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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Rating Details »
Categories: Dance Schools, Dance Studios [Edit]
Neighborhood: Hell's Kitchen405 W 55th St
(between 10th Ave & 9th Ave)
New York, NY 10019
(212) 405-9000
- Nearest Transit:
-
59th St-Columbus Circle (1, A, C, B, D)
50th St-8th Ave (C, E)
57th St-7th Ave (N, Q, R, W)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
15 reviews for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
I have a secret: I hate exercising. The reasons are plentiful. I was definitely one of those "picked last for the team" kids, and my hand-eye coordination led to my face being crushed by many different types of balls of the sports variety. Being one of the shortest kids in the class didn't help the situation. Sure, I got the "most improved" award in 8th grade field hockey, but isn't that just the award you give to the kid who sucked really bad at first and by the end of the season was just barely passable on the team? Most importantly, I suppose, I can't exercise while being covered in a fleece blanket and munching on dark chocolate covered almonds watching bad TV. And when I have to choose between the two, the latter inevitably wins.
That being said, I *did* take dance lessons from the ages of 2 to 12. Jazz, mainly, with a few tap classes here and there. And I loved it. Alas, the demands of middle school called to me, and I stopped dancing. (Plus, the recitals and sparkly costumes start becoming a little awkward once you start "developing.")
It was this old love of dance that drew me to Alvin Ailey when my new love handles started to be somewhat of a concern. But I wasn't about to haul my rapidly expanding ass to the gym. I chose Zumba because it was a combo of aerobics and Latin dance, something I'd always wanted to try.
I was more than a little intimidated entering this sanctuary of American dance, but once the class started I felt better. The people in the class (95% women) were all ages and skill levels. There were definitely some professional or very, very good amateur dancers there, but also people who looked like they have never stepped into a dance studio. Ben, the teacher, picked great music (a combo of Latin, hip-hop hits, and oldies), and his energy is just infectious. He occasionally pointed people out and corrected them, but in a friendly way. He just wants everyone to try hard and really engage his/her muscles while dancing.
Although 20 min. into the class I was feeling exhausted and hating myself, I came out of the class dripping with sweat, and feeling absolutely amazing. I never believed in the whole "endorphin high" from exercising, but I definitely had one after this class. I didn't get every combination or step perfectly, but I had a great time shaking my booty.
I went pretty regularly to Ben's Zumba classes, but stopped for the past several months while studying for the dreaded LSAT. I was back last night, and it was just as good as I remembered. There are some cons, though: the classes are always packed, and the price isn't exactly what I'd call a bargain. But I definitely recommend this class and Alvin Ailey classes in general as a way to get some exercise in your life. (Also - a great activity for you to take your friends who are visiting NYC!)
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The 2 for $25 is not valid anymore?!
At least I cannot find the old link. Boo, just when I was about to take advantage of it, they had removed it, I assume (as April, 1)
Voyeur central every night of the week!
I stay right near the amazing Alvin Ailey studio when I'm in New York, and one of the best things about Hell's Kitchen is watching the classes if I have a few free minutes.
It would feel a little creepy if a) i lived in the city and risked running into these people in other situations, b) the company hadn't built a bench outside the huge windows to encourage viewers, and c) there weren't 10 or 15 other people sitting right next to me doing the same thing.
Someday I'll actually go see them perform - I know that it'll put what I've seen so far to shame. But until then, I'm a proud peeping tom.
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I attended their performance at Kingsbury Hall in Salt Lake City, UT and they sold the place out. Magnificent! I especially loved "Revelations" and the accompanying spiritual music. I won't soon forget their style, grace and beauty. Extended standing ovations for this amazing troupe that night. Come back soon!
My only slight disappointment was with the 'no credit card' policy for purchasing cds, dvds and posters at their traveling shop afterwards. I almost cried, not being able to buy the CD music of Revelation. Here I come, Amazon.
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wow outta all the dance studios i've been to here in nyc, this one i have to say has the best open space! i had the pleasure of taking a few classes here as part of the national dance week promotion! it was quite a workout as i'm still sore a day later!
ok so no hassle, everyone was pretty friendly, was able to use my coupon freely... onto the instructors: i think their introductory 2 for $25 deal is a pretty good price, in general i think their per class price is also very reasonable.
i took a fundamental hip hop class here... um NOT fundamental at all... u definitely have to know how to dance to take this class as his routine goes very fast... and in fact it turned out to be more house moves (which i like more) but other people might be in for a surprise as it is harder to follow since there is a diff move to every single beat in the song... but at the end of the whole routine i felt like it was hard enough yet easy enough to actually do it without totally feeling lost!
there were definitely prolly 50 people at least in this class but everyone had enough space to move around! this studio was the best in terms of air circulation, but definitely could have blasted the ac more as i was drenching wet after just the warmup! but i think i will be coming back to take this class!
samba:
WOW totally diff than hip hop for one... it actually helped me cool down. i thought this one was gonna be just as high energy and sweaty but it wasn't. the moves were confusing but fun once u get into it. even though the head count was lower in this class, there was less space to move around in as some people were throwing their hands all over their place not really considering who was around them. regardless it was such a fun class as the movements are very different! teacher is really into it and does many routines!
overall i really like this studio but next time prolly wouldn't take 2 classes in a row as my body is definitely taking a toll rite now haha... the main studio faces out to 55th street as people sit on benches outside enjoying the nice weather and watching u sweat inside... a lil intimidating but kinda cool at the same time to say that hey i can dance! or have the balls to actually dance in front of other people!
