Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to Detroit, allows students an opportunity to experience the arts
(CBS DETROIT) - The Dance Theatre of Harlem, a leading dance company, recently returned to the Detroit Opera House, marking the third stop for the company on its 2023-2024 tour.
While in Detroit, the group afforded a few thousand Detroit Public Schools Community District students a chance to experience the arts.
"Dance Theatre of Harlem was founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell," said Anna Glass, the dance company's executive director. "[Mitchell] was the first Black principal dancer of any major dance organization."
Nearly 60 years later, the Dance Theatre of Harlem continues to raise the barre.
"[Mitchell] was not out to create an army of ballet dancers," Glass said. "He was out to create an army of citizens to transform communities."
Glass, a Detroit native, has made it her mission to expose students to the arts at an early age.
"It's important that young people especially get the opportunity to see dancers that look like them so that they know that there's a world in which whatever they dream of, they can manifest," she said.
In a partnership with the Detroit Opera House, Glass was able to ensure Detroit elementary students got a chance to witness a mini performance by the company.
"It really is an opportunity; it provides equity and access for students of DPSCD," said Marian Sanders, Division of Schools Assistant Director for DPSCD. "Some students may not be able to afford to come to different experiences such as the Opera House. So, being able to have that experience through the district is great for students."
The Dance Theatre of Harlem's relationship with Detroit dates back nearly five decades. The dance company was first brought to Detroit in 1976.