HSA’s 60th Anniversary!

HSA Dance submerges students in Harlem’s rich history of dancing superstars celebrating ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, Hip-Hop and African.

From Josephine Baker to Billy “Bonjangles” Robinson, Harlem has been the home to many amazing dancers and these artists are highlighted throughout our class curricula. We offer pre-professional level classes whether students are serious about training or wishing to enrich their lives and supplement their arts education. With a strong philosophy rooted in sequential learning, HSA is proudly one of five certified schools in the world offering the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) National Training Curriculum.

 

HSA Dance provides classes regardless of skill level or prior training as well as advanced classes requiring audition or assessment. Students age 8 and up must be assessed for placement prior to enrollment into a ballet or contemporary class. All students are invited to perform in HSA’s annual end-of-year dance concert event. The program is developing dance ensembles by audition of invitation only.

  • HSA Dance Ensemble

     

    The HSA Dance Ensemble is made up of select students ages 8-17. The dazzling Harlemettes and Harlem Rockets celebrate the tradition of glitz, glam and sparkle of the Harlem Renaissances’ most celebrated dance performances. Invited to perform all over the city, these students are some of HSA’s most passionate and dedicated performers. Honoring the interdisciplinary activity of the Harlem Renaissance, dancers invited to join the College Prep and Pre-Prep Program are required to take class groupings that include music, theater and art classes. Whether dancing for fun or with a pre-professional mindset, HSA Dance provides tools that will follow young people into adulthood.
  • HSA Dance Academy

     

    The HSA Dance Academy offers students aged 8-17 a rigorous, predetermined curriculum which requires a minimum number of weekly ballet classes based on a child’s attained age and skill level. The curriculum is supported by supplemental classes in modern, jazz, African and hip-hop. Academy students are also invited to participate in repertory rehearsals and performance opportunities. Select students will be invited to join the HSA Dance College Prep and Pre-Prep Program.LEARN MORE

  • Dance Academy

    The HSA Dance Academy offers students aged 8–17 a rigorous, predetermined curriculum which requires a minimum number of weekly ballet classes based on a child’s attained age and skill level. The curriculum is supported by supplemental classes in modern, jazz, African and hip-hop. Academy students are also invited to participate in repertory rehearsals and performance opportunities. Select students will be invited to join the HSA Dance College Preparatory Program.

    Learn More
  • College Preparatory Program

    The HSA Dance College Preparatory Program (PREP) is a fully-funded scholarship program for students exhibiting exceptional skills and a palpable passion for dance. PREP is specifically designed for students, aged 12–17, who have expressed a compelling desire to pursue dance professionally. PREP students participate in a pre-determined curriculum (a minimum of 8 classes is required weekly) including invitation-only repertory workshops, performance opportunities, arts enrichment events, personal coaching and audition preparation for academic programs. Select PREP and Academy students will be invited to join the HSA Dance Ensemble.

    Learn More

Leyland Simmons
Dance Chair

Leyland Simmons was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He began his formal dance training with Barbara Devereaux of the Royal Academy School of Dance in Anchorage, Alaska and the Anchorage Classical Ballet Academy. He later studied at Interlochen Arts Academy, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Miami City Ballet, The School of American Ballet, Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn, The Ailey School and Ballet Divertimento in Montreal, Canada. Leyland is a Graduate of the Professional Performing Arts High School in New York City and a former member of Ailey 2 and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Mr. Simmons has also performed with the New York City Ballet, Peridance Ensemble, Forces of Nature Dance Company, Nathan Trice’s/Rituals, George Faison and Ballet X. Leyland has also performed at Jacob’s Pillow, the Cincinnati, Moscow and Miami International Ballet Festivals. One performance of Mr. Simmons noted that he was “vibrant in his solo, whipping off multiple pirouettes…,” and “he added powerful turns and jumps while remaining sensitive to the otherwise gentle ending.” Leyland is also a sought after teacher having taught at notable institutions like the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Steps on Broadway, Ailey School. He has also appeared in numerous film, television, and print projects such as the History Channel’s Honor Deferred, The Conan O’Brien Show, YRB magazine, Law and Order, Starbucks Red Campaign, Puma, Sansha, Exberliner.com and Broadwayworld.com.

Leyland’s choreography has been presented at City Parks Summerstage, Bryant Park, The Apollo Theater, the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage in Washington DC, and E-moves 18 at the Harlem Stage Gatehouse. He has also choreographed an industrial for Pier 59 Studios RED Camera event and for alternative rock band Opium Ink’s music video “Porcelain Doll.”

Mr. Simmons is also a graduate of the Workshop in Business Opportunities Program and a member of the School of American Ballet’s Alumni Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. Leyland holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Masters Degree in Dance Education (K-12 concentration) from NYU.

In 2017 Leyland began teaching for the NYU Steinhardt Summer Intensive and in 2020 he began teaching as an adjunct instructor at NYU Tisch.

Leyland is a recipient of the 2008 Harlem Stage ‘Fund for New Works’ Grant, the 2011 NYFA Build Grant, and the 2018 Boissak/ Heilbron Charitable Grant. In the fall of 2017, Leyland became the resident choreographer at the Harlem School of the Arts and in 2020 the Chair of Dance.

In 2020-2021 he became the first male visiting faculty Co-Chair for the School of American Ballet.

Leyland is honored to be one of the first African American’s invited to the American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum’s Board of Examiners.

Partners

  • Harlem School of the Arts is proud to include the AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum, a breakthrough 9 level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. The ABT® National Training Curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels.Pre-Primary through Level 3 will be taught by ABT® Certified Teachers who have successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.

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Contact the Student Services Department

 

(212) 926-4100 x343

info@hsanyc.org