Ailey Extension

Experience the rhythms, movement, and spirit of Senegal this weekend at the CTM & AMM Festival, happening today through Sunday, May 24.

Returning to The Ailey Studios, this annual gathering honors the life and legacy of Abdou Maty M’Baye and celebrates the enduring impact of the M’Baye family, a renowned griot and musical lineage that has carried West African dance and drum traditions across generations and communities around the world.

Organized by Extension instructor Babacar M’Baye, the festival brings together master dancers, drummers, and cultural leaders for three days of Sabar, Djembè, Tama, Serere/Wango, Kutiro/Bougarabou, and more. From powerful classes to live drumming and community celebration, this is a chance to experience the richness of Senegalese culture in the heart of NYC.

Join us beginning today at 3pm at The Ailey Studios.

Single classes and day passes available. All levels welcome.

A perfect day to dance in Times Square ☀️

Join Ailey Extension today at 5pm for a free Mambo class with Katherine Jiménez.

📍 Broadway between 45th & 46th St
✨ All levels welcome and encouraged

What’s happening at Ailey Extension this week ✨

Join us around NYC for free classes, live music, and movement experiences all week long!

Wednesday, May 20
NY Style Mambo with Katherine Jimenez
Join us in Times Square for a free outdoor dance class with .

Friday, May 22
Dance Jam with Aaron Thomas
Join us at Free Friday Night at the for a mixed-genre pop-up dance class.

Friday, May 22 – Sunday, May 24
Cheikh Tairou M’Baye & Abdou Maty M’Baye Festival
Organized by Babacar M’Baye (), join renowned instructors and master drummers from around the world for a weekend of traditional West African dance and drum workshops honoring the life and legacy of the Sing Sing Family.

All levels welcome and encouraged.
Visit the link in our bio to learn more and dance with us this week!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for South African Grooves with Johannesburg-based choreographer and creative director Litchi HOV. 🇿🇦🔥

Litchi took students through foundational movements while exploring dances from different years, provinces, and influences across South Africa. Designed with beginners in mind, the workshop gave dancers space to build a deeper understanding of the rhythm, musicality, and richness of South African dance culture.

Yesterday at Ailey Extension, dancers celebrated Judith Jamison Day by learning excerpts from her groundbreaking work Divining with former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater member and Ailey Extension instructor Linda Celeste Sims.

Created in 1984, Divining was Judith Jamison’s first choreographic success and revealed the musical sophistication, mystery, and striking movement quality that would define her voice as a dancemaker. Rooted in African polyrhythms and movement traditions from across the continent, the work explores search, transformation, and spiritual quest through a bold and deeply modern movement language.

Honoring the legendary Judith Jamison and her enduring artistic legacy. ❤️

Dance belongs to everyone. 💚

This spring, Ailey Extension instructors and former Ailey dancers traveled to 6 cities bringing dance directly to local communities across the country.

671 dancers.
Across generations and experience levels.
No audition required.

From first-time students to lifelong movers, Ailey Experience creates space to train, connect, and experience the joy of dance.

Thank you to every dancer, parent, teacher, musician, local partner, and community member who helped make this season possible.

The experience continues in NYC this summer.
Ailey Experience NYC • August 3–14
https://ailey.org/classes/ailey-experience

There's still time to register for the Judith Jamison Day Workshop led by Linda Celeste Sims!

Described by Judith Jamison as a “Sherman tank” and “rose petals,” Sims embodies power and grace in equal measure. A former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer of over two decades, mother, and longtime Extension instructor, she brings that depth and artistry into the studio.

Join Linda Celeste Sims this Sunday, May 10, 1:00–3:00pm.

All levels welcome and encouraged.
Spots are limited.
https://ailey.org/events/judith-jamison-workshop