to learning and making this a weekly thing :) my calfs are killing me ouch! but well worth it! They have lockers and showers as well and everything was very clean. Staff was friendly and the class had people of various ages. People between their 20's and 40's. read more

The 2 for $25 is not valid anymore?! At least I cannot find the old link. Boo, just when I was about to take advantage of it, they had removed it, I assume (as April, 1) read more

I go the Ailey Extension for Zumba classes. The classes are tight, but for good reason. The prices are affordable, the facility is clean, and the classes are fun! I've taken classes with Samuel Salazar and Richard Martinez. Salazar's class was decent, considering it was my first ever Zumba experience. Martinez is an amazing Zumba instructor. He is easy to follow, has great music, and really gauges the class well (he'll slow the move down for a few beats until everyone catches up). His class will make you so sweaty that you can probably drown in your own perspiration. If I could somehow pack myself into Martinez's pocket and take his every single class, I would totally creep on his classes! Alas...he only teaches the late-morning Saturday class at Ailey. read more

Last year my gf found a 3 class deal so we decided to get our hippity hoppity on. The first time we took beginners hip-hop, and the boys we brought along played along fine....until the instructor opened the window curtains for all of 9ave. to see! hahah...it was fun though and i had a great time. The 2nd time we came back for beginner beginner hip hop (we went backwards ok?) and it was a bit easier, but definitely more crowded. I guess going in a bit early helps. I would go back when the weather gets a bit cooler and try something else. read more

Amazing dance studio that has class offerings for everyone and every level of dancers. The instructor (Finis Jhung) was amazing at my Begginers Ballet class, and everyone I encountered was incredibly helpful and proffessional. Plus, the studio itself is also absolutely beautiful! I would definitely recommend getting their multi-class pass, which offers a great opportunity to try out various classes at a reasonable price. **Note: I don't think they have the offer online anymore, but when you sign up at the studio for the first time, you also have the option to do 2 classes for $25. Such a steal! read more

Nice atmosphere. gr8 positive energy from teachers and dancers! (I haven't encountered 1 diva.) Bright, modern studios with high ceilings and lots of natural light which floor to ceiling windows accomodate. My favorite classes so far: _ SAMBA w/Quenia _ HORTON w/anyone _ BELLYDANCE w/Sharon read more

This is such a nice dance studio! It's beautiful and clean and all the rooms are large, and have huge windows that let in lots of natural light. I love the Zumba class, all the instructors have been great and it is a very energetic and fun class. It's usually quite full, which makes it that much more fun! I definitely recommend the Zumba class here. read more

Loved a trip into the city and the Afro Flow Yoga class that was offered. I love drumming and getting to like yoga so for me it was a win win. The class was packed full of the right energy and gave me the boost I was seeking. I am definitely checking the calendar and will take advantage of the classes offered at such a reasonable price. read more

Big SCAM! Be extremely careful when booking online classes. Alvin Ailey only sends an electronic receipt giving a "sale date" and stating you have a "1. Ailey single class (valid for 30 days)" for a single class ticket I purchased. Why I am saying "be extremely careful" is because while I was out of the country, somehow my purchase was used. I explained that I was out of the country (and had documentation of my travels) and wanted a refund or moved to the class i signed-up for online and the receptionist would not do anything except say i could purchase another ticket and email the manager for a "potential refund", no guarantees. The email receipt did not give me a class date i signed-up for so i could correct if i happened to make a mistake online (which i didn't since i waited a week to book for an open class) and i was never notified that somehow, while i was out of the country, my ticket was used. Terrible, especially since they provide no documentation to their customers to prevent anything like the above from happening. read more

Fantastic dance studio. Endless classes and programs to fit anyone's style. Incredible teachers. Amazing live music to shake it to and an overall great vibe. Felt like a whole new woman upon just one class completion :) read more

Wasn't impressed by the choreography. Instructor Robin Dunn spent most of the time cracking jokes and less time Actually teaching the class.

Love the different classes here. From ballet to Zumba to samba. If you are a seasoned dancer or a beginner there are classes for all. The ladies who answer the phone are a great help in choosing the classes. If you like to move your body, it's a guaranteed fun workout. read more

Review on the hip hop class on Saturday: I walked in and walked out because there was no room to dance. It's too crowded you can't see the instructor at all. You also go through very annoying competition to find the spot to dance/ learn. They don't seem to limit the number of students per class. Good for them they are making money. I wasted time and money coming here. read more

