Neighborhood Studios

The Dance Theatre of Harlem believes that the art, discipline and focus of dance can uplift an audience and change each dancer’s life. The company was cofounded, with the late Karel Shook, in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell—the first African-American principal dancer with a major U.S. ballet company (New York City Ballet). Mitchell wanted to provide an opportunity to the young people living in the Harlem neighborhood of his youth. The company comes to Westport in a benefit performance for Neighborhood Studios, an arts program for Bridgeport youth. The event is sponsored by Links, which advocates for black women and girls in Fairfield County. March 30 at the Westport Country Playhouse (tickets at westportplayhouse.org).