Night Creature by Alvin Ailey

Alvin Aileys Night Creature is a bubbly champagne cocktail of a dance, a perfect fusion of Aileys buoyant choreography and Duke Ellingtons sparkling music. At once wistful and sassy, it beckons viewers into a nocturnal world populated by jazz babies and night owls. Ellington said that night creatures, unlike stars, do not come OUT at night they come ON, each thinking that, before the night is out, he or she will be the star. This large ensemble work is full of such stars strutting, leaping and slinking through a variety of dance idioms as they flaunt and flirt with each other and the audience. They hold their hands like paws, as if theyre cats on the prowl, then slide seamlessly into balletic allegro jumps, Martha Grahamlike contractions and Lester Horton layouts. Its the definitive dance homage to the exuberance of The Dukes sophisticated symphonic work. , AlvinAiley