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'Night Creature': An Imaginative Journey Through Dance

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About the Residency

This curriculum is based on the study of Alvin Ailey's Night Creature, a fusion of his buoyant choreography and Duke Ellington's sparkling music. At once wistful and sassy, Night Creature beckons viewers into a nocturnal world with movement that at times imitates cats on the prowl and other times, creates characters celebrating the night life. The exploration of animal-like movements along with Ellington’s lively jazz music, is ideally suited for engaging young minds.

Students will explore the history of jazz music and dance, the basic elements of movement analysis, strategies for group collaboration and peer assessment, and embodied learning through dance-making. The Night Creature curriculum engages students in imaginative thinking to encourage connections to music, visual arts, social studies, and literacy through discussion, analysis, reflective response, and writing. Students will be encouraged to explore their own "night creatures" through learning excerpts of Night Creature, writing poems, drawing, and creating their own original choreography.

Grades3–5
LocationStudio, gym, or auditorium
DurationNational Residencies are 1-week and AileyDance Kids Residences are eight weeks minimum; both include a professional development workshop for educators
Student Capacity35 maximum per class 
AvailabilityOctober–June 
Young dancers in blue leotards stand with arms extended in a dance studio, following their instructor's lead. The walls are adorned with awards, photos, and a sign that reads "The secret of getting."

Night Creature Residency at Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts Photo by Justin Namon, courtesy of Arsht Center

Young dancers in blue leotards sit on the floor in a circle, clapping hands with each other. An instructor stands nearby, observing. The classroom wall features a "Word Wall" and the phrase "Shoot for the moon and land among the stars" in colorful letters.

Night Creature Residency at Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts Photo by Justin Namon, courtesy of Arsht Center

A group of young dancers in blue leotards practice in a dance studio, led by an instructor in a black shirt. The walls are decorated with framed pictures and awards. The dancers are positioned with arms extended upwards, mirroring the instructor.

Night Creature Residency at Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts Photo by Justin Namon, courtesy of Arsht Center

Scheduling & Contact Info

For more information about our programming, and/or to schedule an Ailey Arts In Education activity, please contact:  

Stacey Spencer-Willoughby  
Assistant, Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs  
Phone: 212-405-9152
[email protected] 

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Hero Credits: Photo by Nicole Tintle, Photo by Nicole Tintle