Ailey Extension is adding some excitement to National Physical Fitness Month by offering a variety of flavorful dance and fitness classes to get people of all backgrounds and experience levels moving throughout May and into the summer. All are encouraged to shake up their wellness routines by joining in the dance during performance workshops which explore high energy movement styles from around the world, new weekly classes available both online and in-studio at the Joan Weill Center for Dance – NYC’s largest building dedicated to dance, and a free series of up-tempo outdoor workshops accessible to all in the heart of Times Square.
Ailey’s spirited “real classes for real people,” are taking over the streets of Broadway for Dance in Times Square – a series of free outdoor dance workshops led by elite NYC instructors on Fridays at 5pm from May 5-June 30. Presented in partnership with Times Square Alliance as part of the TSQ Live series celebrating NYC’s creative community, Dance in Times Square welcomes New Yorkers and visitors alike to join in the dance with a variety of energetic styles including West African, NY Style Mambo, Zumba®, Broadway Jazz and Hip-Hop. On Thursday, August 10, the Dance in Times Square workshops will close out with a bang when Ailey Extension instructors put on a special celebration commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop.
World Dance Celebration Performance Workshops kick off the week of April 30, giving dancers the chance to get their blood pumping as they let loose while learning a fun and fast-paced global technique. Students can choose from seven dance styles – African-Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Afro’Dance, NY Style Mambo, Salsa, Samba, or West African – which double as great cardio exercises with health benefits such as increased muscular strength and endurance. During the 8-week workshop, participants will dive into international cultures and receive individual attention in rehearsals while learning original choreography from Ailey instructors. The workshop series will culminate with two full performances where dancers can show off their skills in front of family and friends at the Ailey Citigroup Theater on Saturday, June 24.
Two popular instructors are takin on extra weekly classes this month, creating more ways to get the heart pumping while having fun. Starting May 4, crowd favorite Jonathan Lee returns, challenging dancers with electrifying combinations as they work up a sweat during his in-studio Advanced Beginner Hip-Hopclass on Thursdays at 7pm. Anyone looking for an equally fun but easier to follow workout can sweat it out to the latest Latin and international rhythms online and in-studio with Will Negrillo as he takes over Zumba® on Saturdays at 11:30am starting May 6. Exercise enthusiasts can keep moving to more upbeat dance styles throughout the week including West African, samba, and Afro-Cuban and focus on stretching and toning the body in fitness classes such as Pilates Fusion, Masala Bhangra, yoga, and Restorative Stretches.
The health and well-being of all dancers, students, instructors, and staff at Ailey remains a top priority. While masks are still encouraged, they are not mandatory for in-studio Ailey Extension students. Ailey continues to monitor case levels, prioritizing the safety of our community. In the event of another COVID-19 surge or a new variant of concern arises, our guidance will adjust accordingly. Please visit alvinailey.org/extension/covidsafety for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 safety protocols.
With more than 50 weekly classes and special workshops available, Ailey Extension allows students all over the world to find the fun in fitness and explore different dance styles seven days a week. For more details about Ailey Extension’s variety of in-person and virtual class options – which include hip-hop, ballet, Horton, West African, Zumba®, jazz, samba, Masala Bhangra, vogue, NY Style Mambo, contemporary, Pilates Fusion, Broadway Jazz and more – please visit alvinailey.org/extension.
About the Author New York Trend is a weekly news publication that focuses on issues and lifestyles of the African & Caribbean American communities throughout the New York metropolitan area and Nassau and Suffolk Counties of Long Island. It is a respected and well recognized news publication that has been in existence since 1989. Owner, Publisher and Executive Director, Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams has been at the helm of this award-winning publication since its inception. New York Trend continues to be the only black woman-owned, metropolitan newspaper in New York and Long island. New York Trend is the largest black-owned newspaper throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. |