Community Engagement
Mann Center for the Performing Arts Welcomed Dance Theatre of Harlem for Two-Day Celebration
February 28, 2012– The Mann Center held its 2nd annual Black History Month Celebration Soiree and honored the Dance Theatre of Harlem as special guests for the evening. The soiree was held at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts with special guest Master of Ceremonies E. Steven Collins, Radio One Director of Urban Marketing and External Relations. The evening included a Meet and Greet with the DTH Ensemble, performances by the Clef Club Youth Jazz Ensemble, and Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble. A citation was presented by the City of Philadelphia to DTH by Councilman William Greenlee and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson to celebrate the Dance Theatre of Harlem and their 43 years as an iconic institution.
“For 43 years, the Dance Theatre of Harlem has been a globally acclaimed dance institution that is dedicated to training and presenting African American and other racially diverse artists, consistently setting the highest of standards for the performing arts world” - Rhoda Blount, Mann Center Director of Education & Community Engagement.
Over 250 guests included: Mann Center Board Members and Staff, Mann Center Donors, Mann Center Virtuoso Committee Members, Philadelphia City Council officials and prestigious corporate and cultural members of the community. All guests in attendance enjoyed a full soul food menu prepared by Butter’s Soul Food and an opportunity to celebrate with the Mann Center.
Philadelphia Clef Club Youth Jazz Ensemble
Councilman William Greenlee and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson present City of Philadelphia citation to Dance Theatre of Harlem
Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble members; Keith Saunders, DTH Ensemble Director; Councilman William Greenlee & Councilman Kenyatta Johnson
Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble
February 29, 2012– The Mann Center hosted a series of Meet the Artist/Master Classes at three local Philadelphia area schools with the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble. The morning session began with a lecture/demonstration/performance for 550 students at Girard Academic Music Program. In the afternoon, Keith Saunders, DTH Ensemble Director, conducted a master class for over 50 students at the Rock School for Dance Education. The day’s events concluded with a master class at Freedom Theatre facilitated by DTH Artistic Director Virginia Johnson for a group of students representing Freedom Theatre, Danse4nia, Drexel University, Eleone Dance Theatre and Grace Dance Theatre.
Keith Saunders conducts lecture demonstration at Girard Academic Music Program
DTH Ensemble performs for GAMP students
Keith Saunders, DTH Ensemble Director facilitates master class at Rock School for Dance Education
Rock School for Dance Education Master Class
Virginia Johnson, DTH Artistic Director facilitates Master Class at Freedom Theatre
Freedom Theatre Master Class
Photos by: Nathea Lee/PhotoBravura
Previous Event: Nancy Kolb Award Celebration
