Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of Firsts

An exhibition at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, from February 11 to May 9, 2009, celebrates the history of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Writing about the dance company in 1969, Clive Barnes, dance critic for The New York Times, began his article, Black is beautiful, classic ballet is beautiful, so why are the two so rarely found together? That changed when Arthur Mitchell, accomplished artistic director, astute educator, talented choreographer and extraordinary dancer, co-founded Dance Theatre of Harlem with his mentor, the renowned ballet teacher, the late Karel Shook. Inspired by the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mitchell wanted to make a difference; by doing what he knew best, which was the focus and discipline of dance, he brought the art form of ballet to Harlem. The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and Dance Theatre of Harlem are proud to collaborate on a multi-media exhibition that brings these 40 years of art and accomplishment to Lincoln Center and then to museums and performance centers across the country.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Dance Theatre of Harlem
• Arthur Mitchell
• dance
• ballet
• Firebird
• Giselle
• Creole
• Streetcar Named Desire
• Lillian Gish
• Nelson Mandella
• NYPL
• New York Public Library

[mimico9130]

Thank you for all that you've contributed for the world to see and enjoy!

[MatuArts]

Clap Clap Clap, thank you~ * * * Besos

[moccahchacka]

pls. i want to travel around the world please help me im very interested i will do anything

[moccahchacka]

i want to dance also please help me

[moccahchacka]

wow its very amazing !! North Carolina School of the Arts i want to go there is anyone can help me? to be one of my sponsor im very interested i will do my very best just email me moccahchacka@yahoo.com

[molinmusic]

ARTHUR MITCHELL is PHENOMENAL! Was introduced to him through North Carolina School of the Arts (BMus in oboe and English horn performance '83) where he was highly celebrated and honored during my two years of attendance! Public Television aired many of his early performances sponsored by community and global funding. Do not cut Arts budgets, we need healthy kids we already know the statistics and it is too big a hole in the global bucket. Dance is healing, support it!

[BiancaSimonex3]

I've been dancing with DTH for 2 years now and I am also attending the Summer Program (again). It's very intense but at the end of the day you feel you accomplished something.

[allthatjazz343]

I'm going there for the summer program...anybody want to clue me in??

[juceme67]

This is a wonderful and inspiring video about the extraordinary Dance Theatre of Harlem exhibit.

[trinigyalwiner]

I love DTH too!! tremendous company!