The Return of Dance Theatre of Harlem to New York City

After A Nine-year Hiatus, Two Signature Events In 2013 And A $500,000 Leadership Gift From The Ford Foundation Mark. End Quote

New York, NY (1888PressRelease) January 25, 2013 - Spring Season At Jazz At Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall,
Time Warner Center, New York City
April 10 Through 14,
Will Feature The New Works Gloria And Far But Close
Dth Favorites Return And Contested Space
Plus The Lark Ascending By Alvin Ailey And
Agon And Glinka Pas De Trois By George Balanchine

2013 Annual Vision Gala On February 26 With Chelsea Clinton As Honorary Chair

Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) will make its highly anticipated return to the New York stage at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall, Time Warner Center, New York City on Wednesday, April 10, for six performances through April 14. The repertoire will include Gloria, the New York City premiere with music by Francis Poulenc choreographed by Robert Garland; the new narrative work with live actors and musicians, Far But Close, with choreography by John Alleyne, text by Daniel Beaty and music by Daniel Bernard Roumain; DTH favorites such as Garland's Return and Donald Byrd's Contested Space; Alvin Ailey's The Lark Ascending and Agon and Glinka Pas de Trois by George Balanchine.

Tickets are on sale now at Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office, Broadway at 60th Street, Ground Floor, Monday - Saturday 10AM-6PM, Sunday 12PM-6PM OR CenterCharge (212) 721-6500 OR www.jalc.org OR www.dancetheatreofharlem.org.

A major gift of $500,000 is being provided by the Ford Foundation, which was instrumental in the founding of DTH in 1969. "Dance Theatre of Harlem is one of America's true cultural treasures," said Darren Walker, vice president for Education, Creativity and Free Expression at the Ford Foundation. "Its return is a reason for celebration and joy, and we are proud to once again support the Company and these fabulous performances."

Virginia Johnson, Artistic Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem adds, "It has been a long time coming, but the return of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company is finally here. I can't wait for New York to see the artistry and power these new dancers bring to the stage. We are immensely grateful to the Ford Foundation for their major support."

With its newly formed company of 18 diverse and talented dancers, Dance Theatre of Harlem proudly celebrates its annual Vision Gala on Tuesday, February 26. Chelsea Clinton will serve as honorary chair and award-winning actress/singer Vanessa L. Williams will be the 2013 Vision Honoree. The gala performance and dinner, with all proceeds benefiting the DTH School's Next Generation and Community Engagement Funds, will be held at the Mandarin Oriental New York, 80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street. For tickets and information, please contact Sharon Williams Duncan, Director of Individual Giving, at (212) 690-2800 ext. 434.

Laveen Naidu, Executive Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem, notes that the leadership gift from the Ford Foundation, the Vision Gala and NY Season are conduits for the ballet institution to transform lives. "The financial support we receive and programs we deliver create opportunities for New Yorkers and especially our children to experience the power of the arts. DTH was the first ballet institution to prioritize black dancers and although that role is still vital, its performances provide a way for all of us to see ourselves in ways we might not have imagined."

ABOUT DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM

Dance Theatre of Harlem is a leading dance institution of unparalleled global acclaim that uses the art form of classical ballet to change people's lives. Through performances by its internationally acclaimed Company, training in its world-class school, and participation in its multi-faceted arts education program, Dance Theatre of Harlem has made a difference in the world for 43 years.

Inspired by the example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to bring new opportunity to the lives of the young people in the Harlem neighborhood in which he grew up, Arthur Mitchell, along with the late Karel Shook, founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem 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 for arts education was built on creating innovative and bold new forms of artistic expression. Through these varied artistic interactions, its 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.

As Dance Theatre of Harlem traverses its fifth decade, it remains committed to the excellence that has sustained it over the years. At the same time, DTH dedicates itself to reaching new audiences with a message of self-reliance, self-expression and individual responsibility.

Dance Theatre of Harlem is now under the leadership of a second generation of artists.
Artistic Director Virginia Johnson was a founding member and former prima ballerina and Executive Director Laveen Naidu was a choreographer and the former school director. Both continue Arthur Mitchell's vision to build community, inspire and uplift through the power of art.

Dance Theatre of Harlem is located at 466 West 152nd Street in a landmark district in Harlem. The organization's award-winning building houses four dance studios, administrative offices, a library and archives, gift shop, and a physical therapy facility.

Please visit Dance Theatre of Harlem at www.dancetheatreofharlem.org, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dance-Theatre-of-Harlem/440167822684214, and on Twitter at ( @ ) DTHballet dot

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Gilda Squire
Gilda Squire Media Relations
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