Encouraging everyone to express themselves through dance. That’s the goal of Ailey extension, a branch of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, which offers dance classes to the public.

It’s a way to expand Ailey’s legacy of dance and the belief the art form should be delivered back to the people by making dance accessible to all.

In an effort to fulfill that mission, Ailey Extension is offering a series of free classes and performances this summer.

Director of Ailey Extension, Lisa Johnson Willingham, joined “News All Day” to talk more about the program.

In addition to Ailey Moves NYC, there’s also the BAAND Together program where five dance companies (Ballet Hispanico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem) come together for five days to perform for free at Lincoln Center.

Those performances run from July 25 through July 29.

And finally, there will be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, including a free dance class in Times Square, on Aug. 10.

For more information, go to AlvinAiley.org.