What is the Dance, Music, and Literacy Project?

This residency introduces young students to the performing and visual arts using one of Mark Morris’ most acclaimed evening length works – L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato. Based on the music of George Frideric Handel, the poetry of John Milton, and the art of William Blake, this work is a perfect starting point to learn about the interplay of words, music, and dance. An MMDG teaching artist who has performed in the piece, accompanied by a musician, guides students through the poems, music, and choreography of L’Allegro. Students learn to dance sections of this work and create original dances. The residency culminates with a visit to the Mark Morris Dance Center for a private performance and conversation with members of the Dance Group. Classes are available on a per-session basis, with a ten-session minimum and fifteen-session maximum, and can be scheduled for one to three times per week throughout the year.