Penn Live Arts Hosts Dance Theatre of Harlem

January 9, 2026
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Led by Philadelphia native Robert Garland, Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to Penn with cutting-edge new works and timeless masterpieces.

“What does dance give you?
The freedom to be who you are and do what you want to do.”
Arthur Mitchell Co-Founder, Dance Theatre of Harlem

As the University of Pennsylvania’s home for the performing arts, Penn Live Arts connects diverse audiences with visionary artists and innovative ideas, engaging both the University and the greater Philadelphia community in transformative artistic experiences.

Led by Philadelphia native Robert Garland, Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to the Penn Live arts stage, at the Annenberg Center, bringing unprecedented relevance to classical ballet with cutting-edge new works and timeless masterpieces performed by some of the most exceptionally trained dancers around. Praised by The Washington Post as “a premier ballet company and global ambassador for excellence,” Dance Theatre of Harlem is a dynamic force in the dance world–celebrating the transformative power of dance. Presenting a powerful vision for 21st century ballet, they have been raising the barre since 1969.

Dance Theatre of Harlem Penn Performance Schedule

Friday, January 16, 7:30 PM
Saturday, January 17, 2 PM
Saturday, January 17, 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 18, 2 PM

View online schedule →

Location: Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street

Click here for tickets →

Evening programs to include:

Return by Robert Garland, set to James Brown, Aretha Franklin and more

The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude by William Forsythe, set to Franz Schubert – Philadelphia premiere

Take Me With You by Robert Bondara, set to Radiohead – Philadelphia premiere

Donizetti Variations by George Balanchine, set to Gaetano Donizetti

Matinee programs to include:

New Bach by Robert Garland, set to Johann Sebastian Bach

Passage of Being by Jodie Gates, set to Son Lux and more – Philadelphia premiere

Return by Robert Garland, set to James Brown, Aretha Franklin and more

Visit PennLiveArts.org for more information.

Robert Garland (Artistic Director)

Artistic Director Robert Garland was a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company from 1985-1998, achieving the rank of principal dancer. In addition to choreographing several ballets for DTH, Mr. Garland has also created works for New York City Ballet, Britain’s Royal Ballet, Oakland Ballet and many others. His commercial work has included music videos, commercials and short films, including the children’s television show “Sesame Street”, a Nike commercial featuring New York Yankee Derek Jeter, the NAACP Image Awards, a short film for designer Donna Karan, and the “Charmin Cha-Cha” for Proctor and Gamble.

Robert Garland is a Philadelphia native. He attended Central High School and began dancing for the Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) as a teenager before going on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Juilliard School in New York City.

About Dance Theatre of Harlem

Dance Theatre of Harlem stands as a dynamic force in the ballet world, captivating audiences both nationally and internationally. Their repertoire is a thrilling blend of treasured classics, neoclassical masterpieces by George Balanchine and artistic director Robert Garland, and cutting-edge contemporary works that embody founder Arthur Mitchell’s belief that ballet is for everyone. You can read about their full history here.