Celebrate Arthur Mitchell’s belief that ballet belongs to everyone with New York based Dance Theatre of Harlem, a company internationally acclaimed for redefining what ballet looks like in the 21st century. With breathtaking athleticism and undeniable artistry, DTH bridges tradition and innovation—featuring beloved classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and Artistic Director Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to as celebration. Their highly anticipated return to The Auditorium will include the legendary Firebird, a reimagining of the Russian folk tale of love’s triumph over evil set in a lush Caribbean world. Choreographed by John Taras and set to Igor Stravinsky’s iconic score, the production is brought to vivid life through the vibrant sets and costumes of Geoffrey Holder—a visually stunning celebration of storytelling through ballet. 

PROGRAM

Return Choreography by Robert Garland 
Return is a soulful, high-octane celebration to the timeless sounds of James Brown and Aretha Franklin.  
Return was choreographed for Dance Theatre of Harlem’s 30th anniversary by DTH Artistic Director Robert Garland. Garland calls the ballet’s style “post-modern urban neoclassicism – an attempt to fuse an urban physical sensibility and a neoclassical one.” Staged for 12 dancers to songs performed by James Brown and Aretha Franklin, Return is “… a witty fusion of ballet technique and street gait whose irony toward rhythm-and- blues had the audience in stitches.” (The New York Times)  

Donizetti Variations Choreography by George Balanchine  
A lively, effervescent series of dances set to Donizetti’s Don Sebastian opera. While the tone is bright and cheery, the technical demands on the dancers are anything but, showcasing two bravura performers in a masterclass of elegance and endurance. 

Firebird Choreography by John Taras
"Firebird," where a Russian folk tale about the triumph of love over evil is reimagined in a luscious Caribbean setting. John Taras’ choreography, paired with Stravinsky’s iconic score, comes to life through the inimitable multihyphenated Geoffrey Holder’s vibrant sets and costumes. This production, a DTH signature classic, was first created in 1982 and captivated audiences when it toured across the world. “...it does one thing other versions do not - send its audience into a whooping spell of delirium.” - The New York Times