Dance Theatre of Harlem: A History, a Movement, a Celebration

by Judy Tyrus, Paul Novosel

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, still-revolutionary 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 one-of-a-kind dance company that reflected—and shaped—our times, and whose enduring principle continues to inspire the future. With 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 company’s amazing history, its fascinating daily workings, and the visionaries who made its legacy. Here you’ll discover how the company’s founders—African-American dancer Arthur Mitchell of George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet, and Euro-American Karel Shook of The Dutch National Ballet—teamed up to challenge Eurocentric mainstream ballet head-on using new techniques to examine ongoing issues of power, beauty, myth, and the ever-changing definition of art itself. Gaining prominence in the 1970s and 80s with a succession of triumphs—including its spectacular season at the Metropolitan Opera House—the 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 company’s difficult years, its impressive recovery as it partnered with new media’s most brilliant creators—and, in the wake of its 50th anniversary, amid a global pandemic, its evolution into a worldwide virtual performance space. This incomparable book is a must-have for any lover of dance, art, or history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Art

304 pages, Hardcover

Published October 26, 2021

About the author

Judy Tyrus was a principal dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem for twenty-two years. Since retiring from dance, she’s continued her work in the industry as an archivist, exhibition specialist and professor of dance. She is the co-founder and CEO of ChromaDiverse Incorporated, a non-profit corporation which promotes diversity in the performing arts. Tyrus received the Society of American Archivists Diversity Award for 2021. She resides in San Francisco, California.

Reviews

[Nelson Noven · Rating 5 out of 5]

With showstopping photographs and expertly researched stories, Dance Theatre of Harlem is the surprising history of African American culture and classical ballet. It is essential reading not only for dance lovers but for everyone interested in activism and empowerment through the arts. In today's climate, Dance Theatre of Harlem has never been more relevant.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Majestic coffee table book talking about the story and context of a legendary ballet company and school. Prose is sometimes a bit dry but usually quite lively and compelling. Copious beautiful illustrations, mostly of people dancing or posing balletically.

[Vicky Haim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for Ballet Book Club. Dance Theatre of Harlem beginnings in the 70s coincided with my residency in Brooklyn and Queens. Loved the vibrant dance scene and often went to Lincoln Center to see the NYC ballet and the Joffrey Ballet Co. Never traveled uptown to see DTH but what an impact they had in the community through the vision of Arthur Mitchell, a principal at NYC Ballet trained by Balanchine, and Karell Shook. First class company gave opportunity for African American dancers. They became Internationally known and their history through its 50 years is well documented with text intermixed with beautiful photos. Only available as a hard copy book in a size more appropriate for the coffee table, but very readable with inserts in the text about other artists that supported the company including the musicians, staging artists, and costume designers.

[Billye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dance Theatre of Harlem: A History, a Movement, a Celebration is filled with great information. The story is an important one and I am grateful to the author and her associates for creating this book. However, it felt as though I was missing the humor and humanity of the story. The book is very academic, almost textbook style. I remain curious as to what the relationships were like. Did the dancers and directors ever spend time together away from work, and if so, did they have fun or was it strictly business all of the time? I would recommend this book to anyone who is serious about dance and about dance history. The narration performances by Dion Graham and Robin Miles are adequate to the task. They both have a tinge of haughtiness in their delivery which is appropriate to support the material.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You are not a line, not a phrase, not a paragraph, not a page ... but a chapter in history."
~Arthur Miller

Wow! An amazing, resplendent chronicle. In their introduction, the authors state "we realized that a rendering of a DTH history would be a Gesamtkunstwerk --- a work that is made from many art forms." Not unlike the company itself! The research, writing, and photography are just outstanding. The photo on page 41 is the single best image of a ballet lesson I've ever seen captured in any media format, and perfectly embodies the spirit of DTH and this book.

This is not just a fantastic tribute, but an extraordinary and vital contribution to the ongoing legacy of visionary artists worldwide. It's all about the movement. 🩰💖🤓

[Andrew Kline]

DNF: This is an exhaustively researched history of the DTH, with a vast collection of photographs. Unfortunately, for me, it was not a great entry point into the world of ballet. Names, places, and productions were thrown around like I would have any idea of their significance. Chapters were broken down into very short sections, which should have been easier to read, but it just felt like short section led to a lot of jumping around. That being said, if you are a fan of ballet or are working on a research project, this would be an invaluable resource. In my brief time with it, it is obvious that a lot of love went into its creation.

[Claire Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic archival piece on the Dance Theatre of Harlem. In-depth look at all of the pieces that brought this company together and how it has survived into one of the most well known ballet companies to date.

[Madame Merle]

Gorgeous though disorganized history of an iconic American institution that has been transformative beyond the world of ballet.

[Tya]

Gorgeous

[Corrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book.

[Ashley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely astounding. I ordered it from the library on a lark and I can't put it down. Gorgeous photography!