Live at PAC:  A Discussion and Presentation of the Dance Theatre of Harlem

Sunday, September 8th, from 1:00 – 2:30pm

In 1969, Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) was founded by Arthur Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell was the first black principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. In the aftermath of the assassination of Martin Luther King and inspired by the lack of opportunities for black dancers, he opened his doors to dancers of all ethnic backgrounds. DTH gained national and worldwide recognition for its innovative style and high level of performance. Under Mr. Mitchell’s direction the company became a magnet for brilliant young dancers who had been denied elsewhere. 

Mr. Mitchell passed away in 2018 but his legacy lives on as does Dance Theatre of Harlem. The five legendary prima ballerinas of the early days of the company have survived to tell their inspiring stories in a wonderful new book: The Swans of Harlem.

In 1978, Andrew Brier had the opportunity to photograph the company and due to the historical value of the resulting images maintains a relationship with them today. 

On Sunday, September 8th, from 1:00 – 2:30pm at the Petaluma Arts Center, through interviews and archival performance videos, Andrew will recreate the story of Arthur Mitchell and the magnificent Swans of Harlem. Doors are open at 12:30pm. Since this is the inaugural event of Live at PAC, entrance is by donation only.  Please join us.

Live at PAC is a volunteer and community driven event.  We have made our space available for live performances, staged readings, films, collaborations, artists’ work presentations and whatever else our community members can dream up.  For more information, contact info@petalumaartscenter.org.