What is the Harlem Dance Theater?
The Harlem Dance Theater was born primarily through Arthur Mitchell's efforts, the first African-American male dancer to become a permanent member of the internationally recognized ballet society. Mitchell made his debut in New York Ballet with a debut in Western Symphony George Balanchine in 1955. He danced with the 15 -year company. After hearing the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., went to Harlem so that he could teach local children about dancing.
Mitchell began to give the local lessons Harlem School in 1968. The classes were held in the basement of the church. Initially he taught classes with open front doors so people around can watch students at work. He started with 30 registered students, but by the end of summer 400 students registered. In 1969, the Harlem dance theater officially became a school and ballet company.
In 1969, students mostly traveled locally and provided a lecture demonstrations. Not long after Mitchell gathered a set of 20 professional dancers,who made their debut at the 1971 festival in the company in Italy. After two tours around Europe and three national tours, the emerging company enjoyed its first official season in New York.
In 1981 it was the first black ballet company to dance in the prestigious Covent Garden in London. Just a year later they danced at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. They specialize in ballet choreographed George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins and Arthur Mitchell, are also known for performing classic ballets such as Giselle and Swan Lake
Remarkable dancers who performed with the dance theater Harl include Virginia Johnson, Stephanie Baxter, Eddie Shellman, Mel Tomlinson, Alicia Graf and Donald Williams. Their efforts helped the Harlem dance theater to become pionemeering Dance Company. Have been shown to the world of African-American dancers can play classic ballet equally greatLike any other society around the world.
The Harlem's School Dance Theater is preparing dancers for society, but also inviting recreational young dancers to learn their craft. There are three levels of dance courses: community, pre -professional and professional. Classes are offered in different styles, including ballet, kick, jazz, modern, African dance, Irish dance, gymnastics, karate and even Tai Chi. Music theories and dance history are other important classes provided to students.
The Harlem Dance Theater is carried out by several field programs that educate the dancing community. One program is called dance via barrier®. It provides a number of activities, workshops and demonstrations to local schools and communities. The company wishes to inspire children from all ethnic environments to develop love for the art.
After the school temporarily closed in 2004, the school temporarily closed its door and the company released about 44 dancers. Fortunately, the school will reopenLa six weeks later thanks to the efforts of the concerned ballet lovers around the world. Fundraising from various individuals, government, corporate and endowment resources helped to revive society and school.