On Friday, April 12th, the Dance Theatre of Harlem hosted their most anticipated event of the year, The Vision Gala.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 12: Representatives from UNC School of the Arts and the Thomas S. Keenan Institute for the Arts attend the Dance Theater of Harlem’s Annual Vision Gala honoring Misty Copeland at New York City Center on April 12, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Dance Theater of Harlem)
The Dance Theatre of Harlem was founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell, the first black principal dancer at New York City Ballet, and Karel Shook. The Dance Theatre of Harlem created a haven at the height of the civil rights movement for dancers of all colors who craved an opportunity to excel in the classical ballet world. Now, through performances, community engagement and arts education, the Company carries forward Dance Theatre of Harlem’s message of empowerment through the arts for all.
(L-R) Robert Garland and Misty Copeland appear onstage during the Dance Theater Of Harlem’s Annual Vision Gala after party – Photo by Jenny Anderson/ Getty Image
Gala attendees were graced by a stunning performance and star-studded red carpet that took place at the New York City Center followed by dinner, an awards presentation and after party at the illustrious Ziegfeld Ballroom. New York City Center has played a defining role in the cultural life of the city since 1943 and the commitment continues today through celebrated dance and musical theater series.
A view of atmosphere during the Dance Theater Of Harlem’s Annual Vision Gala Awards & After Party Honoring Misty Copeland at The Ziegfeld Ballroom on April 12, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for Dance Theater of Harlem )
Produced by newly named Artistic Director Robert Garland, the program included a tribute to Co-Founder Arthur Mitchell featuring a special performance of Balm in Gilead by guest vocalists with musical direction from Nathaniel Gumbs, performances by the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) Company and School with composer and classical pianist Chloe Flower, and a special tribute to Misty Copeland featuring Teaching Artists from the Misty Copeland Foundation. The performance also included works from George Balanchine, William Forsythe, and the highly anticipated New York premiere of Take Me with You from Polish dancer and choreographer Robert Bondara, set to music by Radiohead.
Following the program the group of well-dressed attendees walked to the nearby Ziegfield Ballroom where they sipped and dined whilst the esteemed and legendary ballet dancer Misty Copeland was honored on stage with the Arthur Mitchell Vision Award and civic leaders and philanthropists Terri Prettyman Bowles and Alvin Bowles with the Virtuoso Award. Misty shared as she accepted the award “Let’s continue to dance, to dream, and to build a world where every child has the opportunity to discover their passion and reach for the stars through dance.”
The organization raised $1.3 Million to continue on with the mission of providing arts education, maintaining a world-class school, and presenting a ballet Company of African American and other racially diverse artists. The honorary committee included Peg Alston, Reginald Van Lee, Susan Taylor, Derrick “D Nice” Jones, Jalen Rose, Kenny Leon, Dr. Hasna Muhammad, and Kahina Van Dyke. The remainder of the evening was spent dancing to a set by Derrick “D Nice” Jones alongside celebrity guests including Janet Jackson and Michelle Buteau.