Description

From its modest beginnings in the 1960s in a Harlem church basement to its meteoric rise to international fame the Dance Theatre of Harlem ignited the world with one simple stillrevolutionary statement All can do ballet Into the 21st century as the world and the country continue their historical struggles and triumphs the story of this haven for dancers of all colors and backgrounds resonates more than ever Here for the first time is the definitive portrait of the oneofakind dance company that reflectedand shapedour times and whose enduring principle continues to inspire the futureWith exclusive backstage stories from its legendary dancers and staff and unprecedented access to its archives Dance Theatre of Harlem is a striking chronicle of the companys amazing history its fascinating daily workings and the visionaries who made its legacy Here youll discover how the companys foundersAfricanAmerican dancer Arthur Mitchell of George Balanchines New York City Ballet and EuroAmerican Karel Shook of The Dutch National Balletteamed up to challenge Eurocentric mainstream ballet headon using new techniques to examine ongoing issues of power beauty myth and the everchanging definition of art itselfGaining prominence in the 1970s and 80s with a succession of triumphsincluding its spectacular season at the Metropolitan Opera Housethe company also gained fans and supporters that included Nelson Mandela Stevie Wonder Cicely Tyson Misty Copeland Jessye Norman and six American presidents Dance Theatre of Harlem details this momentous era as well as the companys difficult years its impressive recovery as it partnered with new medias most brilliant creatorsand in the wake of its 50th anniversary amid a global pandemic its evolution into a worldwide virtual performance spaceThis incomparable book is a musthave for any lover of dance art or history