Dance Theatre of Harlem to debut new ballet in Elmira
When the Dance Theatre of Harlem takes the stage at the Clemens Center in Elmira on Saturday night, the troupe will share the world premiere of a new one-act ballet called “System.”
The piece is choreographed by Francesca Harper with music by John Adams, and it is inspired by current social justice issues in America as they relate to the black community. It has been built in collaboration with the cast of eight dancers using their own experiences as people of color.
Developed through the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Women Who Move Us choreography initiative, “System” will be featured in the troupe’s 2016–17 touring repertoire. Costumes for the ballet have been designed by Elias Gurrola, with lighting design by Nick Hung.
When it was founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, Dance Theatre of Harlem was considered by one critic as “one of ballet’s most exciting undertakings.” Shortly after the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Mitchell was inspired to start a school that would offer children — especially those in Harlem — the opportunity to learn about dance and the allied arts. Now in its fifth decade, the company is known for its thrilling performances that successfully challenge preconceived notions.
The 14 diverse dance artists of Dance Theatre of Harlem perform cutting-edge contemporary works using the language of ballet to celebrate African-American culture.
In an email interview this week, Harper discussed the inspirations behind “System” and how the ballet came together.
QUESTION: Talk about the new ballet “System” that the dance company will premiere here in Elmira. What inspired it?
HARPER: When I first started choreographing, there were several events in the media that were happening, [such as] Eric Garner and Sandra Bland, and I wanted to investigate these displays of systemic injustice.
Q: The John Adams music used in the piece — is it original to the ballet?
HARPER: I was approached by the Attacca String Quartet to choreograph to the [existing] John Adams composition “Fellow Traveler.” The quartet recorded his compositions on a CD. Adams always saw the compositions having a dance component. He even mentioned calling these nonexistent dances the “Alleged Dances.” That’s where I came in!
Q: How long has the ballet been in gestation before audience members here get to see it?
HARPER: I started choreographing in the summer for three weeks and then again another two weeks at the beginning of the fall. I also had a few weeks last year to lay the groundwork for one of the pieces for a showing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Q: What are the challenges to getting a new piece like this ready for the stage?
HARPER: Making sure that all of the elements come together is the challenge. The choreographers are the coordinators for the dancers, the music, the costumes, and laying the emotional foundation for each work. They are also responsible for producing the love and passion behind the work.
Q: How were you first inspired to become a dancer and choreographer?
HARPER: When I was in elementary school, I used to put on plays and musicals. I remember offering my classmates a contract written in crayon in exchange for their work in “West Side Story” in third grade. I placed myself in the role of Anita.
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Q: How did you join the Dance Theatre of Harlem and how long have you been with the company?
HARPER: I join the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1988 and remained for four years. I was lucky enough to have been chosen to dance principal roles as an apprentice. After I performed the principal roles well, I secured a position in the company.
Q: What’s it like being part of such a storied history as the Dance Theatre of Harlem?
HARPER: I take the pride in having been a member of the company. I look at old pictures and realize that they were trailblazers for African-Americans at the height of the civil rights movement. Ballet was an art form that had been exclusive in nature for our culture, so it was incredible to see a group of African-American dancers determined to be great ballet dancers. They accomplished that and left an incredible legacy for others.
Follow Chris Kocher on Twitter: @RealChrisKocher.
IF YOU GO
•What: Dance Theatre of Harlem
•When: 8 p.m. Saturday
•Where: The Clemens Center, 207 Clemens Center Parkway, Elmira
•Tickets: $50, $40 and $30; available at the Clemens Center box office, by phone at (607)734-8191 or (800) 724-0159; or online at www.clemenscenter.com.