Dance Theatre of Harlem

Arthur Mitchell—the first African American to perform with the New York City Ballet—and Karel Shook established Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1969 to teach Harlem children about dance and related disciplines. The group launched its own company shortly thereafter. Dance Theatre of Harlem is now a leading dance institution of global acclaim, encompassing a world-class company, a school, a leading arts education program—Dancing Through Barriers—and community engagement activities. Dance Theatre of Harlem hosts regular events, drop-in classes and other activities in their Harlem studios and presents an annual season at New York City Center.