Comments for Dance Theatre of Harlem Blog http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog Just another WordPress weblog Mon, 24 May 2010 19:37:16 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 Comment on DTH Alumni “On Pointe” at CAAM by Name David Shaw http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=220&cpage=1#comment-34 Name David Shaw Mon, 24 May 2010 19:37:16 +0000 http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=220#comment-34 I attended the exhibition and talked with former DTH dancers the other day at the gorgeous California African American Museum in Los Angeles. It was enlightening, entertaining and moving. One of the more impressive aspects was the shared belief among the dancers that being a part of DTH had given each of them a powerful sense of self, capability, focus and work ethic. All said how much those traits had impacted not only their work while with DTH, but almost every aspect of their lives since. Beyond that, the stories each told were moving, funny and informing. At the end of the session, Virginia Johnson, the company's new Artistic Director, spoke for a few minutes about her commitment to bringing the main company back to life. She was forceful, articulate and even a bit emotional - and for those of us who've been waiting to get a sense of whether DTH might actually be able to pull itself up again, it was an inspiring and confidence-boosting moment. One has to acknowledge Judy Tyrus for doing an amazing job of curating this travelling exhibit. I had seen this wonderful exhibit at New York's Lincoln Center last year, and the airy, even larger space at CAAM allows one to contemplate the history and impact of DTH in an even more focused and private way. The panel was comprised of some of DTH's most renowned dancers including Donald Williams, Dean Anderson, Vince Collins, Karlya Shelton-Benjamin, Stephanie Powell, Duncan Cooper, Debra Varnado-Lucas and Mpambo Wina. It was moderated by former DTH general manager Woody Schofield who is now CAAM's Deputy Director of Operations and Special Programs. The event was introduced by the museum's Executive Director Charmaine Jefferson who was at one time the Executive Director of DTH. Small world. I attended the exhibition and talked with former DTH dancers the other day at the gorgeous California African American Museum in Los Angeles. It was enlightening, entertaining and moving. One of the more impressive aspects was the shared belief among the dancers that being a part of DTH had given each of them a powerful sense of self, capability, focus and work ethic. All said how much those traits had impacted not only their work while with DTH, but almost every aspect of their lives since.

Beyond that, the stories each told were moving, funny and informing.

At the end of the session, Virginia Johnson, the company’s new Artistic Director, spoke for a few minutes about her commitment to bringing the main company back to life. She was forceful, articulate and even a bit emotional – and for those of us who’ve been waiting to get a sense of whether DTH might actually be able to pull itself up again, it was an inspiring and confidence-boosting moment.

One has to acknowledge Judy Tyrus for doing an amazing job of curating this travelling exhibit. I had seen this wonderful exhibit at New York’s Lincoln Center last year, and the airy, even larger space at CAAM allows one to contemplate the history and impact of DTH in an even more focused and private way.

The panel was comprised of some of DTH’s most renowned dancers including Donald Williams, Dean Anderson, Vince Collins, Karlya Shelton-Benjamin, Stephanie Powell, Duncan Cooper, Debra Varnado-Lucas and Mpambo Wina. It was moderated by former DTH general manager Woody Schofield who is now CAAM’s Deputy Director of Operations and Special Programs. The event was introduced by the museum’s Executive Director Charmaine Jefferson who was at one time the Executive Director of DTH. Small world.

]]> Comment on DTH Alumni “On Pointe” at CAAM by Ronald Tyrus http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=220&cpage=1#comment-33 Ronald Tyrus Mon, 24 May 2010 18:29:25 +0000 http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=220#comment-33 The dancers from the Dance Theater of Harlem who talked in LA at the CAAM Museum on 5/22 were amazingly entertaining. They discussed where they came from, how they were introduced to dance, how they came to the company, what made them stay, where they are now and to what they devote their current efforts. Each story was enthralling. All the dancers were vibrant, gorgeous, all with a presence and confidence, all with heart of family. Dancers of color,dancers who opened up minds and doors for future dancers to follow. Everyone should see their discussion. That discussion and exhibit should travel around the country and help preserve the legacy built by Mr. Mitchell and his dancers. Made me laugh and cry. Everyone should be so motivated to do something truly great. The dancers from the Dance Theater of Harlem who talked in LA at the CAAM Museum on 5/22 were amazingly entertaining. They discussed where they came from, how they were introduced to dance, how they came to the company, what made them stay, where they are now and to what they devote their current efforts. Each story was enthralling. All the dancers were vibrant, gorgeous, all with a presence and confidence, all with heart of family. Dancers of color,dancers who opened up minds and doors for future dancers to follow. Everyone should see their discussion. That discussion and exhibit should travel around the country and help preserve the legacy built by Mr. Mitchell and his dancers. Made me laugh and cry. Everyone should be so motivated to do something truly great.

