Discover the electrifying beauty and power of Dance Theatre of Harlem, a legendary company redefining classical ballet with every performance. Secure your tickets for an unforgettable dance experience.
Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and a testament to the transformative power of dance. Founded in 1969 in Harlem, New York, by Arthur Mitchell, the first African American principal dancer of New York City Ballet, along with Karel Shook, DTH emerged as a direct response to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and the need to create an inclusive space for dancers of color in classical ballet.
Since its official debut at the Guggenheim Museum in 1971, the company has captivated audiences worldwide with its vitality, technical prowess, and a repertoire that defies convention. DTH not only performs the great ballet classics but has also enriched the canon with neoclassical works, including pieces by George Balanchine (Mitchell's mentor), and bold contemporary creations, many by current artistic director Robert Garland. Iconic works like "Creole Giselle," set in 19th-century Louisiana, and the vibrant "Firebird" exemplify their innovative approach.
Beyond the stage, Dance Theatre of Harlem is a multifaceted institution. Its school has trained countless young people, instilling discipline and a passion for the arts. The "Dancing Through Barriers®" program brings dance to underserved communities, fulfilling Mitchell's vision that ballet belongs to everyone. With a history that includes historic tours to the Soviet Union in 1988 and post-apartheid South Africa in 1992, DTH has been a cultural ambassador, demonstrating that art can transcend political and social boundaries. Attending a Dance Theatre of Harlem performance is to partake in an inspiring legacy and witness a world-class dance experience.
From April 10-13, 2025, Dance Theatre of Harlem will take the New York City Center stage. The season will highlight the world premiere of Jodie Gates' 'Passage of Being,' the New York premiere of Artistic Director Robert Garland's 'The Cookout,' William Forsythe's powerful 'The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude,' and the company premiere of George Balanchine's 'Donizetti Variations,' alongside audience favorite 'Return.'
DTH's global influence continues with scheduled performances in Roubaix and Paris, France, in February 2025. The company will also perform in major U.S. cities, including Portland, Oregon (April 2025), New Orleans (October 2025), and will have engagements at The Lensic and The Performing Arts Center in Purchase, NY.
Since taking over as artistic director in 2022, Robert Garland, with a deep connection to DTH as a former principal dancer and resident choreographer, has been spearheading a dynamic evolution, commissioning new works and contributing his own creations that fuse neoclassical vocabulary with contemporary and urban sensibilities.
Continuing its mission to provide the highest quality dance training, the DTH School invites young aspiring dancers (ages 3-17) to its programs. Assessments for new intake for the second half of the 2024-2025 school year will begin in January 2025, offering a curriculum that includes classical ballet and other disciplines.
Reinforcing its ties to the community where it was born, DTH will participate in the Harlem Week festivities, celebrating its half-century. Special activities and company presence are expected at this major community event.
For the second year, DTH will collaborate with The Yard on Martha's Vineyard to bring dance to the island. The program will include the popular free and open-to-the-public workshop 'Dancing In The Streets' in Oak Bluffs, as well as ballet masterclasses for intermediate and advanced dancers.
These beloved community performances, offering an intimate look at the company, school, and guest artists, have confirmed dates for November 17, 2024, and February 9 and March 9, 2025, opening DTH's doors to Harlem and New York City.
Dance Theatre of Harlem invites the community to its Fall Open House on Sunday, October 6, 2024, a festive day with free dance classes, performances, and more activities for all ages.
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