Ailey Extension shakes up physical fitness month with upbeat world dance workshops

This May, the Manhattan-based Ailey Extension is spicing up National Physical Fitness Month with an assortment of flavorful dance and fitness classes to get people of all backgrounds and experience levels moving.

Ailey Extension said on Monday that all are encouraged to add some excitement to their wellness routines by joining in the dance during workshops, which dive into high energy movement styles from around the world 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.

For the third year in a row, Ailey Extension said its spirited classes are taking over the streets of Broadway for Dance in Times Square – a series of free outdoor dance workshops led by elite NYC instructors.

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 such as Afro’Dance, West African, NY Style Mambo, and samba on Thursdays, May 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 5 p.m.

“Dance lovers can keep moving at the Ailey studios all month long with energetic workshops designed to help participants sweat it out while exploring various cultures from around the world,” Ailey Extension said.

It said choreographer and Chita Rivera Award-nominee Lyrik Cruz kicks off the month by teaching fundamental Latin dance moves during the NY Style Salsa & Mambo Fundamentals Workshop on Wednesday, May 1 at 7pm; followed by a lesson in how to perfect performance quality and fancy footwork during a Latin Fusion Masterclass on Thursday, May 2 at 7pm.

An Afro Flow Yoga Workshop with Leslie Salmon Jones and Jeff W. Jones on Sunday, May 5 at 2:30pm, integrates yoga practices with live healing music and dances from the African Diaspora for a unique physical and mental wellness experience.

Pretty BIG Movement’s monthly body positive workshop returns on Saturday, May 11 at 5pm focusing on Afro’Dance – the trendy street styles influenced by the new generation of African rhythms.

Ailey Extension said a Haitian Folkloric Workshop on Saturday, May 25 at 3:30pm explores the captivating rhythms and spirited movement of Haiti through dance.

“This month’s recurring workshops give dancers several chances to practice their craft with exercises to fine-tune their physical instruments,” Ailey Extension said.

It said a bimonthly Vinyasa Yoga Workshop with Pilin Anice helps participants increase their core strength while practicing stability and gaining functional flexibility on Tuesdays May 14 and 28 at 6pm.

Former Ailey dancer Linda Celeste Sims is helping ballet lovers refine their skills with technical exercises that involve the entire body during an Intermediate/Advanced Morning Ballet Series on Wednesdays May 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 10am.

Ailey Extension’s annual World Dance Celebration Student Performance Workshops kick off this week, giving dancers the chance to let out their inner performer as they let loose while learning a fun and fast-paced global technique.

“Students can choose from seven fun dance styles – African-Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Afro’Dance, Bhangra/Bollywood, Dunham, NY Style Mambo, Sabar, Samba, or West African – which double as great blood pumping cardio exercises with health benefits such as increased muscular strength and endurance,” Ailey Extension said.

“During the eight-week workshop, participants will dive into international cultures and receive individual attention in rehearsals while learning original choreography from Ailey instructors,” it added. “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 June 22-23.”

With more than 60 weekly classes and special workshops available, Ailey Extension said it allows dance lovers and exercise enthusiasts all over the world to find the fun in fitness and discover different 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 – visit alvinailey.org/extension.