The Knockturnal attended the VISION GALA at New York City Center. The Dance Theatre of Harlem honored Founding Member and Outgoing Artistic Director, Virginia Johnson with the Arthur Mitchell Vision Award; and arts advocate, business leader, and former DTH Board Chair Reginald Van Lee with the Virtuoso Award.
The evening also commemorated Gil Shiva, posthumously, with the Chairman’s Award. Performances included a special performance of Geoffrey Holder’s masterpiece Douglas and work by Robert Garland and Nacho Duato. Chelsea Clinton served as The Honorary Gala Chair. Additional attendees included: Phylicia Rashad, Carla Hall, Sunny Hostin, and others.
A celebration of 54 years of forward-thinking art in the world of classical ballet at New York City Center.
Chelsea Clinton served as The Honorary Gala Chair. She shared an inspirational memory of a poster of Virginia Johnson she had hung up in her room in the White House at the time when she was growing up and to be there like so many of us was an honor.
The company has assembled a remarkable group of artists and curated a program befitting the unique and beautiful vision Ms. Johnson has carried for the Dance Theatre of Harlem for over four decades.
The evening’s performances celebrated Ms. Johnson’s legacy and included a special performance of Geoffrey Holder’s masterpiece Dougla, works by Robert Garland and Nacho Duato, as well as special appearances by the Dance Theatre of Harlem School and other special guests.
Principal Dancer Virginia Johnson has led the company since 2010.
With two unique programs that offer both longtime repertories works, recent audience favorites, and two New York premieres, the world-famous company is poised to continue founder Arthur Mitchell’s indomitable legacy and the company’s storied past, as well as its significant vision for its and the ballet world’s future.
With thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies as The Dance Theater of Harlem Vision Gala’s 2023 lead season sponsor.
Also I must say the level of talent each dancer really told the story moved me to be inspired to add more movement in my life.
Credit: Getty Images for Dance Theatre of Harlem
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: Phylicia Rashād attends as Dance Theater Of Harlem Honors Virginia Johnson At Annual Vision Gala at New York City Center on April 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Dance Theater of Harlem)
By Ja’Mir Robert for The Knockturnal