Ailey

What Ailey does

Ailey (legally Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization founded on March 30, 1958, headquartered at The Joan Weill Center for Dance in New York City — the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City. The organization operates five interconnected subsidiaries: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (the founding professional company, with a repertoire of close to 300 works by more than 100 choreographers and tour history spanning 70+ countries on six continents), Ailey II (next-generation company), The Ailey School (training for ages 3-25, founded 1969, including First Steps, Bounding Boys, Junior Division, Professional Division, Summer Intensives, and an Ailey/Fordham BFA partnership), Ailey Extension (open drop-in classes for all ages via Mindbody, both in-studio and online), and Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs (AileyDance Kids, AileyCamp, AileyDance for Active Aging, National Outreach, and Video Lessons reaching 10,000+ participants annually).

The organization monetizes through five distinct revenue streams: (1) donations and fundraising (one-time gifts, memberships, corporate giving, legacy/planned giving, galas such as Ailey Spirit Gala and Washington DC Gala); (2) performance ticket sales across Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, and Ailey School performances sold via Ailey's own channels, Ovations, and venue systems; (3) Ailey Extension class fees ($15 online, $25 in-studio single class, with multi-class packages and first-time and 60+ discounts); (4) Ailey School tuition on subscription/multi-installment terms (e.g., First Steps/Bounding Boys Pay-in-Full $1,335.90, Bi-Annual $700.50 twice plus fees, Quarterly $350.25 four times plus fees); and (5) corporate/institutional sponsorships and fundraising events. The go-to-market motion is event-driven (tours + performances + galas drive demand) complemented by a community-led motion through school and community partnerships.

Ailey was designated a "vital American Cultural Ambassador to the World" by US Congressional resolution. Technology stack is limited: Mindbody serves as the scheduling/booking/payment platform for Ailey Extension; no proprietary software or AI/ML capability is disclosed. Leadership transitioned in 2025 with Alicia Graf Mack becoming the fourth Artistic Director succeeding Robert Battle (2011-2023), who followed Judith Jamison (1989-2011).

Name

Ailey

Legal name

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://ailey.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation (Ailey) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1958 that operates the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, The Ailey School, Ailey Extension, and community-outreach programs from its NYC Joan Weill Center for Dance headquarters, serving performing-arts audiences, students ages 3-25, and community participants across 70+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Dance

NAICS

Dance Companies (711120), Fine Arts Schools (61161)

akta.pro primary industry

Dance Education (Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Cultural Dance) (EDAMAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dance Festivals & Dance Series (MPAGADAJ), Youth/Student & Community Dance Recitals (MPAGADAI)

Keywords

• Dance performances
• Dance training
• Dance education
• Arts education
• Community outreach programs

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: As a non-profit organization (Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc.), Ailey relies heavily on charitable donations from patrons and supporters. Multiple giving mechanisms exist including one-time donations, membership programs, corporate giving, legacy/planned giving, and special funds.
2. Performance Tickets: Revenue generated from ticket sales for performances by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, and The Ailey School student performances at various venues. Tickets are sold through the organization's own systems and third-party platforms like Ovations and venue-specific ticketing.
3. Dance Classes (Ailey Extension): Open dance classes offered to the public for a fee. Single class passes and multi-class packages are sold. Classes are offered both in-studio at The Joan Weill Center for Dance and online.
4. Dance Training Tuition (The Ailey School): Tuition fees for The Ailey School's training programs including First Steps (ages 3-6), Bounding Boys (ages 4-6), Junior Division (ages 7-17), and Professional Division (ages 17-25). Programs include payment plan options.
5. Fundraising Events: Special events including galas (e.g., Ailey Spirit Gala, Washington DC Gala) that generate revenue and engage donors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

AILEY (Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc.) is a nonprofit performing arts organization that delivers dance through four program areas: professional performances by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II at theaters worldwide; professional dance training at The Ailey School for students ages 3-25; open drop-in dance classes through Ailey Extension for the general public; and community outreach via Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs reaching over 10,000 participants annually. All programs are unified under a shared mission to share the African American cultural experience through dance.

