Organization Details:

VISION: A world class dance institution-using ballet to transform lives.

MISSION: To maintain a world class school that provides opportunity and access to African-Amercian and other racially diverse young people in classical ballet and the allied arts. To provide arts education, community outreach programs and positive role models for all. To have a ballet company of African-American and other racially diverse artists, performing demanding and new repertoire.

Description and/or History:
Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, Dance Theatre of Harlem was considered “one of ballet’s most exciting undertakings” (The New York Times, 1971). Shortly after the assassination of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mitchell was inspired to start a school that would offer children — especially those in Harlem, the community in which he was born — the opportunity to study dance and the allied arts. Mitchell, who was the first African American to become a permanent member of a major ballet company, felt he was able to change the world of dance because he was given an opportunity and wanted to provide the same chance for others. The Dance Theatre of Harlem School (DTHS), located in Harlem’s historic “Sugar Hill” neighborhood, is a beacon of light and hope to the many young artists who walk through its doors everyday. As a professional studio school accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (charter member) and recognized as a non-degree granting institution of higher education by the US Department of Education, DTH offers the highest caliber of training in classical and neo-classical dance from the beginning stages to the most advanced levels. Through open auditions, scholarships, tuition assistance and affordable programs, DTH gives young artists -- especially those living in the inner city -- opportunities to study, participate and excel in the performing arts, which helps to develop the self-confidence, focus, discipline, creativity, and critical reasoning skills essential to their overall education and personal growth. All of DTH’s programs, courses, faculty and staff are committed to the concept of excellence regardless of the level at which the student is placed or assigned. There is a fervent belief that every child can benefit from quality dance training, whether or not he or she ultimately chooses a career path inside the performing arts.

Contact people:

Peggy Morales, School Administrator/HR Mgr. , (212) 690-2800, (email) Rodney Trapp, Development Manager, (212) 690-2800, (email) Endalyn Taylor, (212) 690-2800, (email)

Address:

466 West 152nd Street Between Amsterdam And Convent Avenue New York, NY 10031 (See a map)

Directions:

Take the A,B,C or D train to 145th Street. Walk out of the station and walk North to 152nd Street turn left on 152nd Street. Walk 3/4 of the way up our building is located on the left side. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 145th Street ,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5   Nearest Bus Stop: M-101 or M-100 , 1.5 minute walk