Want a cool way to workout, learn something new, and maybe try something you’ve always wanted to try? The famed Alvin Ailey America Dance Theatre has extension classes for REAL PEOPLE!
According to the site, “The Ailey Extension embodies Mr. Ailey’s legacy that dance comes from the people and that it should be given back to the people by making dance accessible to everyone. Whether you haven’t taken a dance class in 20 years, take class regularly, or have never danced a step, The Ailey Extension has dance and fitness classes designed especially for you.†In the words of our inspirational Artistic Director, Judith Jamison, “If you can get yourself in the door, you can take a class.â€
I took “Absolute Beginner Ballet.†As a gymnastic coach who works out regularly I wondered if the exercise from a ballet class would amount to much, but wanted to work on my dance skills for my job. Boy, did I underestimate the effects of ballet training. We didn’t appear to move much, no jumping, only a few basic turns, but the movements were so hyper-localized it was one of the most intense isometric workouts I ever felt–especially in my legs.
I was surprised too by the eclectic demographics of the class. The class was mostly women, but there were a number of men, including our instructor Finis Jhung. The ages and experience levels varied as well with some much older students who obviously had studied ballet and some younger students who hadn’t.
And if ballet isn’t your thing you can try a whole array of dance classes including: Hip Hop Basics, Snap, Pop and Lock, Beginner Tap, Beginner Capoeira, Samba, Zumba, Pilates, and Belly Dancing all taught by real Alvin Ailey professionals. The cost to drop-in is $16 a class, $14.50 if you’re a member of AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA, EQUITY or SAG.
Click here for a schedule of classes.
http://www.alvinailey.org/page.php?p=main_e&v=6&sec=aileyextension
