The Dance Theatre of Harlem

By the Sammies (McGue and Nielsen)

"Using the arts to ignite the mind."

-Arthur Mitchell

The Dance Theatre of Harlem was founded by its Artistic Director, Arthur Mitchell, and Karen Shook in 1969. In 1971, at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City the neoclassical ballet company made its debut. Later that year, George Balanchine invited Arthur Mitchell to co-choreograph Concerto for Jazz Band and Orchestra in an exciting collaboration between New York City Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem. The success of the Dance Theatre of Harlem continues to grow with world reknown favorites such as "Firebird."