]]> Comment on Hello from DTH Alumnus Anthony Jones by NameGreta Carter http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=155&cpage=1#comment-28 NameGreta Carter Fri, 14 May 2010 21:59:06 +0000 http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=155#comment-28 When will the Dance Group be in the San Francisco Bay Area? I so enjoy seeing You all Dance. When will the Dance Group be in the San Francisco Bay Area? I so enjoy seeing You all Dance.

]]> Comment on Summer Intensive Writers Contest Winners by A. Hawkins http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=25&cpage=1#comment-22 A. Hawkins Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +0000 http://mackdigital.com/dth/?p=25#comment-22 Can you share Ms. Lawson's piece with us? I'm assuming the piece she wrote was about her experience at DTH last summer. Since we're hoping to attend this summer for the first time I would love to hear about her experience last summer. Can you share Ms. Lawson’s piece with us? I’m assuming the piece she wrote was about her experience at DTH last summer. Since we’re hoping to attend this summer for the first time I would love to hear about her experience last summer.

]]> Comment on On Tour with Christopher – Day 8 by Kristy Thompson http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=94&cpage=1#comment-14 Kristy Thompson Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:54:05 +0000 http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=94#comment-14 Wow Christopher, what a beautiful piece. I loved reading it. Both my parents were dancers, my mom, ballroom, my dad, ballet. He danced with Jerome Robbins Ballets USA for a season, and when I was 6 we went to Europe to see him! It was always great to see my dad on stage, whether in "Music Man" in San Francisco, or co-choreographing the Sonny & Cher show in rehearsals in Hollywood. I hope you keep writing. Your visions are from the heart and are so meaningful. And I hope DTH comes to northern California where I live. I haven't seen the company in years and they are my favorite. Many good wishes to you, Sincerely, Kristy Thomposn Wow Christopher, what a beautiful piece. I loved reading it. Both my parents were dancers, my mom, ballroom, my dad, ballet. He danced with Jerome Robbins Ballets USA for a season, and when I was 6 we went to Europe to see him! It was always great to see my dad on stage, whether in “Music Man” in San Francisco, or co-choreographing the Sonny & Cher show in rehearsals in Hollywood.

I hope you keep writing. Your visions are from the heart and are so meaningful.
And I hope DTH comes to northern California where I live. I haven’t seen the company in years and they are my favorite.

Many good wishes to you,
Sincerely,
Kristy Thomposn

]]> Comment on On Tour with Christopher – Day 5, 6 & 7 by admin http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=84&cpage=1#comment-13 admin Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:56:38 +0000 http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=84#comment-13 Unfortunately, the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble does not have any international touring plans at this tiime. An effort is underway to build a new professional company over the next three years that will tour both nationally and internationally. Stay tuned!! Unfortunately, the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble does not have any international touring plans at this tiime. An effort is underway to build a new professional company over the next three years that will tour both nationally and internationally. Stay tuned!!

]]> Comment on On Tour with Christopher – Day 5, 6 & 7 by NameW. Ramsay http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=84&cpage=1#comment-11 NameW. Ramsay Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:18:41 +0000 http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=84#comment-11 When will you be coming to the UK?! When will you be coming to the UK?!

]]> Comment on On Tour with Christopher by admin http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=76&cpage=1#comment-10 admin Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:58:43 +0000 http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=76#comment-10 We would love to come to Atlanta! But, a theater, university or performing arts center would have to bring us. You should ask your local arts center to book the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble for their next season. We would love to come to Atlanta! But, a theater, university or performing arts center would have to bring us. You should ask your local arts center to book the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble for their next season.

]]> Comment on On Tour with Christopher by Name GARV http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=76&cpage=1#comment-9 Name GARV Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:37:05 +0000 http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=76#comment-9 HOW COME DTH NEVER COMES TO ATLANTA LIKE AILEY?? HOW COME DTH NEVER COMES TO ATLANTA LIKE AILEY??

]]> Comment on Our Resident Choreographer, Robert Garland by Name MusicLover http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/blog/?p=23&cpage=1#comment-4 Name MusicLover Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:00:05 +0000 http://mackdigital.com/dth/?p=23#comment-4 Robert is so amazing. He exudes greatness that cannot be reached by any other. Men like him are needed all over the world in every piece of art possible! Robert is so amazing. He exudes greatness that cannot be reached by any other. Men like him are needed all over the world in every piece of art possible!

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