Resource: Dance Theatre of Harlem
Media Type:
QuickTime Video
Length: 2m 40s
Size: 7.8 MB
This video segment from A Walk Through Harlem features Arthur Mitchell, the artistic director and former dancer who founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem. In 1968, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King had a profound impact upon Miller who decided to return to his old neighborhood to teach dance, thinking the discipline, focus and technique would energize African American children in their everyday lives. Often considered to be an excellent classical ballet dancer, Mitchell was also thought of as an exception to the rule. He believed, however, given the opportunity, African American dancers could also excel in classical ballet. The school now has more than 1000 young people of diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultures.
Teachers' Domain, Dance Theatre of Harlem, published August 26, 2008, retrieved on ,
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/vtl07.la.rv.text.danceharl/
- Frame and Focus
- Follow Up
- Connections
- Standards
Print Frame and FocusThe following suggestions are best suited for middle school students using this video in an English language arts or social studies lesson. Be sure to modify the questions to meet your students' instructional needs.
Frame (ELA) Does "culture" always pertain to racial and ethnic groups? For example, does the dance world have a culture? What are the values there? Can you think of other "worlds" and their cultures?
Focus (ELA) While watching the segment, note what values are part of being a dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Frame (SS) In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial. In 1968, he was assassinated. What impact did Dr. King have on American attitudes and values?
Focus (SS) What event inspired Arthur Mitchell to create the Dance Theatre of Harlem?
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Source: A Walk Through Harlem
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Funding for the VITAL/Ready to Teach collection was secured through the United States Department of Education under the Ready to Teach Program.