The return of DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM to the world stage after a nine-year hiatus is cause for celebration. Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, Dance Theatre of Harlem was considered “one of ballet’s most exciting undertakings” (NY Times, 1971). The genesis of the company was Mitchell’s desire to start a school in Harlem, the community in which he was born, that would give children the opportunity to learn about dance and the allied arts. Now in its fourth decade, Dance Theatre of Harlem has grown into a multi-cultural dance institution with an extraordinary legacy: as a school, it continues to provide vital opportunities for education, creative expression, and artistic excellence; as a performing company, it is world class. The program at Celebrate Brooklyn! will include Donald Byrd’s Contested Space (2012), Robert Garland’s Return (1999), and The Lark Ascending by Alvin Ailey.

The New York born, New Orleans-based cellist and singer LEYLA MCCALLA has an instantly recognizable voice, whether she’s singing in English or the Haitian Creole of her immigrant parents. Her recent album Vari-Colored Songs pays tribute to the poetry of Langston Hughes, one of the leading figures of the Harlem Renaissance.

Venue Information:

The BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival is one of New York City's longest running, free, outdoor performing arts festivals and is held every summer at the Prospect Park Bandshell. View seating arrangements here.

All Performances Rain or Shine. In the event of dangerous weather we will be communicating updates on our website, Facebook, and Twitter.

To learn more about our COVID-Safety precautions, visit our FAQ page.