Ailey Extension hosts free dance in Times Square workshop series
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.
Ailey Extension said on Monday that new weekly classes are available both online and in-studio at the Joan Weill Center for Dance – New York City’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 5 p.m. 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, Aug. 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.
Ailey Extension said 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.
World Dance Celebration’s West African Performance. Photo by Tiba Vieria
“During the eight-week workshop, participants will dive into international cultures and receive individual attention in rehearsals while learning original choreography from Ailey instructors,” Ailey Extension said.
It said 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 Sat., June 24.
Two popular instructors are taking 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-Hop class on Thursdays at 7 p.m.
“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,” Ailey Extension said.
“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,” it added.
With more than 50 weekly classes and special workshops available, Ailey Extension said it 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.
Workshop Schedule: May 5 – West African with Maguette Camara; May 12 – NY Style Mambo with Katherine Jimenez; May 26 – Zumba® with Jose Ozuna; June 2 – Broadway Jazz with Judine Somerville; June 30 – Hip-Hop with TweetBoogie; August 10 – Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration.
