A singular presence in the ballet world, Dance Theatre of Harlem tours nationally and internationally, presenting a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century. The critically acclaimed company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and artistic director Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate Dance Theatre of Harlem’s founder Arthur Mitchell’s belief that ballet belongs to everyone.
During the week of February 25–March 1, 2025, IU Auditorium partnered with the company for its most robust residency to date consisting of 18 events over five days in four Indiana cities impacting over 4,000 participants. The venture required two separate traveling parties of Dance Theatre of Harlem dancers and staff as well as members from IU Auditorium’s audience engagement team to see this residency through.
The five-day residency featured stops in Gary, Indianapolis, Greensburg, and Bloomington. The 18 events included various dance workshops and movement classes, a daytime performance for local middle school students, an open rehearsal, a panel discussion, a public performance, and so much more.
In Gary, participants included IU Northwest students and faculty as well as local high school and middle school students. At Indianapolis and Greensburg, public elementary and high school students participated.
During the three days of events in Bloomington, participants included students from the Ballet Department at the Jacobs School of Music, IU’s Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance, IU’s LGBTQ+ Culture Center, IU’s African American Dance Company, visiting students from IU Southeast, Monroe County School Corporation, Washington Community Schools, Washington Catholic School, and Cascade Middle School.
GARY
Dance Theatre of Harlem dancers visited the campus of IU Northwest on day one to kick off the week with the company’s Dancing in the Streets educational program followed by a panel discussion with IU Northwest students and local high school students. On day two, company members led a movement class at Gary Middle School in their dance studio.
INDIANAPOLIS
In Indianapolis on day one, with a separate group of company members including artistic director Robert Garland, the group paid visits to two Indianapolis Public Schools for a lecture-demonstration at Shortridge High School and a movement class for elementary students at James Whitcomb Riley School 43. On day two, this group traveled south to Greensburg for a lecture-demonstration for elementary students in the morning followed by a movement class with high school students in the afternoon.
Nicholas
Traci Prescott, Indianapolis
Public Schools Fine Arts Coordinator,
Indianapolis:
“Having the Dance Theatre of Harlem visit the students of IPS was truly a life-changing experience. Our students got to see someone that looks like them doing what they love to do on a professional level and that has taught them that they can be dancers! So often our students face significant obstacles and challenges, but seeing the Dance Theatre of Harlem dancers live and up close showed our students that they can reach their dreams as well and continue with dancing as a career if they choose. Thank you SO MUCH for arranging this visit for us!”
“The students of the Shortridge Dance Program are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have had Dance Theatre of Harlem visit our school for a guest lecture-demonstration and mini performance. This event was a remarkable experience, and we are honored to have had such a prestigious and worldrenowned company share their expertise, artistry, and passion for dance with our students. We feel deeply fortunate to witness the beauty and grace of their work firsthand, as it provided invaluable insight into the history, technique, and emotional depth that define this iconic dance company.
This experience not only enriched our students’ technical and creative growth but also offered them a rare and inspiring opportunity to engage with professional artists who have achieved greatness in the dance world. The impact of this encounter will be felt far beyond the classroom, as it has ignited a sense of inspiration and motivation within our dancers, encouraging them to push their boundaries and strive for excellence. Additionally, the performance left a lasting impression on our entire community, fostering a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of dance and its ability to connect people from all walks of life.”
Owen, Shortridge High School Teacher, Indianapolis:
GREENSBURG
The Dance Theatre of Harlem group from Indianapolis then traveled to Greensburg, Indiana, on day two of the residency. The dancers performed live for a lecture demonstration for third through fifth graders at Greensburg Elementary School to start the day. They then visited Greensburg High School in the afternoon for a movement workshop led by Robert Garland for members of the school’s show choir and dance team.
BLOOMINGTON
The final three days of the residency took place on the IU Bloomington campus encompassing 11 events. Residency activities with IU students and faculty included dance and movement workshops and classes, an alumni conversation with three IU graduates from the company, a panel discussion on the intersection of arts and social justice, lighting supervisor and production conversations, and an open technical rehearsal. The company also led the annual Auditorium Kids on Campus program with nearly 1,000 middle school students from Monroe County, Washington, and Mill Creek schools.
The week culminated with Dance Theatre of Harlem’s public performance followed by an audience Q&A with the company’s artistic director Robert Garland.
FEEDBACK FROM AUDITORIUM KIDS ON CAMPUS STUDENTS:
“My visit to the Auditorium was perfect! I loved the passion, enthusiasm, and diversity of the dancers!”
“I loved the dancers and learning about the history of Dance Theatre of Harlem.”
“I loved the performance so much! The dancers and their flexibility were so amazing! I’ve never seen anything like it!”
“I liked how inclusive the performance was and how everyone in the audience participated. I also liked the energy the performers brought to the performance!”
“I was genuinely inspired by the performance and the dancers. This could definitely be something I consider for my future.”
Josh Page, Freshman in the Ballet Program:
“Having the opportunity to see Dance Theatre of Harlem work in the studios and perform on stage was extremely eye-opening. To see so many dancers on stage that look like me, along with having the opportunity to talk with them about similar shared experiences changed my perspective in a positive light on what my career can and will be!”
Lillian Brandt, IU Southeast, Freshman:
“I have never seen professional dancers before, and getting to know everyone’s perspectives and thoughts on the performance was enlightening. It was also very beautiful to watch and made me realize that I want to attend more dance performances in the future if I can!”
IU Auditorium would like to thank all the partners involved in supporting this residency:
the Indiana University Regional Chancellor’s Cabinet and university partners:
