Dance Theatre of Harlem's History: A Revolution

Have you ever wondered about the origins of one of America's most iconic ballet companies? What sparked the creation of a groundbreaking institution that changed the face of classical dance?

Karen Valby's book The Swans of Harlem delves into the Dance Theatre of Harlem's history, exploring its revolutionary beginnings and early years. You'll discover how Arthur Mitchell's vision transformed ballet into a more inclusive art form, challenging racial norms and creating opportunities for dancers of color.

Read on to uncover the inspiring story of determination, talent, and cultural impact that shaped this legendary dance company.

The Birth of a Revolutionary Ballet Company

The Dance Theatre of Harlem history began in 1969 when Arthur Mitchell founded this groundbreaking company, marking a historic moment in the world of ballet. As the first long-standing ballet company with a majority of Black performers, DTH was created to challenge existing racial standards in traditional ballet, forever changing the landscape of dance in America.

Mitchell's inspiration came from the progress made during the civil rights movement. He saw an opportunity to transform ballet, an art form historically dominated by white individuals, into an inclusive space that celebrated dancers from diverse backgrounds.

The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. further fueled Mitchell's mission. He viewed the establishment of DTH as a form of social advocacy, aiming to create a ballet school in his home neighborhood of Harlem. His ultimate goal? To build a permanent Black professional ballet company.

Overcoming Early Challenges

The journey wasn't easy, but Mitchell's passionate leadership and unwavering dedication allowed DTH to quickly rise to prominence. He faced numerous financial and logistical challenges head-on.

Mitchell's exceptional fundraising abilities played a crucial role in the company's success. He brought together prominent individuals from various industries and even secured a promise from a local gang leader to ensure the safety of DTH's first venue in a tough neighborhood.

With the help of his confidant and financial advisor, Charles De Rose, Mitchell garnered backing from various sources. Philanthropic contributions from Alva Gimbel were particularly instrumental in creating the company's initial assets.

Mitchell wore many hats in those early days. He recognized potential in artists, maintained high standards through firm discipline, and acted as a father figure to many. He even invested his own savings and took on personal loans to keep operations running smoothly.

A Mission of Inclusion and Excellence

Mitchell's vision for DTH went beyond creating opportunities for Black dancers. He aimed to improve the standard of classical dance as a whole. This mission formed the core objectives of both the DTH school and company.

To achieve this, Mitchell provided scholarships and rigorous training to dancers he discovered in Harlem. The institution quickly became a center for fostering gifted individuals. One notable attendee was Lydia Abarca, who would go on to become a trailblazer in her own right.

Mitchell's innovative recruitment methods often involved thinking outside the box. For instance, he'd lure young males with the promise of improving their basketball leaps through rigorous classical dance instruction.

Taking DTH to the World Stage

As DTH grew in stature and popularity, it began to captivate diverse audiences across the country and internationally. From average citizens to celebrities like Mick Jagger, people were enthralled by the company's performances.

These showcases emphasized the flexibility and talent of dancers of color, challenging conventional limitations within the ballet industry. They proved that expertise in ballet transcends racial boundaries.

The school's inclusive approach was evident in its student body. More than a thousand children from various racial backgrounds registered for classes, fulfilling the aspiration to create a dance environment that celebrated a wide range of cultures.

Pioneering Black Ballerinas

The success of DTH can be largely credited to the groundbreaking contributions of Black ballerinas who overcame significant challenges. Dancers like Lydia Abarca, Gayle McKinney-Griffith, Sheila Rohan, Marcia Sells, and Karlya Shelton rose to eminence in the traditionally elite world of ballet.

These women faced doubts about their talent and often stood as the sole representatives of diversity in predominantly white ballet institutions. Through dedication and hard work, they broke down barriers and created opportunities for future generations of African American female ballet dancers.

Their acclaimed performances in renowned productions garnered global acclaim. They performed before royalty, obtained prominent roles in films and on Broadway, and graced the covers of major magazines.

A Legacy of Excellence

Under Mitchell's guidance, DTH rapidly gained acclaim for its technical expertise and groundbreaking repertoire. The company blended traditional ballet with elements of African and contemporary dance styles, creating a unique and captivating performance style.

DTH's early successes included a debut show at the Guggenheim Museum in New York and performances on Broadway at the ANTA Theater. Audiences and critics alike were captivated by the dance performances that showcased the unique elements brought forth through the choreography of both George Balanchine and Mitchell.

The company's performances of classics like Paquita and Swan Lake were elevated by Mitchell's creative alterations. These changes amplified the significance and expanded the inclusivity for the troupe's artists, revitalizing timeless pieces while also expanding their diverse repertoire.

Global Recognition and Impact

DTH's global recognition was solidified by its pioneering international tours. The company made its mark with performances throughout Europe, including appearances at London's Royal Opera House and engagements with political dignitaries.

By the mid-1970s, DTH had become emblematic of precise craftsmanship, staging performances nearly every day for most of the year. Their performances consistently shattered box office records, highlighting their unparalleled status in the world of ballet.

The Dance Theatre of Harlem's impact on the world of ballet cannot be overstated. It established important milestones in the annals of ballet and provided a platform that emphasized a wide range of classical dance through a lens of rich diversity. Today, under the leadership of Virginia Johnson as artistic director since 2010, DTH continues to uphold its foundational values and attract new and promising talent, in alignment with Arthur Mitchell's original vision.