Northrop Presents
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Past event
Sep 27, 2024
Sep 28, 2024
A singular presence in the ballet world, Dance Theatre of Harlem presents a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century. This multiethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and artistic director Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate founder Arthur Mitchell’s belief that ballet belongs to everyone. The mixed program at Northrop includes renowned choreographer William Forsythe’s Blake Works IV (The Barre Project), created specifically for Dance Theatre of Harlem and set to the electro-soul music of British composer James Blake. The program also includes Return by Robert Garland, Take Me With You by Robert Bondara, and Allegro Brillante by George Balanchine.
Relaxed Matinee: During a Relaxed Matinee, house lights will remain at a glow, sound levels will be lowered, and the audience will be warned of any surprises. Attendees can come and go as needed, assisted by ushers trained to accommodate movement and sound. Relaxed Matinee tickets are “Pay What You Wish.”
Pre-show Fun on Saturday:
Starting at 1:00 pm, join us for a multigenerational celebration of all things ballet! Learn about local dance classes, visit with our partners at Project Success, and enjoy 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.
Quotes / Reviews
“A premier ballet company and global ambassador for excellence and diversity.”—The Washington Post
“DTH is poised to continue to redefine classical ballet as a vital, relevant artform for the next 50 years and beyond.”—Playbill.com
“A night at the ballet can turn into lifelong inspiration when Dance Theatre of Harlem comes to town. The excitement the company generates onstage has a way of radiating into every corner of the dance community...”—The Miami Herald
“Take any chance you can get to see this gem of a company perform!”—Broadwayworld.com
“Dance Theatre of Harlem’s latest commissions offer a different future, one where ballet is more daring and more perceptive than ever before.”—Broadwayworld.com
“It’s rare to encounter a dance company that achieves such a perfect balance between pushing the limits of the art form and grabbing the audience. In staying true to its course, Dance Theatre of Harlem arrives at brilliance.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“One constant has been the excellence of resident choreographer Robert Garland...Garland never seems derivative...”—Financial Times
“...this beloved company has found its footing.”—The New York Times
“To this day, DTH remains an oasis of diversity, fully committed to its original mission of showcasing black excellence.”—Dance Magazine
"Dance Theater of Harlem Is in New (and Capable) Hands"—The New York Times
Related Links
Related Event(s)
Learn More - Explore These Themes
The content below derives from the Northrop Across Campus Program that supports Northrop's mission towards intersections between performing arts and education for the benefit of all participants now and for generations to come.
Find ways to make thematic connections to these suggested topics:
Dance: Ballet and Contemporary
Music
African American & African Studies
American Studies/American Cultural Studies/American History
Global Studies
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Social Justice/Civil Rights
These resources provide additional information about the performers, the history of the art form and the artistic process, allowing you to dive deeper.
Links:
Arthur Mitchell (Co-Founder) Tribute video
Dance Theatre of Harlem company website
Columbia University Arthur Mitchell timeline
The New York Times Review: “Dance Theater of Harlem Is in New (and Capable) Hands” (Find in UofM Library)
From Today: “Brown Ballet Shoes are Making Dancers of Color Feel Welcome and Accepted”
Start a conversation about the performance or encourage reflection, using these questions as inspiration.
Arthur Mitchell, the first African American principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, co-founded Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) in 1969 as a response to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. More than half-century later, the company has inspired, performed for, and educated generations of dancers and remains deeply committed to Mitchell’s belief that “ballet belongs to everyone.”
- How can an artist engage with social justice?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of using dance to connect and collaborate across culture and lived experience compared to other artistic mediums (music, painting, poetry, photography, etc.)?
DTH focuses on community outreach, education, and engagement in their internationally historic neighborhood of Harlem, NYC.
- In what ways can the cultural tradition of dance shape our identities? How might early interaction with dance一or any other cultural practice—inform one’s identity?
- What specific way could you support an arts business and/or arts education in your community?
Under the new direction of legendary choreographer, and former DTH principal dancer, Robert Garland, the company is advancing Mitchell’s vision while developing unique collaborations with artists worldwide. (This season will feature material from renowned American dancer and choreographer William Forsythe and electro-soul musician James Blake.)
- How might you imagine collaboration (especially across mediums or traditions) might change an artist or arts institution?
- Imagine you are the director of a new dance company; how would you use physical space under your supervision (studios, galleries, performance halls, or public displays) to cultivate a welcoming space for a diverse, global community?
- What programs would you design for those spaces to encourage artists and communities to participate?
DTH, Robert Garland, and Arthur Mitchell are crucial to ballet, African American, and U.S. history. According to Dance Magazine, “The impact of Dance Theatre of Harlem extends far beyond the stage. The company represents the amalgamation of culture present in evolving art forms and what it looks like when the reality of a diverse country is in fact, exalted in its most expressive art form.” Other ballet trailblazers include: Raven Wilkinson (the first Black woman dancer at Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in 1955), Lauren Anderson (the first Black female principal dancer with the Houston Ballet in 1990), and Misty Copeland (the Black female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre in 2015).
- How does the timeline for these ballet trailblazers compare to other cultural milestones in the Civil Rights movement?
- Who is a trailblazer in your life, culture, or current line of study?
