Contemporary Indian Dance

Contemporary Indian with Brinda Guha at Ailey Extension
Please Credit Photo: Contemporary Indian with Brinda Guha at Ailey Extension. Photo by Whitney Browne
Add to Download Cart

At the core of contemporary Indian dance lies a hybrid of the intricacies of classical Indian dance—footwork, expression, and hand movements—with targeted exercises to provide for a fulfilling and fresh contemporary dance routine at the end of every class. 


This class attempts to investigate the communicative potential when merging western dance traditions with a classical South Asian foundation. It starts with a vigorous yet meditative warm-up, and proceeds to elaborate on Indian classical and contemporary technique. This leads to a dynamic movement language and exchange which leaves the dancer with a clear understanding of the relevance and importance of South Asian aesthetic in the performing arts.

Featured Images

Contemporary Indian with Brinda Guha at Ailey Extension
Contemporary Indian with Brinda ... (Read More) Contemporary Indian with Brinda Guha at Ailey Extension (Hide)
Contemporary Indian with Brinda Guha at Ailey Extension
Contemporary Indian with Brinda ... (Read More) Contemporary Indian with Brinda Guha at Ailey Extension (Hide)
Contemporary Indian with Brinda Guha at Ailey Extension
Contemporary Indian with Brinda Guha at Ailey Extension
View More

Featured News Releases

AILEY Offers a Variety of Options to Celebrate Black History Month Including Live Performances, Dance Workshops, Free Classes, and Education Programming for Students and Educators

NEW YORK, NY (January 15, 2026) – As America prepares to celebrate a Century of Black History Commemorations this February, AILEY welcomes people from all walks of life to immerse themselves in the beauty of African American culture through performances, workshops, and educational programming. With a variety of options including free programming, in-person experiences, and online offerings, each initiative presents opportunities for all regardless of age, location, or dance abilities. Discover the magic of AILEY by witnessing live performances from the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and spirited Ailey II; explore Alvin Ailey’s choreography at Ailey Experience and get moving to a variety of dance styles with roots in the African diaspora during workshops and weekly classes presented by Ailey Extension; explore new educational resources for students and educators, and experience the life, career and impact of the organization’s founder with the Portrait of Ailey documentary.

AILEY Gears Up For "Let's Move: A National Dance Day Celebration" With Museum of the City of New York

(NEW YORK) September 16, 2025 – In celebration of National Dance Day this Saturday, September 20, AILEY is making it easy for people from all ages and backgrounds to make dance an integral part of their lives by seeing an upcoming performance and getting moving with elite NYC instructors. This weekend people of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to join Ailey Extension instructors at Museum of the City of New York for two free dance workshops, get children moving at the Ailey Studios during the start of the Fall Kids & Teens session, and make plans to try a free class of their choice when they purchase tickets to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater during the Company’s annual holiday season engagement at New York City Center.

Featured Press Coverage

Blavity_AAADT_Extension_DandaraVeiga_SebastianGarcia_KatherineJimenez_Feature_12.30.25

Blavity - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Company Members On Expanding Its Legacy With Afro-Latino And Afro-Caribbean Dance

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s holiday season is underway at New York City Center through Jan. 4. This season marks more than just another year of the artistic phenomenon that uses dance as a catalyst for spiritual and cultural expression. It also marks the dawn of a new chapter under the guidance of Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, whose inaugural season embraces both the company’s foundational Black roots and its evolving commitment to diversity, now including the Afro-Latino diaspora.

ElDiario_AAADT_Extension_NYCC_LeonardoBrito_KatherineJiminez_Feature_12.04.25_ENGLISH

El Diario - Latin rhythms are part of the new season of Alvin Ailey

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre kicked off its annual season at New York City Center, the first under the leadership of Alicia Graf Mack, which will run from this week until January 2026. And while this historically African American company has always been a symbol of excellence in modern dance, its present is deeply marked by the presence and talent of Latino artists who find here a home for their identity and their movement. Among them are Afro-Brazilian dancer Leonardo Brito and AILEY Extension mambo instructor Katherine Jiménez, two voices that represent the cultural and spiritual expansion of Alvin Ailey's legacy.

PIX11_NYLiving_Extension_NationalDanceDay_Mambo_AhtoyJuliana_Broadcast_09.19.25_NOTEASERS

PIX 11 - Celebrate National Dance Day with Ailey Extension

We're dancing into the weekend ahead of National Dance Day! You can take free hip hop and New York-style mambo classes in honor of the holiday courtesy of Ailey Extension. We're getting a lesson in mambo from dancer, choreographer, artistic director of Baila Society and Ailey Extension instructor, Ahtoy Juliana.