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In New Rochelle - Harlem? Harlem!
Harlem? Harlem! 1968 was a watershed year in American history, a time of tremendous civil and political turmoil. The shock of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in April of that year compelled Arthur Mitchell—the only African American dancer in mainstream ballet at that time—to find a way to make a difference in his own community. In 1969, Mitchell, a principal dancer with the renowned New York City Ballet, and his mentor, famed dance educator Karel Shook, founded The Dance Theatre of Harlem, a school and professional ballet company dedicated to the idea of providing opportunity where none had existed before. Truly a “classically American” institution, through dance training, performances and educational outreach in cities across the U.S. and abroad, Dance Theatre of Harlem has played an important role in effecting cultural change, using the art of ballet to transform perceptions and engage audiences around the world. As Dance Theatre of Harlem enters its fifth decade, the organization is building on its legacy of excellence and adding a hallmark of innovation that will place it at the forefront of the performing arts. In January 2010, Arthur Mitchell became Artistic Director Emeritus, handing the reins to former Dance Theatre of Harlem Prima Ballerina Virginia Johnson who shares leadership with Executive Director Laveen Naidu, also a former company member. The future is bright as a new generation of artists, a dedicated staff, an energetic Board and a powerful network of alumni sustain the Dance Theatre of Harlem as an enduring beacon of excellence. Dance Theatre of Harlem collaborates with the New Rochelle High School and the Museum of Arts and Culture to present Harlem? Harlem! Dance Theatre of Harlem 1969-2010. This multimedia exhibition of posters, photographs, brochures and programs bring to life 41 years of phenomenal artistic and social impact. Lecture-demonstration and performance footage, costumes from ballets including Dougla, and DTH’s unique version of Creole Giselle illuminate the impact of DTH on the Harlem community and audiences around the world.
On August 19th, Vice Chairman of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Board Michael Armstrong hosted an event in conjunction with the opening of the new exhibit "Harlem? Harlem!
Dance Theatre of Harlem 1969-2010".
Online Auction for original painting by Alvin Clayton
Artist Alvin Clayton has created a new work commemorating the Dance Theatre of Harlem classic, "Firebird". Among the collectors of his work: actors Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Robert De Niro, Don Cheadle, Lynn Whitfield, Roscoe Lee Browne, Robert Townsend, Lorraine Toussaint, CC Pounder, Kenny Lattimore, photographer Peggy Sirota, King/Drew Medical Center, NYU Michael Schlesinger, Janet Botaish, Ken and Donna Gilbert, Janice Huff, Dianne Houston, and Ken and Kathryn Chenault.
Click Here For More Information about the Artist and the Artwork...
"Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of Firsts" Panel Discussion at CAAM On Saturday, May 22nd distinguished alumni and friends gathered at the California African American Museum for a panel entitled "On Pointe" A discussion with Dance Theatre of Harlem Dancers. Many stories were shared regarding their experience with this international institution. Some writers have captured the event; please check out what they had to say (click the links to go to the article): Los Angeles Times Article: Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of Firsts' recalls a groundbreaking history Los Angeles Times Blog - "Culture Monster" Dance Theatre of Harlem's tights of another color
"Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of Firsts" Exhibit opens in Los Angeles
Dance Theatre of Harlem is proud to announce that we will make our return to the west coast with “Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of Firsts” which will be installed at the California African American Museum (CAAM) in Los Angeles, January 28 until June 6, 2010! “Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of Firsts” is a multimedia exhibition that captures the 40 years of arts and accomplishment of Dance Theatre of Harlem. Through unique stage props, spectacular costumes, programs, posters, intimate photographs and more, this exhibition highlights the historic productions and community outreach that brought ballet to Harlem and the Dance Theatre of Harlem to the international stage.
Turning 40 is a benchmark of our institution’s endurance, and a reminder of the love for ballet and the call for social justice that inspired our beginnings. But, turning 40 also entails a new call, a call to ensure that DTH’s hard earned legacy and artistic contributions remain an integral part of the american dance landscape and continue to develop new audiences. The California exhibit was organized by DTH Alum: Woodburn T. Schofield Jr. Judy Tyrus (Former Principal Dancer with DTH) The California African American Museum is located at "40 Years of Firsts" in the News: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/mar/05/harlem-on-the-left-coast/ http://nycaribnews.com/art.htm New York Public Library Video
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