DTH Archives & Library Initiative

DTH maintains a small library that contains the history of ballet and of Dance Theatre of Harlem as told through books, photographs, videos, DVDs, film, audio tapes, posters, news clippings, documents and artifacts.  Many of the items are rare and unique. Students in the DTH school utilize much of this material in learning choreography, ballet technique, dance and social history, music, etc.  The information also serves as a primary resource for teaching artists and anyone interested in the development of ballet in America. Unfortunately, this material is virtually inaccessible.  Several items within the archives are unidentified and improperly stored.

Many photographs, slides, negatives, posters, and documents are stored in the basement and have already suffered damage due to flooding, humidity, and lack of protection. The video collection is in various outdated formats such as Film, BETA, VHS, and Mini DV.  There are thousands of photographic documents and hundreds of tapes. They need to be housed in acid-free containers, placed in protective sleeves, catalogued, digitized and permanently stored in a climate controlled-space under proper conditions. Digitization will also allow easier access to students, teachers and scholars in the DTH Library, on the website, or at the New York Library for the Performing Arts. 

Dance for America Educational Tour

The 40th anniversary not only marks a significant moment in DTH’s history, it also offers a unique opportunity to play an extraordinary role in supporting and advancing Dance Theatre of Harlem’s mission and strategic vision.  The newly renamed Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble (formerly Dancing Through Barriers® Ensemble), a group 14 of young dancers trained in the Dance Theatre of Harlem style and developed in the spirit that has transformed perceptions surrounding classical ballet the world over, embarks on an inaugural 10-state national tour in January of 2009.  Furthering DTH’s commitment to access and opportunity, this ensemble will travel to communities throughout the United States often overlooked on traditional touring circuits due to economic resources or geographic limitations. 

DTB program services capitalize on DTH’s ethnic diversity and eclecticism, making the work highly accessible and attractive to a broad base of audience members. 

K-12 Firebird Arts-in-Education Curriculum

Dance Theatre of Harlem continues to develop the formal standards-based arts education Firebird Curriculum, using DTH’s signature ballet Firebird as the focal point for dance instruction that incorporates the “5 Strands” of the New York City Department of Education’s Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts/Dance.  The Firebird Curriculum is designedto integrate K-12 learning, to use with New York City public schools that will be adapted to national learning standards in residencies around the country.After a successful pilot of the grades 3-5 curriculum, DTB is refining the grades 3-5 curriculum in addition to developing the curriculum for grades 6-8 to pilot in the next fiscal year.  Discussions are underway with Dr. Judith M. Burton, Professor and Chairperson of Arts Education Research and Humanities and Director of the Center for Arts Education Research at Teachers College of Columbia University to develop an evaluation protocol for the DTH Firebird Curriculum. 

DTH School Annual Spring Performance
This annual performance is takes place in late May or early June of every year and provides an opportunity for students from each level to showcase their talent and technique in a live production.  The concert features students from our Community Program that meets on Saturday, our Pre-Professional Training Program which takes place after school on weekdays, our Professional Training Program students and members of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble.  Nearly 400 students perform during concerts held over two days ranging from the adorable 3 year olds to accomplish young adults.  Over 50 volunteers help organize and coordinate tremendous production.

Open House Concert Series

The Open House Series has been a staple program of Dance Theatre of Harlem since its inception. As part of DTH’s community outreach initiatives, the Open Houses provide high quality performances by the students of the Dance Theatre of Harlem School and the Dancing Through Barriers Ensemble®, the performing arm of the DTH School, and special guest performers. Performances are held at 3:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month from November through April, and the third Sunday of May, and include a post-performance reception. DTH’s Open House Series allows community members who would not otherwise have access to DTH performances, the opportunity to view and appreciate the arts at more than a fraction of the actual ticket price.
Over the years, special guests have included the United Nations Children’s Choir; American Ballet Theater’s Studio Company; Ruby Dee Davis; Percussionist, Edwina Tyler, Sidra Bell Dance NY; Lotus Music and Dance; Tania Leon; Kitty Carlisle Hart; and Carmen deLavallade, to name a few.

Masters & Mentors Summer Intensive

Each year the Dance Theatre of Harlem School hosts a Summer Intensive Masters and Mentors program for students from all over the world.  The Summer Intensive is also the largest convergence of African American classical ballet students in the country. Students reside in Harlem for six full weeks of intensive classical dance training with dance luminaries and master teachers from around the country.  In 2008, the School conducted its first National Audition tour, visiting 11 cities and auditioning over 140 students for the 2008 Summer Intensive.  Local auditions are conducted year-round and include targeted auditions at 10 public schools in the West Harlem and Washington Heights neighborhoods.  The summer intensive culminates with a public performance at the Annual Street Festival.

NYC Community Performances Series

Each year, Dance Theatre of Harlem conducts free performances as special events or festivals throughout the New York City metropolitan area.   These public appearances are an important part of our community outreach programming, especially in underserved neighborhoods and non-traditional venues.  Past engagements included:  Harlem Arts Alliance Meeting; Harlem Week Children’s Festival; DTH Annual Street Festival; Harlem Summerstage, Wilson Major Morris Community Center; New York State Supreme Courthouse; Hostos Community College; Arts, Rootz & Rhythm Festival, & CultureFest.

The Building Fund

After serving the Harlem community and literally thousands of students for over 36 year, our home at the Everett Center for the Performing Arts is in need of much repair and upgrading.  Current capital projects include the repair/replacement of the HVAC systems, wiring upgrades, replacement of studio flooring, reconfiguration of the existing terrace into additional office space, and renovation of the basement, which includes replacement of the flooring, seating and lighting in the public waiting areas, new bathroom fixtures for the boys and girls bathrooms and new lockers for the dressing area, new computer furniture and updated computer equipment for the Classroom/Computer Lab;  reconfiguration of the large storage/Wardrobe rooms for maximum storage and also to serve as a faculty lounge;  a new refrigerator and dishwasher for the Staff Lounge/Kitchenette; and the installation of a video monitoring system for security

The completed project will provide the Dance Theatre of Harlem School staff and students improved ventilation and air quality throughout the year, and a modernized facility to better service students, their families and the local Harlem community.

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