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

Ben Byrd's Zumba class is like no other. His unique blend of boot camp drill sergeant meets ballroom dancer (with some Krav Maga self defense moves sprinkled in) creates a class that is extremely fun and challenging at the same time. This guy knows his stuff which can be seen by his horde of loyal followers who get up every Saturday and Sunday morning for his brand of torturous fun. I recommend signing up early as his class tends to sell out quickly. I have experienced many Sunday mornings where I am standing in line to check in to class, praying to get one of the last spots to class. I highly recommend this class to anyone who loves to dance and wants to get in some body conditioning as well. read more

Moi???...Join a gym??? fuggedaboudit!!! Tried a number of classes here and have become a ZUMBA regular...Sam's class is cool beyond all expectation...never imagined I would be sweating and smiling at the same time!!! :-) ... A 10 class package is a great value! read more

Alvin Ailey Extension truly embodies the spirit of its founder. It's open and welcoming and for anyone who is passionate about dance, no matter how old or experienced. You will find little "I am a star' attitudes here and a beautiful facility. If you like Contemporary Jazz, Christopher Jackson's class is phenomenal. The classes attract a variety of dancers from novices to semi-professionals, each dancing at their level. He is an excellent teacher who encourages self- expression while teaching and correcting students for technique with a heavy does of fun. The choreography style changes weekly so there is always something new to explore. Hands down the best! read more

world class education in a modern enviroment beautiful decor - the legend is real read more

I just want to take a moment to highly recommend the yoga class by Irini Res at The Ailey Extension. Her caring and sympathetic spirit make her yoga class welcoming and warm. In addition, her many years of experience allow her to help her students grow and progress naturally and with no pressure. read more

Thank God for the Extension program. I've been going since the new building opened. I bought a class card thinking I would take one class and lose interest, now I'm hooked. This program is great for people like me who work during the day and can only take class at night. Age and body type is not an issue. People travel from all over the world to experience the some of the best dance training in the world offered here. It would criminal to live in NYC and not take advantage of it. The Horton program is great and for those who have never taken a class ever should experience Maguette Camara's West African class. I guarantee you will feel like a dancer at the end of class. read more

Love the variety of the classes here and what a fabulous space! Two thumbs up. Haven't had the chance to see the company perform yet, but looking forward to it. read more

Despite the world-class instructors, I can honestly say I never felt anxious or "judged," classes are pure fun. The instructors meet you at your level and everyone in class is supportive. I've been to Intro Horton with Karen, and Absolute Beginner Hip Hop with Tweetie and Robin Dunn. I can't wait to go back! read more

For the first time in many years of taking dance, my daughter seems enthusiastic and inspired. Thanks, Ailey Teen Extension!

The classes are so disorganized! They never have a limit! Especially like zumba class, always like 100 people sign in and always so crowded! You have to watch out other people the whole time. People are so aggressive about their spots!! If you like a relaxing and fun environment, DON'T GO THERE!! Also, they always count heads wrong. People who work there are so rude and unprofessional! They would call you up to "discuss your payment" even the mistake is theirs. I had one of this experience myself: They spelled my last name wrong and claimed that my class did not go through. She claimed loudly in front of the class and said she wanted me to step out and pay right away before class ends. Then we checked on the system and found that my registration did go through but because they made a mistake on my last name so they did not find me!! Despite of humiliating me in front of the whole class, she did not apologize at all about her unprofessional way and rudeness. I bought 20 classes initially but so regret about it. I cannot wait for this 20 classes to end, then I will never come back! read more

Very clean and friendly. I take ballet from Finis Jhung. There is a very detailed review from another Yelper. He is a good teacher, just know he expects students to be ready to learn. I really like that he teaches well to his target audience by making everything physically accessible. I've also taken yoga Irini Res. Very inspiring. The Bellydancing classes are very welcoming. Adults would be very comfortable. This is a great place for trying a new dance style. read more

