Dance Theatre of Harlem was founded by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook in 1969 to create a new vision of ballet, as well as an opportunity where none had existed before. With previous Pillow appearances spanning from 1970 (in their very first performances) to 2019, Dance Theatre of Harlem has used their singular artistry to challenge expectations, provide a platform for new voices, and break down barriers for more than 50 years.
Along with treasured classics, this beloved and multi-ethnic company presents innovative, culturally inclusive works that propel ballet into the future with “earnest and potent” performances (Los Angeles Times). Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to the Pillow for its 55th Anniversary Season celebrating both newly-named Artistic Director, former principal dancer, and longtime company choreographer Robert Garland, as well as the 90th birthday of the Company’s legendary late founder Arthur Mitchell. The program includes Robert Garland’s Higher Ground (set to music by Stevie Wonder), Robert Bondara’s Take Me With You (set to music by Radiohead), George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante (set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky), and William Forsythe’s exhilarating Blake Works IV (The Barre Project), set to music by James Blake.
