Dance Theatre of Harlem Returns, Featuring “Firebird”

By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano

The Dance Theater of Harlem performed a one-night spectacular repertoire at the Auditorium. I was ecstatic that they were back to kick off the 2026 dance season; the last time they performed at this landmark in Chicago was a decade ago – this was the first time I had seen “Firebird“, which has been etched in my mind ever since. The “new” (as of July 2023) artistic director Robert Garland was a principal dancer and choreographer for the company. Mr. Garland mentored under Arthur Mitchell, co-founder of the troupe in 1969 with Karel Shook as the first all black classical ballet.

The first piece “Return” was fast-paced, structured with Balanchinesque footwork and urban modern jazzy, full of soul and funk. Set to music by Aretha Franklin, Carolyn Franklin, Alfred Ellis, and James Brown, the swaying audience let loose singing along “Baby Baby Baby” and “Superbad”, humming their way to intermission…

Mr. Mitchell had studied under Balanchine, so it was apropos the second selection was “Donizetti Variations”. “Firebird” was the last piece and the highlight of the evening – just magical, heaven. For future events of dance and other culture, please visit www.auditoriumtheatre.org.

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