Product overview

AILEY is a comprehensive performing arts organization centered around dance, comprising multiple interconnected programs. The core offerings include Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (the world-renowned founding professional company founded in 1958) and Ailey II (the next-generation company). Educational programs include The Ailey School (training for ages 3-25, founded 1969) and Ailey Extension (open drop-in classes for all levels). Community outreach is delivered through Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs, which includes AileyDance Kids, AileyCamp, AileyDance For Active Aging, National Outreach, and Video Lessons. The Ailey School offers structured divisions: First Steps (ages 3-6), Bounding Boys (ages 4-6, boys), Junior Division (ages 7-17), Professional Division (ages 17-25), plus summer intensives, teacher certification, and Fordham BFA partnership. Ailey Extension provides adult and teen classes in techniques including Horton, Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary, West African, and others. All programs are housed at The Joan Weill Center for Dance in New York City.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: The world-renowned founding company of AILEY, performing works that uplift the African American experience.
• Ailey II
• The Ailey School
• Ailey Extension
• Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs
• AileyCamp
• AileyDance Kids
• AileyDance For Active Aging

Products and services

• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater World-renowned professional dance company performing works by Alvin Ailey and contemporary choreographers at theaters worldwide, with a repertory of close to 300 works by more than 100 choreographers and performances in more than 70 countries on six continents.
• Ailey II The next-generation dance company featuring emerging dancers performing works by emerging and established choreographers, serving as a bridge between The Ailey School and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
• The Ailey School Official dance school offering training of the highest caliber in a nurturing environment for students ages 3-25, from beginner through pre-professional and professional levels, including divisions for children, juniors, and professionals.
• Ailey Extension Open drop-in dance classes for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels, from absolute beginners to professionals, in techniques including Horton, Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and West African Dance. Classes are available in-studio at The Joan Weill Center for Dance and online.
• Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs Outreach programs that cultivate and energize youth and older adults through dance, reaching over 10,000 participants annually through partnerships with schools, community centers, and older adult facilities. Includes AileyDance Kids, AileyCamp, AileyDance for Active Aging, National Outreach, and Video Lessons.
• First Steps Program Creative movement program for children ages 3-6 introducing dance fundamentals, with First Steps I (ages 3-4), First Steps II (age 5), and First Steps III (age 6). Tuition is available as pay-in-full ($1,335.90), bi-annual, or quarterly installments.
• Bounding Boys Program Creative and athletic movement program for boys ages 4-6 offering a more athletic approach to developing dance skills through creative movement and tumbling techniques. Tuition follows the same pay-in-full, bi-annual, or quarterly installment structure as First Steps.
• Junior Division Beginner to pre-professional dance training for students ages 7-17, part of The Ailey School's curriculum-based programs at The Joan Weill Center for Dance.
• Professional Division Professional training program for ages 17-25 at The Ailey School, including the Ailey/Fordham BFA in Dance joint degree with Fordham University and the Certificate Program.
• Ailey Teacher Certification Program Professional development program for dance instructors teaching the Ailey Horton Technique, certifying teachers in Ailey's signature modern dance methodology.
• Junior Division Summer Intensive Intensive summer program for students ages 12-15, part of The Ailey School, culminating in a public performance showcase (the Junior Division Summer Sizzler).
• Professional Division Summer Intensive Summer intensive program for ages 16-25 preparing dancers for professional careers, part of The Ailey School, with a culminating Professional Division Summer Sizzler performance.
• AileyDance Kids Dance education program for Pre-K through 12 students in the NY Metropolitan Area, delivered through partnerships with schools and community organizations as part of Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs.
• AileyCamp Innovative summer program for ages 11-14 developing self-esteem, creativity, and critical thinking through dance, music, and art, part of Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs.
• AileyDance For Active Aging Dance programs for adults in community centers and residential facilities, promoting health, wellness, and community engagement through movement, part of Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs.
• National Outreach Residencies for school-age youth bringing dance education to cities across the country, part of Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs.
• Ailey Experience NYC Special program offering an intensive dance experience in New York City for teens, delivered through Ailey Extension.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 10,000 participants reached annually through community programs
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and regional.

