Dance Theatre of Harlem

Dance Theatre of Harlem is a renowned ballet company that has been a cornerstone of the American ballet scene for over four decades, with a rich history that spans numerous performances at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Kennedy Center. Founded by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, the company has been shaped by the artistic visions of notable figures like Alvin Ailey, George Balanchine, and Jerome Robbins. With a repertoire that includes works by acclaimed choreographers like Twyla Tharp, Garth Fagan, and Lar Lubovitch, Dance Theatre of Harlem has collaborated with esteemed institutions such as the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The company's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the world of ballet has been recognized by organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ford Foundation.

● History

The history of Dance Theatre of Harlem is deeply intertwined with the lives of its founders, Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, who were both influenced by the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement. Mitchell, a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, was inspired by the Ballets Russes and the Ballet Theatre of Antony Tudor and Agnes de Mille. The company's early years were marked by performances at venues like the Apollo Theater and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, with collaborations with artists like Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, and Jacob Lawrence. As the company grew, it began to tour extensively, performing at festivals like the Spoleto Festival USA and the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, and working with choreographers like Paul Taylor and Merce Cunningham.

● Founding and Early Years

The founding of Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1969 was a response to the lack of diversity in the ballet world, with Mitchell and Shook seeking to create a company that would provide opportunities for African American dancers. The company's early years were shaped by the artistic vision of Karel Shook, who served as the company's first artistic director, and the guidance of Arthur Mitchell, who was instrumental in securing funding from organizations like the Ford Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. The company's first performance, held at the Guggenheim Museum, featured a diverse repertoire that included works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Alvin Ailey. As the company grew, it began to attract attention from critics like Clive Barnes and Anna Kisselgoff, who wrote for publications like the New York Times and The New Yorker.

● Artistic Directors

The artistic directors of Dance Theatre of Harlem have played a crucial role in shaping the company's repertoire and aesthetic, with notable directors including Arthur Mitchell, Karel Shook, and Virginia Johnson. Johnson, a former principal dancer with the company, has been instrumental in commissioning new works from choreographers like Robert Battle and Darrell Grand Moultrie, and has overseen collaborations with companies like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Martha Graham Dance Company. The company has also worked with guest artistic directors like Suzanne Farrell and Mikhail Baryshnikov, who have brought their unique perspectives to the company's programming. Other notable artistic directors include Frederic Franklin and Eleanor D'Antuono, who have contributed to the company's rich history and legacy.

● Company and Repertoire

The company's repertoire is diverse and eclectic, featuring works by a range of choreographers, from George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins to Twyla Tharp and Lar Lubovitch. The company has also commissioned new works from emerging choreographers like Kyle Abraham and Camille A. Brown, and has collaborated with companies like the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. The company's dancers have been trained in a range of styles, from ballet and modern dance to jazz and tap dance, and have performed at venues like the Metropolitan Opera House and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The company's repertoire includes iconic works like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, as well as more contemporary pieces like The Firebird and Apollo.

● Education and Community Outreach

Dance Theatre of Harlem is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the world of ballet, and has established a range of education and community outreach programs to achieve this goal. The company's Dance Theatre of Harlem School offers training in ballet, modern, and other dance styles, and provides scholarships to talented young dancers from underrepresented communities. The company has also established partnerships with organizations like the National Dance Institute and the New York City Department of Education, and has worked with artists like Savion Glover and Debbie Allen to develop community-based programs. The company's outreach efforts have been recognized by organizations like the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts.

● Notable Performances and Tours

Dance Theatre of Harlem has performed at numerous iconic venues around the world, including the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, and the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The company has also toured extensively, performing at festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and collaborating with companies like the Royal Ballet and the Paris Opera Ballet. Notable performances include the company's 1974 debut at Carnegie Hall, which featured a program of works by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, and the company's 1992 tour of South Africa, which was sponsored by the United States Department of State and featured performances at venues like the Market Theatre in Johannesburg. The company has also performed at the White House and the United Nations, and has been recognized with awards like the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors.