Night Creature Residency at Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts Photo by Justin Namon, courtesy of Arsht Center
'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.
| Grades | 3–5 |
| Location | Studio, gym, or auditorium |
| Duration | National Residencies are 1-week and AileyDance Kids Residencies are eight weeks minimum; both include a professional development workshop for educators |
| Student Capacity | 35 maximum per class |
| Availability | October–June |
Night Creature Residency at Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts Photo by Justin Namon, courtesy of Arsht Center
Night Creature Residency at Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts Photo by Justin Namon, courtesy of Arsht Center
Curriculum Preview
In this preview, the curriculum guides students in making connections between tempo and rhythm in music and dance. Through movement tasks, students explore how these concepts are expressed in dance while expanding their movement and choreographic vocabulary. Click the link below to download the curriculum preview.
Scheduling & Contact Info
For more information about our programming, or to schedule an Ailey Arts In Education residency or workshop, please contact:
Stacey Spencer-Willoughby
Assistant, Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs
Phone: 212-405-9152
sspencerwilloughby@ailey.org
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Every donation to AILEY, a non-profit organization, furthers the pioneering vision of our founder, Alvin Ailey, to deliver dance back to the people.
Hero Credits: Photo by Nicole Tintle, Photo by Nicole Tintle