Tried a bellydancing class here, and hated it. The space was nice, but the class instructor was awful. I'd be willing to try another class here though - I think it's all about the instructor. I just happened to get a bad one. read more

The studio space is AWESOME. Huge, well lit. These rooms make you want to dance! I take bellydance with Jannelle Cortes (Groovefit). Amazing class! Great workout, and a really dynamic, talented teacher. This class is always a lot of fun. Highly recommend! read more

Love it! Whenever I'm in town and have a bit of extra energy I stop by and get a modern class here! Their teachers are no joke (it is AA after all) and really know how to teach in specifics, I've been several times as a hobby dancer and now that I've turned professional I keep coming back, knowing that their level of instruction is great whether you know much about dancing or not. For a good fitness class definitely do a Horton, if only to learn how your alignment can improve. Definitely coming back when I can! read more

I take ballet class as part of the Alvin Ailey extension. The space is very nice and Kat Wildish is such a special teacher to take classes from. I love the mix of seriousness and humor in her style of teaching, and always leave having learned something new and with a good story to report back at home. Vladimir is a good pianist too. I haven't taken any other kinds of dance, but they offer a lot of variety. I would highly recommend the extension classes to anyone who is looking for a new place to take class. read more

THEY STEAL your money!!!!! I wish I cold give negative stars. I purchased a 10 class card (wasn't cheap). I had to leave for LA and was gone for a majority of the time my package would cover. I was told over the phone that I Could renew it for a few bucks. I got there and was asked o provide all this information like fligh confirmation etc. took 30 minutes. Then was told by the manager that the supervisor said I couldn't renew my package. More than 100 bucks down the drain and they weren't even letting me use at least half the value of my purchase! I had 8 classes left on mypackage. Unacceptable! I loved taking classes here and have spent a lot if money there and will NEVER be back thanks to the inconsiderate politics and the incompetent staff. I will NEVeR recommend anyone to study here anymore. read more

I agree with Susan, this is a beautiful place to dance. And so close to my house. I took an open class last night and had a blast. Don't be intimidated, go and have fun. I did! read more

5 stars from the min you walk in, and through out the approximate 2 hrs you spend there! For me part of taking dance is to love yourself a little bit better, look in the mirror and just go with the flow. After taking a few classes with Robin Dunn, she has set me expectations high. Not only is she professional, and energetic, but totally down to earth and knows how to coach a room FULL of people! Alvin Ailey is clean, spacious, and the staff is super friendly. I would def recommend anyone checking it out! read more

Very nice facilities, and wonderful faculty. However, these classes are definitely not advanced-level classes (and to be fair, all of their levels do specify some degree of "beginner"). If you've had more than a couple of years of dance experience, you will likely be pretty far ahead in any of the classes, which is not to say that they're not enjoyable or a good chance to practice technique. It's just important to know what you're getting into. Prices are on-par with any other drop-in dance studio, and they're on ClassPass, which is a nice way to try out some of their different options. read more

Ailey is fantastic as far as variety and quality of classes. My only gripe is sometimes the classes are quite crowded when I go, which is in the evenings and on weekends. Oh, and sometimes checking in/paying for a class is chaotic. All that said, the studios are gorgeous, with beautiful views. I really enjoy Kat Wildish's ballet classes, and the Horton classes. The musical accompaniment is always excellent, which makes it so fun to dance it out. read more

The class is very disorganized, the staff is very rude and unprofessional. Look for another dance studio. RUN AWAY!! The clients there are so crazy. Zumba people always yelling, videotaping, taking pictures, moving around, distracting. The instructor never say anything, they always count the heads wrong. Avoid!! read more

I love love love the Ailey Extension! I've taken hip-hop, african samba?, hip-hop and more hip-hop classes! I want to take intro to ballet (always wanted to be a ballerina) and I want to take tap dance but I just haven't gotten the courage yet! read more

