How Dance Theatre of Harlem Raises the Barre for Success

Arthur Mitchell, a Harlem native and the first Black principal dancer in the New York City Ballet, envisioned a future where ballet was accessible to all. Inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, Mitchell aimed to create a sanctuary where dancers from diverse backgrounds could thrive. In 1969, this vision gave birth to Dance Theatre of Harlem, co-founded by Mitchell and Karel Shook, Mitchell’s former ballet master. Today, the company remains a beacon for dancers globally, fostering a rich legacy through community outreach and is a celebrated ballet school. As Mitchell aptly put it, “The arts ignite the mind; they give you the possibility to dream and to hope.”

Dance Theatre of Harlem also revolutionized ballet costuming. Originally, ballet attire was designed to complement the skin tones of 19th-century European dancers—with pink tights and pointe shoes, adhering to ballet tradition. In 1974, company member Llanchie Stevenson challenged this norm, noting that pink tights made her limbs appear disjointed. This led to a significant shift in the ballet world, with Dance Theatre of Harlem leading the movement towards more inclusive tights in a variety of skin tones. To delve deeper into the history and artistry of dance costumes, join us on Sep 28 for Costumes Up Close, with ballet costumes you can see and touch from Ballet Co. Laboratory, James Sewell Ballet, Minnesota Dance Theatre & School, St. Paul Ballet, TU Dance, and Zenon Dance School. The exhibit begins at 1:00 pm, before the 2:00 pm Relaxed Matinee.

In 2023, Dance Theatre of Harlem premiered Blake Works lV, the latest chapter in choreographer William Forsythe’s dynamic work The Barre Project, set to the electro-soul music of British composer James Blake. This work, described as a “love letter to dancers, to technique, [and] to the possibilities of the ballet barre” (Fjord Review) evolved from virtual beginnings during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Originally choreographed for film through remote rehearsals, it was infused with the atmosphere of an in-person performance for a 2021 online premiere. Blake Works lll returned dancers to the stage in 2022, and now, Forsythe’s fourth installment promises a dynamic experience performed by the talented dancers of Dance Theatre of Harlem at Northrop this September.

In April 2024, Dance Theatre of Harlem marked its 55th anniversary at the New York City Center, also celebrating founder Arthur Mitchell’s 90th birthday and the appointment of Robert Garland as artistic director. Garland’s deep connection with the company, including roles as resident choreographer and director of the professional training program, has profoundly shaped its direction. The Sep 27-28 Northrop performances also feature the Garland-choreographed Return; set to songs by James Brown and Aretha Franklin, The New York Times called Return “a witty fusion of ballet technique and street gait whose irony toward rhythm-and-blues had the audience in stitches.” Take Me With You by Robert Bondara, and Allegro Brillante by George Balanchine round out the program.

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s artistry extends beyond their performances, continuing the legacy of their founders. With the Dancing Through BarriersⓇ program, DTH “fosters self-determination, teamwork, community building, and leadership” through outreach and education. Their School reaches thousands of students from ages 3-18 annually. The Sep 28 Relaxed Matinee is designed to be accessible and inclusive to people who would like to take in a dance performance, but appreciate house lights on low, sound levels lowered, and the ability to come and go during the show. Anyone interested in learning dance from DTH company artists can keep moving at home by following instructional videos online for children and adults, available in English and several other languages including Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean! In conjunction with the Northrop events, intermediate and advanced level dancers who are at least 16 years old can sign up to join Garland for a Ballet Barre + Repertoire Class at TU Dance on Sep 26.