Dunham

Dunham at Ailey Extension
Please Credit Photo: Dunham at Ailey Extension. Photo by Whitney Browne
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Created by choreographer and anthropologist Katherine Dunham, who fused African and Caribbean dance forms with modern dance, Dunham technique requires incredible physicality and strength to execute the spinal twists, undulations, and polyrhythmic movements that propel the body through space. 

Dunham class is divided into a series of barre exercises, a section focused on center floor work, and progressions that move across the floor and are integral to choreography. Signature moves include the Dunham walk, the undulating spine in the fall recovery series, and the dynamic rocking horse.

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Dunham at Ailey Extension
Dunham at Ailey Extension
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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

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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.

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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.

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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.