I would highly recommend Alvin Ailey extension to anyone. The instructors are top-notch and there is a wide variety of dance styles offered. The instructors emphasize foundations and proper technique, even in the beginner classes. I am far, faaaar, from being a trained dancer and I still felt like I could keep up. It can be intimidating when the instructor makes the class practice a routine "4 at a time," but you get over it and people are non-judgmental. Classes are pricey, but you get your mobey's worth. read more

It's been over 5 years that I've taken the Ailey extension classes because of the duality it offers. I didn't want to sit around waiting for my child & my love of dance was reignited when I tried Ben Byrd's Zumba class. I've always worked out, but the level he teaches at is not only beneficial, it's addictive. I found myself going even when I didn't have my daughter in the school & shopping for their great attire. He's an amazing instructor & no one else in the tri state area comes close. You know when professional dancers & other instructors take his class that you struck gold!!! The best part is that anyone & everyone can take the class no matter what your level. You have fun & the time flies too fast. I just wish Ailey would hire him to instruct on week nights in addition to his Saturday and Sunday morning classes. I don't know him outside of class, but in class he's inspirational and I feel blessed!!! Thank you Ailey Extension for having such a talented instructor on staff!!!!! read more

I'm new in the city and decided to take the "first timer" promo of The Ailey Extention. Its $30 for 2 classes. I took the contemporary jazz class under Slam and it was amazing. Choreography and music was beautiful. The teacher was also really attentive to how everyone was doing. Can't wait to attend my next class! read more

I am very disappointed by Alvin Ailey's Extension. I've been coming here for months and had had my bad experiences with their administration. However, after dealing with the manager Jordan I decided that enough is enough. Their policy of class not allowing transfers is unfair, stupid, and ensures that the customer is at the losing end. I'm so glad my favorite instructors teach elsewhere because this establishment is never getting a dollar out of me again. read more

This is the largest, most beautiful, brightest dance space in NYC! It's great they are open to the public through their extension program. I've been doing ballet for years and found a great teacher, Kat Wildish. They also do Horton technique and other great classes. I felt very welcome though I'm very out of practice! Two thumbs way up! read more

The Ailey Extension offers a variety of dance classes catered towards the dance enthusiast (every day people) or semi-pro that needs to brush up after a long break. Their classes are challenging enough for someone who takes regular classes but not so much so that you are unable to participate if you have no or very little dance experience/background; the key is to take the appropriate class level. My favorite classes are Afro-Cuban Modern With Noibis Licea & Zumba(Ben Byrd) when he was around, they still have some other great Zumba instructors on staff that I highly recommend &. read more

I love that such a big dance school occupies such a nice location in Manhattan :). The extension is tons of fun.

I can only make one day in the week for these classes. They cancelled the class that I wanted go to right on that day at the start time when I've already spent the time getting there. So I wasted an hour without even getting the class. They also refused to extend my subscription or anything. I feel like if you go to a class and they cancel it right there on the spot you should receive something for the wasted time, shouldn't you? Why on Earth would I return to this particular studio after this? I'd just change and I'm advising others to do so, too read more

I can honestly say that Samba with Quenia Ribeiro has changed my life. I'm much more energetic slimmer and happier. I look forward to exploring different dance expressions. I've been obsessed with samba for about a year now and can't seem to get enough. Not sure if the obsession will ever end but I'm very happy as things are now. The Ailey center is beautiful. The facilities are great. Quenia is, perhaps, the sweetest person on the phase of this earth. She brings something special to the classroom and it makes you want to learn and dance. What would this class be without its drummers? It makes it that much more special and there's just no way that you can not dance. The community of people that attend these classes are also the sweetest and most positive people that I've ever met. I am lucky to have found the class and to have met everyone. If you love shaking it, if you love positivity, if you love an amazing workout, go to this class and try the others. : ) read more