I read the good reviews about this place and trusted that it will be good. So I took the Zumba, Hip Hop, Horton, Middle Eastern class and plus the performance workshop. Pros: - Clean and spacious dance floor - Great facility: nice building, lockers room - Wide selection of dance classes open to the public, no membership required. Cons: - There's no real beginner's classes: all beginners classes are there to make you feel less intimidated and join, while in fact, half of the time you'll feel frustrated and teacher won't even slow down to help you. So if you expect to learn some techniques (and not just 'fun' experience), you'll be disappointed. - When checking in, make sure the receptionist know what he's doing and ask this crucial question:"how many classes do I have left, and when do they expire?" I learnt this from painful experience of trusting them, and they forgot to check me in the first 2 classes promotion for $25, but instead checking me in regular classes, so I lost money by letting the first 2 classes expired without any helpful warning from them. - The performance experience was re painful. We worked our tail off for it, teacher was always in a rush and frustration due to time pressure. We paid $160 for the workshop, without having any ticket for our family/friends to see our own performance, no drinks or food were offered for us during the whole exhausting 2 day performance. I felt like we were being treated like cheap labor! Advice to Ailey management team: please treat your students better instead of trying all the way you can to make money out of them. I made the mistake of buying classes in bulk to 'save money'. After this pass is used up, I probably won't come back. Will check out other dance centers that offer 'real classes for real people', with teachers that treat me as a student and not an ATM. read more

I'm totally willing to admit when I'm wrong. The Samba classes at Alvin Ailey are freaking amazing. I cannot believe how much fun I had. And I am not, so I thought, a Samba kind of girl. My hips don't really shake. I don't have much rhythm. But, damn, it was so much freaking fun. And there was live music (unlike beginner ballet). The first half-hour was great stretching and then the next hour was increasing level of fun. I actually could follow along. Quenia Ribeiro is amazing. She totally breaks it down and totally makes sure you're getting it. So, I'm still not a fan of beginner ballet (Mark Morris is far better, and cheaper, and has live music), but Samba was freaking awesome. read more

I began coming to Alvin Ailey a few years ago specifically for Ben Byrd's Zumba classes. He disarmingly engages his students in a way that physically pushes them beyond what they think is possible, while making class fun. Though Ben Byrd's classes are consistently challenging and you will leave drenched in sweat, you will have a smile on your face and find yourself planning your weekly calendar around his teaching schedule! I continue to look for new additions to Ben's teaching line up. Where he goes, I go! Check out a class soon, you won't regret it. :) read more

Such a beautiful space. I took a Zumba class there today with Karen, and it was by far the best Zumba class I've ever taken (and I've taken A LOT). She was energetic, the music selection was on point (a lot of hip hop, which I love), and the other class members were so into it! Atmosphere was awesome, and even though the dancing was definitely exhausting physically, you don't even realize it while you're doing it because it's so fun. Will definitely come back. Great workout! read more

I recently held an event at the studio with my PR firm. The event space was a blank canvas - we worked with a designer and brought in plenty of flowers, furniture, a caterer, etc. and it looked like a swank nightclub with a great view of the west sider (we were in a room on the 5th floor on the corner of 55th and 9th, the room had floor to ceiling windows, it was gorgeous). I highly recommend renting out the space if you're looking for a unique location to host a party or corporate event. I've giving this four stars because the in-house event coordinator was a bit aloof - I'm sure he meant well, but he wasn't 100% on-top of the logistics the day of the event like a good planner should be. read more

I am a fan of the Ailey Extension. I wouldn't take dance classes there, but I am a fan. What I recommend going there for: - *Trying* out new styles of dance, giving House or Tap or West African dancing a go. It's a reasonably priced, reliable, well located and clean place to try something new - Zumba classes, getting some exercise What I DON'T recommend this place for: - Getting a dance education. The Ailey Extension is not a dance school, it's dance fun/ babysitting. read more

I am not commenting on the instructors or classes because I have not entered the studio yet. But all previous comments on the office staff are completely accurate. No one ever answers the phone. You are told to leave a voicemail which I did weeks ago and did not get a response. You are also told to send an email which again I did this past week and am still awaiting a response. I want to start taking classes and have simply 1 question and no one is around to answer. read more

This review is actually for Finis Jhung's beginner ballet class. I have never taken any of the other classes at Ailey Extension because the beginner ballet class is addictive. Finis is an incredible teacher. In his class you will find complete beginners and others who seem to know quite a bit about ballet. The classes fill up quickly so go early so you can get a spot where you can see the mirror. This is the only downfall at Ailey-they don't restrict the dance class size. read more

Thank you Victor for putting this up here and reminding me how much i LOVE Alvin Ailey!! I go every year (well I missed one but it doesn't count cuz i was living in Spain when they came) but it's so darn good. Like amazing. Like please go watch it right now via whatever means necessary. Like whoa. read more

