Dance Theatre of Harlem Goes on Tour

By Jay McKinney

Deemed “one of ballet’s most exciting undertakings” by the New York Times, the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) is set to perform Jan. 14 and 15 at the June Swaner Gates Concert Hall on the University of Denver campus.

While DTH’s touring performance has won over audiences and critics across the country, there is much more to the non-profit organization. DTH is a leading dance institution that also includes a studio school and a national and international education and community outreach program.

The organization was founded by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook in 1969 at the height of the civil rights movement. Miller made history as the first black principal dancer at the New York City Ballet in 1955 and went on to help develop the National Ballet of Brazil. After Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, Mitchell decided to return to his native Harlem and teach ballet to make a positive impact on his community.

The humble beginnings of DTH started in a converted garage and provided a sanctuary to people of all races to learn about ballet and develop their skills. Over 50 years later, DTH has upgraded from the converted garage, but its mission remains the same as it was when Mitchell first started the organization.

In 2020 DTH was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic and forced to adapt like every other company. Fortunately, the members of DTH stayed active by taking their studio instruction to an online format, launching an online streaming service and even producing a short dance video that was filmed in the streets of Harlem. The video titled “Dancing in the Streets of Harlem” was featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show along with an interview with the members.

In June, the company received a $10 million gift from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and educator and philanthropist Dan Jewett

“This transformative contribution to the trailblazing organization will ensure DTH’s legacy of artistic excellence, robust training and community-engagement while supporting the vital leadership and institutional framework for years to come,” according to the DTH website. “The gift from Ms. Scott and Mr. Jewett is the largest single contribution in the esteemed company’s 52-year history and comes at a time when DTH and artistic companies around the world have had to pivot in response to a pandemic that has made live performance all but impossible for more than a year.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, live performances are back for now and DTH is thrilled to take their talent on the road. The professional touring company has 18 multi-ethnic members who consistently wow audiences with their modern approach to ballet. The performance includes timeless classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, along with innovative contemporary works that celebrate African American culture.

Tickets can be purchased online at newmancenterpresents.com or by phone at 303-871-7720. Visitors are advised to check COVID-19 health and safety procedures before they attend.