Dance Theatre of Harlem will be performing in Israel at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center from May 30th – and it promises to be a very special experience!
The excitement here is both onstage and behind the scenes, as this is a company with a mission and a message! Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Arthur Mitchell decided to start a school in the neighborhood where he grew up – Harlem – introducing children to dance and the arts, founding Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1969 with Karel Shook. A pioneer in changing the face of concert dance, bringing the richness of a racially diverse company to the stage, Dance Theatre of Harlem is now in its 4th decade. The company has enjoyed many successes, performing worldwide while maintaining their commitment to excellence and arts education.
Diversity is a key element in the company’s school and repertoire, which features classical ballet as well as jazz, funk and hip hop influences – creating an exhilarating fusion of past, present and exultant energy! The program to be presented in Israel is no exception, from the classical Black Swan, choreographed by Marius Petipa to Tchaikovsky’s beloved music, to the Aretha Franklin and James Brown driven Return.
A special treat – the company has invited 8 Israel dance students, ages 8 – 12, to perform in Robert Garland’s Gloria, a work that is dedicated to the spiritual legacy of Harlem. The company’s directors asked Tel Aviv dance schools to select the young dancers, who were sent videos of the work to prepare for learning the choreography. Once in Israel, the Dance Theatre of Harlem instructors will work with the Israeli students to prepare them for the performance – what an experience for these students!
In addition to performances, the company will also conduct master classes and workshops for dance students and dance instructors.
Performances: Thursday, May 30th at 20:00; Friday, May 31st at 13:00; Friday, May 31st at 21:30; Saturday, June 1st at 21:00; Sunday, June 2nd at 20:00.
Tickets may be ordered online, or call: 03-6927777.
