Who We Are:
Dance Theatre of Harlem is a leading dance institution of unparalleled global acclaim whose mission is:

• To maintain a world-class school that trains young people in classical ballet and the allied arts
• To provide arts education, community outreach programs and positive role models for all
• To present a ballet company of African-American and other racially diverse artists who perform the most demanding repertory at the highest level of quality.

What We Do:
Dance Theatre of Harlem uses the art form of classical ballet to change people’s lives. Through performances by our internationally acclaimed Company, training in our world-class school, and experiences in our multi-faceted arts education program, Dance Theatre of Harlem has made a difference in the world for 43 years. We remain committed to the excellence that has sustained us over the years and we dedicate ourselves to reaching a new generation with the message of self-reliance, self-expression and individual responsibility through the arts.

Our Story:
Inspired to bring new opportunity to the lives of the young people in the Harlem neighborhood in which he grew up, Arthur Mitchell and the late Karel Shook founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem in the basement of a church in 1969. Mitchell, who had found success as a principal dancer with the renowned New York City Ballet, understood the power of training in a classical art form to bring discipline and focus to a challenged community. Dance Theatre of Harlem’s unprecedented success, as a racially diverse company, school and source of arts education was built on creating innovative and bold new forms of artistic expression. Through these varied artistic interactions, our ambassadors have helped to build character and have provided valuable life skills to countless people in New York City, across the country and around the world.

Now under the leadership of a second generation of artists inspired by Arthur Mitchell’s vision, Artistic Director Virginia Johnson, founding member/former prima ballerina and Executive Director Laveen Naidu, former school director/choreographer, our goal for the 21st century is to build community, inspire and uplift through the power of art.

NEXT >

Our Contact Info:

Dance Theatre of Harlem
Everett Center for Performing Arts
466 West 152nd Street
New York, NY 10031-1814

(212) 690-2800

www.dancetheatreofharlem.org