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This is the nicest dance studio I have ever taken classes at. It is huge and beautiful and clean and has a really nice locker room. I went here several times a week for the Afro-Brazilian/Samba class. The teacher is wonderful, if you are a total beginner with this kind of dance and have always wanted to try it, go here. The beginner classes she teaches are the most basic that I have ever been to, she really breaks down the samba for people, something that I haven't really seen teachers do. If you are not a beginner, the beg. classes will be way too basic. The live drumming is really good, everything about the class is great except that it is just too damn crowded. There was an average of about 50 people in every class I took.
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Beautiful dance center in Hell's Kitchen.
Even if you are not a dancer, you will appreciate watching the dancers rehearse from the windows on 55th Street.
Congrats to A-squared for getting such a beautiful facility put up!
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Gravity meets grace.
Unfortunately, during college I was too macho to go see them everytime they came to Zellerbach Hall. Eventually I sucked it up (for a girl, of course) and watched them perform at the Kennedy Center. It was OFF THE CHAIN! I'm officially converted. I love Alvin Ailey (in a manly, 100% hetero way).
Tips: Catch them if they're in town.
I recently held an event at the studio with my PR firm. The event space was a blank canvas - we worked with a designer and brought in plenty of flowers, furniture, a caterer, etc. and it looked like a swank nightclub with a great view of the west sider (we were in a room on the 5th floor on the corner of 55th and 9th, the room had floor to ceiling windows, it was gorgeous). I highly recommend renting out the space if you're looking for a unique location to host a party or corporate event. I've giving this four stars because the in-house event coordinator was a bit aloof - I'm sure he meant well, but he wasn't 100% on-top of the logistics the day of the event like a good planner should be.
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Too bad we can't give 1/2 stars because I think it deserves just a little bit more.
A (NYC) dancer's dance studio: huge studios with great light; you don't have to worry about bumping into anyone one or a random pole obstructing your view, or being lost in an awkwardly shaped corner; large changing room with lockers if you bring your own lock; you may even be able to sneak some studio time if you go to a late Fri night class and hang around. There's a huge offering of classes, but again, for the classically inclined: ballet, jazz, theater dance, and horton. Others include belly dance, afro-brazilian, and others, but if you're looking for different types of modern, you won't find it here.
That said, beginners will not feel judged here (at least if you take intro Horton with Fernando --he is sweet, level-appropriate and has a watchful eye and gives great corrections), though explanations may not go further than "you're allowed to do this in Horton" or "you're not allowed to do that in Horton." Beginner dancers -or anyone new to movement and their body awareness-- should watch out because the alignments and positions contradict everyday movement to the extent ballet may, lending itself open to easy injury either immediate or later down the line. The class made me appreciate the Simonson technique that dominates down at DNA (a technique more conscientious of the body's abilities and kinesiology). Not to say the body can't bend itself into Horton technique --Ailey dancers make it look like cake; you just want to eat them up-- but I wonder its long-term affects on both professionals and non-professionals. Another minus for super dirty and sticky floors.
I may add a second revised review after I take advantage of the 2nd class in my "2 for $25" deal I bought today (a savings of $7, get yours).
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So I've had the great chance of being able to see the Alvin Ailey troupe 3 times. Every time was astounding, and at points rousing. People were transfixed as they mixed artful modern dance with some more accessible, funky shakes to really get the crowd going. Its lively, top notch, and their school is located on 55th and 9th; I suggest you stop by just to check the place out. Its an important, soulful, and historic dance company that always brings its best.
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Love the variety of the classes here and what a fabulous space! Two thumbs up. Haven't had the chance to see the company perform yet, but looking forward to it.
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Thank you Victor for putting this up here and reminding me how much i LOVE Alvin Ailey!! I go every year (well I missed one but it doesn't count cuz i was living in Spain when they came) but it's so darn good. Like amazing. Like please go watch it right now via whatever means necessary. Like whoa.
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I love taking dance and capoeira classes here. The studio is gorgeous with such good energy. They have a special for new students- 2 classes for $25. You will leave inspired to dance more.
I agree with Susan, this is a beautiful place to dance. And so close to my house. I took an open class last night and had a blast. Don't be intimidated, go and have fun. I did!