Too bad we can't give 1/2 stars because I think it deserves just a little bit more. A (NYC) dancer's dance studio: huge studios with great light; you don't have to worry about bumping into anyone one or a random pole obstructing your view, or being lost in an awkwardly shaped corner; large changing room with lockers if you bring your own lock; you may even be able to sneak some studio time if you go to a late Fri night class and hang around. There's a huge offering of classes, but again, for the classically inclined: ballet, jazz, theater dance, and horton. Others include belly dance, afro-brazilian, and others, but if you're looking for different types of modern, you won't find it here. That said, beginners will not feel judged here (at least if you take intro Horton with Fernando --he is sweet, level-appropriate and has a watchful eye and gives great corrections), though explanations may not go further than "you're allowed to do this in Horton" or "you're not allowed to do that in Horton." Beginner dancers -or anyone new to movement and their body awareness-- should watch out because the alignments and positions contradict everyday movement to the extent ballet may, lending itself open to easy injury either immediate or later down the line. The class made me appreciate the Simonson technique that dominates down at DNA (a technique more conscientious of the body's abilities and kinesiology). Not to say the body can't bend itself into Horton technique --Ailey dancers make it look like cake; you just want to eat them up-- but I wonder its long-term affects on both professionals and non-professionals. Another minus for super dirty and sticky floors. I may add a second revised review after I take advantage of the 2nd class in my "2 for $25" deal I bought today (a savings of $7, get yours). read more

Tried to sign a student up for class. Was told that anyone under 16 would need parental consent to take classes. Student is 13. Paid for class because of the information given. Mother and student arrive early and student attends but is made to sit on the side for the whole class. Was given incorrect and conflicting information even after coming in person a week before the class (8/20/15). Dance teacher Karen Arcenaux lied and said the student was standing in the back of the class for 15 minutes when she was the one who told him to sit down and would not let him dance. Thanks for crushing the spirit of a future dancer. Not sure we'll be back. read more

This is the nicest dance studio I have ever taken classes at. It is huge and beautiful and clean and has a really nice locker room. I went here several times a week for the Afro-Brazilian/Samba class. The teacher is wonderful, if you are a total beginner with this kind of dance and have always wanted to try it, go here. The beginner classes she teaches are the most basic that I have ever been to, she really breaks down the samba for people, something that I haven't really seen teachers do. If you are not a beginner, the beg. classes will be way too basic. The live drumming is really good, everything about the class is great except that it is just too damn crowded. There was an average of about 50 people in every class I took. read more

Don't go here!!! The classes are jam packed. I took a contemporary jazz class and was literally dancing with the wall. There were about 50 people in this class in a small studio! Warm up technique like tendus and grand battements did not exist. Following my class I spoke with a girl that had taken a ballet class and she said there were 60 people in her class. Ailey Extension is raking in the money and not offering people quality training. Don't waste your money here. You will be dancing on the wall or end up with several elbows in your face. read more

I wish I could give this 3.5 stars: Great space, great location, great classes and great energy. It's awesome to walk into a building where people just wanna dance. But their counter staff is terrible. Lines are can be super-long, and the people working the counter often don't know what they're doing. Maybe they put interns back there?--whoever is running it, they're not well trained at all. So unfortunately, while you can take a good class there...it often doesn't get off to a good start if you had to stand in line waiting for 15 minutes...for no true reason. read more

I recommend Vic Dimonda for theater dance, he will single you out if you're not getting something, but he does care. His exercises can be surprisingly helpful. However the beginning level ballet teachers have inexcusable demeanors towards their students. I won't go into detail, but I say, RUN. Try Ballet Academy East, Steps, or even Broadway Dance Center instead for ballet. read more

I took Jonathan Lee's hip hop class. His choreo is great -- a lot of fun, fresh, challenging and it's a new routine every week. The classes are on the larger side, with a pretty big variety of people who attend. Like a lot of people have mentioned, the facility is really gorgeous. I believe this place is slightly cheaper than BDC, Steps on Brodaway, etc., however I don't think there's that much more that sets it apart. Don't get me wrong, great classes, just nothing to pull me here versus another place. read more

I love taking dance and capoeira classes here. The studio is gorgeous with such good energy. They have a special for new students- 2 classes for $25. You will leave inspired to dance more. read more

Ailey, I love you! Classes available for all levels and disciplines. The instructors are passionate and incredibly talented. I'm a regular in the hip hop, modern(horton), beginner ballet and contemporary classes. Zumba is fun too and is great for anyone that loves to dance but isn't a trained dancer. Definitely my favorite spot for quality dance classes and a welcoming atmosphere. read more