The Orpheum to Welcome Dance Theatre of Harlem in February

Hailed as bold and "unequivocally cool," Dance Theatre of Harlem is a leading dance institution of unparalleled global acclaim with a commitment toward enriching the lives of young people and adults around the world through the arts. Omaha Performing Arts presents the renowned dance company on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in Slosburg Hall at Omaha's Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Tickets start at $20 through Ticket Omaha* at 402.345.0606, TicketOmaha.com or the Ticket Omaha office inside the Holland Performing Arts Center at 13th and Douglas streets. Special thanks to hospitality sponsor Hotel Deco XV.

The dance company's program at Omaha's Orpheum will include "Return," a contemporary piece with music by James Brown and Aretha Franklin. In addition to the public performance at the Orpheum, company members will share their message of empowerment through the arts at community engagement and education activities coordinated by Omaha Performing Arts, including a lecture/demonstration during a student matinee performance, a master class for advance dancers, and a talkback following their public performance.

Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, Dance Theatre of Harlem was considered "one of ballet's most exciting undertakings" (The New York Times, 1971). Shortly after the assassination of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mitchell was inspired to start a school that would offer children - especially those in Harlem, the community in which he was born - the opportunity to learn about dance and the allied arts. At that time, African American artists were barred from U.S. ballet companies because of the color of their skin. The company became an expression of human excellence that broke down barriers and inspired millions.

More than 40 years later, Dance Theatre of Harlem has grown into a multi-cultural dance institution known for its thrilling performances that successfully challenge preconceived notions. The company consists of 14 racially-diverse dance artists who perform an eclectic repertoire. Dance Theatre of Harlem runs a leading arts education center and Dancing Through Barriers, a national and international education and community outreach program.

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