ALL HAIL BEN BYRD. I discovered Zumba and AA over three years ago. I paid my 4 bucks to observe and entered the room terrified, in my long black dress, hat and heels. I was met by enthusiastic Ben who greeted me and asked me to join in. I shmushed myself down in the corner trying to look non-chalant. As a brain injury patient and someone with no rhythm at all, not even of the contraceptive variety, I never thought I'd be back but twenty four hours later I was and over 72 months later, I still am. I have regained the balance that brain surgery took from me, I've developed an amazing ability to laugh at myself and a 'family of sorts' who has stood by me through the good the bad and the ugly all while Ben whips us into shape, putting us through our paces, always with a smile, encouragement, energy like I've never seen before and a heart as big as the space Jackie Gleason needed to mambo in (aging myself here). I worship at Brydland every chance I get. Ben is aware that I have to modify for my disability and the care and concern he shows me every single class is well worth the price of admission PLUS if you're really lucky, when you're not sweating, huffing, puffing or doing push ups you can catch a glimpse of Ben doing his thing, leaping into the air with grace and emotion - a true performer, entertainer, dancer and all around good guy, the kind people everywhere have prayed their entire lives to know and here we all are, lucky enough to be in his class, inspired by his words and moves, his music fills my Ipod and the good vibes of positiveness and abundance that Ben naturally possesses stay with me long throughout the day, week, year. Thank you Ben, Thank you Alvin Ailey for keeping class alive. I am more than I ever thought I could be, thanks to Ben Byrd. read more

I wanted to like it here... I don't live in New York but I like to take drop-in ballet classes while I'm here because there are so many options. People rave about the Ailey Extension so I went in expecting it to be really great and I guess that's where the disappointment comes from. It wasn't bad at all, it just wasn't amazing, and given that I don't have unlimited time here, I would rather have taken another class at Steps than try this place. I wouldn't make a judgement based on this one experience, but I have to say that my one experience left me wondering why I payed almost $20 and walked way out of my way across Manhattan for a ballet class when there are better classes, more conveniently located, with live pianists instead of a playlist. read more

Love this place. Classes are fab - teachers are great!

Be very careful what you sign up for here. Do NOT pay for anything without knowing the instructor well first. My first bad experience was with a class that was grossly mislabeled in terms of level (these classes are not really for amateur dancers, and are generally much harder than their labels would suggest). My second bad experience was with an instructor showing up 45 minutes late for a 1.5 hour class... That's what I get for giving the Ailey Extension a second chance! read more

I took a few absolute beginner hip hop classes here before deciding to forget it... the first class I took was taught by a sub, who was pretty nice and relaxed... helpful but let people get what they wanted out of the class. When the regular teacher came back, it sucked. She was so so so full of herself (wore sunglasses during the warmup), super rude and degrading (asked an Asian girl if she was drunk on Sake when she messed up) and made a lot of snide comments, like "this is gonna be harder than I thought"... just basically made it really not fun and kind of awkward. I've always taken absolute beginner classes in whatever location I've lived in because I'm looking to learn a little bit about dancing technicalities, but more to just have fun and get away from work/life and just dance for a while. This is not the teacher to do it with... she takes herself way too seriously. I'm sure she's an awesome dancer and Usher should be jealous of her .... but if you're looking for a relaxed environment where you can just dance and have fun, this is not it. I will say that the studio itself is a lot nicer than most other NYC studios I've been to...the front desk staff is also really nice, but the security staff are rude and lazy. read more

Super disorganized and rude staff. Classes are cramped. Routines for Zumba can be good though.

I take Zumba with Ben Byrd. He is such a motivator! I have taken many, many Zumba classes, but have NEVER experienced someone more knowledgeable, inspirational and so much fun as Ben Byrd!!! There is no one else like him! Thank you Ailey for giving us the "Ben" experience! Who's up for the challenge? :-)  I promise you will not regret it!  :-) read more

I'm not a dancer. I hate exercising. But Zumba classes changed it all. I tried at different places around NYC and Ailey rocks! Ben Byrd's classes are excellent. He's so much fun, a lot of movement, burning calories and feeling great. I tried a Saturday with Karen and she was amazing too. And doing Zumba in wonderful studios like Ailey's is a nice experience. They accept drop-in (like me) read more