Technique
Horton
Instructors
Pricing
- In-Studio New Students $20
- In-Studio Single Class Card $25
- In-Studio 3 Class Card $70
- In-Studio 5 Class Card $115
- In-Studio 10 Class Card $220
- Online New Students $12
- Online Single Class Card $15
- Online 5 Class Card $70
- Online 10 Class Card $120
Horton technique was devised by choreographer Lester Horton (Alvin Ailey's mentor) in the 1940s and is comprised of detailed exercises called Studies, which include Projections, Locomotions, Preludes, Rhythms, Improvisations, and Fortifications. The fortifications are considered the core of Horton technique. They establish a framework of movement mechanics, muscular development and coordination, elasticity and range, rhythm and timing of phrasing, and movement quality. Horton technique is the foundation for many of Mr. Ailey’s works, including Revelations, and is a fundamental training technique for The Ailey School, Ailey II, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Horton classes at Ailey Extension are led by Ailey-trained dancers and former Ailey II and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company members. Class typically begins with warm-up exercises such as tendus, flatbacks, primitive squats, and release swings before being led to the floor for deep lunges and coccyx balances. Students will then be led through combinations at the center and across the floor that integrate Horton studies such as lateral stretches, stags, and more.
All Horton classes feature live percussion accompaniment.
Our classes are defined by the following so you can determine which level is best for you.
- Absolute Beginner (ABS BEG): for students with little to no prior experience or knowledge of the technique.
- Beginner (BEG): for students with a basic understanding of the fundamentals and foundations of the technique.
- Advanced Beginner (ADV BEG): for students with prior experience and a more comprehensive understanding of the technique and vocabulary.
- Intermediate/Advanced (INT/ADV): for students with extensive training and an expansive knowledge of the technique and its proper alignment.
- Open: for students of any level.
Upcoming Classes
FAQs
It's easy to start dancing at Ailey Extension. First, create an Ailey Extension Mindbody account online here or through the Ailey Extension app.
We encourage students to register for class in advance—classes and workshops can and do sell out. Simply sign into Mindbody in our app or on your browser, find your class or workshop, click “Book,” and pay for your class. Please note that class packages are subject to expiration dates upon activation.
Students are also welcome to sign up for class at the Extension Desk at The Joan Weill Center for Dance by paying with card, cash, or contactless payments.
You must be 16 or older to take Ailey Extension classes and workshops.
If your child is not old enough to take our drop-in classes or workshops, we offer Kids & Teens classes for ages 2–3 and 5–17 every Sunday.
Our classes are defined by the following:
- Absolute Beginner (ABS BEG): for students with little to no prior experience or knowledge of the technique.
- Beginner (BEG): for students with a basic understanding of the fundamentals and foundations of the technique.
- Advanced Beginner (ADV BEG): for students with prior experience and a more comprehensive understanding of the technique and vocabulary.
- Intermediate/Advanced (INT/ADV): for students with extensive training and an expansive knowledge of the technique and its proper alignment.
- Open: for students of any level.
If you still aren't sure which class level is right for you, contact us at [email protected].
In general, we suggest you wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes that you can move in, such as sweats, yoga pants, leotard, t-shirts, tank tops, etc.
For Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Capoeira, Dunham, Horton, Graham, Limón, and West African, we suggest you don't wear shoes or socks, just bare feet.
For Afro’Dance and Masala Bhangra, students are welcome to dance barefoot or wear clean sneakers—whatever you are most comfortable in.
For ballet, we suggest ballet shoes, leotards, and tights, or other form-fitting ballet attire.
For hip hop, hip hop cardio, house, and Zumba®, please wear clean street shoes.
For heels, we suggest wearing comfortable, low heels or boots if you do not own a pair of dance heels. You are also welcome to dance barefoot or in clean sneakers.