Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) has announced that director, choreographer, dancer, and actress Debbie Allen will receive this year's Arthur Mitchell Vision Award. Presented annually to an artist whose legacy is founded on exceptional contributions to the arts community, the award is named for and was inaugurally received by Dance Theatre of Harlem Co-Founder Arthur Mitchell.
The company was founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell, the first Black principal dancer at New York City Ballet, alongside Karel Shook. Established at the height of the civil rights movement, DTH created a haven for dancers of color who craved opportunity in the world of classical ballet. Through performances, community engagement, and arts education, the company carries forward the message of empowerment through the arts for all.
The Annual Vision Gala will feature performances from Balamouk by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Odalisques Variations from Petipa's Le Corsaire (as staged by company artist Dylan Santos), and the New York Premiere of Robert Garland’s newest ballet, Higher Ground, set to the music of Stevie Wonder.
For more information, please visit DanceTheatreofHarlem.org