Dance Theatre of Harlem brings ‘Power on Pointe’ to IU Auditorium
The groundbreaking dance company Dance Theatre of Harlem will bring its take on classical ballet to Bloomington at 8 p.m. Jan. 28.
Anthony Savoy and Stephanie Williams. Photo by Mathew Murphy
Dance Theatre of Harlem encompasses a performing ensemble, an arts education center and Dancing Through Barriers, a national and international education and community outreach program. Each component of Dance Theatre of Harlem carries a solid commitment toward enriching the lives of young people and adults around the world through the arts.
Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook founded Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1969, shortly after the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Mitchell was inspired to start a school that would offer children, especially those in his native Harlem, the opportunity to learn about dance and the allied arts.
Now in its fourth decade, Dance Theatre of Harlem has grown into a multicultural dance institution with a legacy of providing opportunities for creative expression and artistic excellence. It has brought innovative forms of artistic expression to audiences in New York City, across the country and around the world.
“We at IU Auditorium are so pleased to present Dance Theatre of Harlem,” said IU Auditorium Director Doug Booher. “Not only are they singularly spectacular artists, we are inspired by their dedication to enriching communities and celebrating diversity through dance.”
In the days preceding their performance, the company of Dance Theatre of Harlem will be engaging students across multiple IU campuses in conjunction with the Indiana University Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs and IU Auditorium.
Artists Dylan Santos, Da’Von Doane and Francis Lawrence. Photo by Rachel Neville.
During their educational residency, Dance Theatre of Harlem will visit IU South Bend, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and IU Bloomington to collaborate with students across multiple disciplines through lecture demonstrations, workshops, masterclasses and more.
“Given IU’s long history of promoting and preserving African-American arts and culture, it is such a thrill to have the Dance Theatre of Harlem showcase its artistry,” said James Wimbush, vice president for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs. “Since its inception in 1969, the Theatre’s tradition of showmanship and nurturing young talent has truly been an inspiration to many, including IU’s own African American Dance Company.”
Dance Theatre of Harlem at IU Auditorium is presented in partnership with the IU Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, IU Office of the Bicentennial, Uptown Café and Oliver Winery. Ticket information and further information about the Dance Theatre of Harlem can be found online.
Tags: arthur mitchell, dance theatre of harlem, doug booher, indiana university bloomington, karel shook
