The renowned Ailey School, under the directorship of Denise Jefferson, serves as the official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The Ailey School’s Junior Division offers classes for children beginning at age 3. The First Steps and Bounding Boys programs offer a creative and enjoyable introduction to dance designed to bring the joy of music and movement to young children. The pre-professional program for students ages 7-17 encompasses a broad curriculum of dance classes that includes Horton, Limón and Graham-based modern dance techniques; classical ballet; tap; West African and Spanish dance. The Ailey School is a professional dance school and therefore offers children the opportunity to work with and know professional dancers, allowing them to better explore their own future in dance. All classes are taught by experienced, nurturing dance instructors with extensive experience working with children. Year-end performances are held in the School’s own theater. Whether they become dance professionals or lifelong patrons of dance, The Ailey School offers children one of the best, most diverse programs available.