Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all New York City places

New York City, New York / Theaters and music

Dance Theatre of Harlem

A pioneering trailblazer in the arts, the Dance Theatre of Harlem is the first Black classical ballet company and a professional school based in Harlem, New York City.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Dance Theatre of Harlem
www.dancetheatreofharlem.org, website_hero_img_www.dancetheatreofharlem.org

What is the Dance Theatre of Harlem known for?

It is renowned as the first Black classical ballet company and the first major ballet company to prioritize Black dancers.

What kind of performances does the company offer?

The company performs a repertoire that includes treasured classics, innovative contemporary works, and neoclassical works by Robert Garland and George Balanchine.

Who founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem and when?

It was founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook during the height of the civil rights movement.

Can I watch their performances online?

Yes, the company offers digital content through a platform called DTH On Demand to bring their artistry directly into audiences' homes.

Where is the company based?

The Dance Theatre of Harlem is a professional ballet company and school based in Harlem, New York City.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Dance Theatre of Harlem is an American professional ballet company and school based in Harlem, New York City. Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook at the height of the civil rights movement, the organization established itself as the first Black classical ballet company and the first major ballet company to prioritize Black dancers. This legacy of empowerment through the arts for all continues to today, as the company tours nationally and internationally to present a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century. For over 55 years, the company has electrified the ballet world with visionary artistry. Their repertoire includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and current Artistic Director Robert Garland, who took over the role in 2022. The company also performs innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate Arthur Mitchell’s belief that ballet belongs to everyone. Leadership has evolved over the decades, with Virginia Johnson leading the company for four decades before her retirement on June 30, 2023. The organization remains a commitment to community engagement and arts education, ensuring that the accessibility of classical dance is expanded to a wider audience. Through these efforts, the Dance Theatre of Harlem continues to raise the barre for the performing arts in New York City.

Visitor tips

  • Check the official website for current performance schedules, as the company often tours nationally and internationally.
  • Explore their digital content via DTH On Demand to see their artistry before your visit.
  • Allow at least an hour if you are attending a performance or a community event.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of Harlem, the Dance Theatre of Harlem serves as a cultural anchor, reflecting the neighborhood's long history of artistic expression and Black excellence in the performing arts.

Sources

Evidence and links