Performing Arts Houston Presents Dance Theatre of Harlem
(Houston)- For the first time in 20 years, Performing Arts Houston presents New York City ballet company Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH). In two performances at Jones Hall, February 3-4, DTH will perform Robert Garland’s Higher Ground, featuring the music of Stevie Wonder, plus works by William Forsythe and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. The legendary ballet company’s 2022-2023 season marks the end of visionary Artistic Director Virginia Johnson’s 40-year career with the company. Tickets start at $34, at performingartshouston.org.
In December, Performing Arts Houston hosted the week-long Theatre of Harlem Houston Education Residency. Throughout the week, Houston-area dance lovers had opportunities to learn from members of the company in master classes, panel discussions, and a special performance at Wheeler Baptist Church. DTH dancers also attended the Holiday in the Tre festival at Emancipation Park, where festivalgoers learned choreography from company members.
Named a Best Dance Performance of 2022 by The New York Times, Higher Ground, choreographed by Robert Garland, combines classical steps with Black vernacular dance in a ballet set to the Motown hits of Stevie Wonder. Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Balamouk, set to lively North African music, tells the story of individuals on a journey of hope. Created via Zoom, amidst the separation of pandemic lockdowns, William Forsythe’s The Blake Works IV (The Barre Project) explores the importance of the ballet barre, the ritualistic beginning of all ballet training, and the yearn for human connection.
In September 2022, Virginia Johnson announced the end of her four decade-long career with Dance Theatre of Harlem. Ms. Johnson’s tenure with the company includes a remarkable 28-year long career as a principal dancer and founding company member, and twelve years in the role of Artistic Director.
Now a singular presence in the ballet world, the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company tours nationally and internationally, presenting a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century. The 18-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate African American culture. Through performances, community engagement, and arts education, the Company carries forward Dance Theatre of Harlem’s message of empowerment through the arts for all.
About Performing Arts Houston
Performing Arts Houston (formerly known as Society for the Performing Arts) connects audiences with exceptional artists through diverse performances and learning experiences. We ignite and cultivate passion for the performing arts, exploring the vast landscape of artistic expression to discover new understanding about ourselves, create community, inspire dialogue, and enrich our world. More at performingartshouston.org
Ticket Information
Tickets start at $34. Tickets can be purchased through the Performing Arts Houston website at performingartshouston.org or by calling our box office at (713) 227-4772
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PERFORMING ARTS HOUSTON
presents
Dance Theatre of Harlem
February 3-4, 2023
Friday, 7:30 pm; Saturday 2 pm
Jones Hall
Tickets start at $34
performingartshouston.org
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Media Contact:
Caroline Senter
csenter@performingartshouston.org
713-632-8105