• Lincoln Center for the Performing ArtsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual BAAND Together Dance Festival co-presented with other major dance companies including American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Hispánico, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and New York City Ballet. Ailey performs as part of this collaborative festival.
• American Ballet TheatreflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the BAAND Together Dance Festival, a collaborative presentation of five renowned New York dance companies at Lincoln Center.
• Ballet HispánicoflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the BAAND Together Dance Festival, a collaborative presentation of five renowned New York dance companies at Lincoln Center.
• Dance Theatre of HarlemflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the BAAND Together Dance Festival, a collaborative presentation of five renowned New York dance companies at Lincoln Center.
• New York City BalletflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the BAAND Together Dance Festival, a collaborative presentation of five renowned New York dance companies at Lincoln Center.
• Sadler's Wells Theatre (London)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor international venue hosting Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for multiple performances in September 2026.
• Theater 11 (Zurich)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss venue hosting Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances in September 2026.
• Forest National (Brussels)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBelgian venue hosting Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances in October 2026.
• Le Palais des Congrès de ParisregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench venue hosting Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances in October 2026.
• Teatro Real (Madrid)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrestigious Spanish opera house hosting Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances in October 2026.
• Fordham UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Ailey/Fordham BFA in Dance program, offering a joint degree combining Ailey School training with Fordham University's academic program.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Complexions Contemporary Ballet: NYC-based contemporary dance company that has absorbed Ailey School alumni into its professional ranks. Smaller scale than Ailey but operates in the same contemporary/modern dance talent ecosystem.

Direct peers

• Martha Graham Dance Company: NYC-based modern dance company comparable in scale and mission, with a heritage repertory and training legacy. Receives Ailey School alumni into its professional company, demonstrating direct talent overlap.
• The Joffrey Ballet: Major US ballet company (Chicago) with comparable scale, professional company, and training school (Joffrey Academy). Competes with Ailey for touring venues, donors, and national audiences.
• Dance Theatre of Harlem: NYC-based dance company co-presenting BAAND Together Festival. Comparable size, NYC touring presence, training school, and community programming. Shares Ailey's cultural mission emphasis on African American artistic expression.
• New York City Ballet: Major NYC-based dance company and BAAND Together Festival partner. Comparable in scale, NYC market presence, subscription audience, and major venue partnerships (Lincoln Center). Both operate as flagship dance institutions with educational programming.
• San Francisco Ballet: Largest US ballet company by budget, operates School of Ballet and extensive community programs. Comparable operational scale (large building, school, company, outreach) though geographically separate from Ailey's NYC base.
• Ballet Hispánico: NYC-based dance company and BAAND Together Festival partner. Operates a professional company plus school and community programs in a structure parallel to Ailey. Receives Ailey School alumni into its professional ranks.
• American Ballet Theatre: One of the largest ballet companies in the US, headquartered in NYC. Co-presents the BAAND Together Dance Festival with Ailey at Lincoln Center and competes for the same donor pool, audiences, and touring venues. Both operate training academies and large performance ensembles.

Others

• School of American Ballet: Official training academy of New York City Ballet; the premier US feeder school for ballet professionals. Not a peer in performance or community programming, but a comparable elite dance training institution competing for the same top student talent.
• The Juilliard School: Elite performing arts conservatory whose Dance Division was previously led by Ailey's current Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack. Functions as both a talent feeder and a structural competitor for top pre-professional dance students.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AileyExtension
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alvinailey
• Facebookfacebook.com/AileyOrganization

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ailey