In 2004, expanding dept caused the Dance Theatre Of Harlem, which formed in 1969, to “temporarily” take a break. This break was looking more and more like a permanent closure and as time went on this theatre was assumed to just be over and done with. Recently, however, Virginia Johnson, a veteran of the company, has developed a plan to get the company up and running again by 2013. As an experienced member of the dance world, Johnson knows it’s not easy to keep a dance program alive, especially in times of economic hardship. Despite the financial difficulties she has stated “We can’t wait another 15 years”. The reality is there will have to be big changes. When the theatre closed it had 44 dancers as part of the program. Upon opening again the plan is to have about 18 and try to work up from there. Also the board of directors will be cut by more than half. Johnson is making every possible effort to reduce the debt that the theatre has accumulated. By decreasing the size of the program and partnering with other dance companies Johnson hopes to be able to stay on track and stick to the plan. It’s sad to see important arts programs collapse considering the importance of art in our city. On the other hand, the fact that it’s possible to turn around and stop the cycle of debt to get the program together and revitalize it, is a very hopeful situation. With all of the cuts that need to be made, it’s hard to imagine the program being the same as it was before it closed. However, with all of her experience Ms. Victoria Johnson seems to be a good person to take the reins and reinvent this dance theater.
The New York Times Article Can Be Found here
When it comes to things that have been done for years, I think it is very important to keep them going. I admire Ms. Johnson’s fervor in trying to re-start the Dance Theatre of Harlem. I have found that situations such as these serve as a model for the rest of the community. If the Dance Theatre just shut down all together and gave up, what hope would that provide for the surrounding area? Even if the dance group is going to be smaller, and maybe not as good yet as it was in the past, it is the principle of keeping the program around that will spark hope and life into the people and city. It very well may serve as a symbol to keep on going against all odds.
Of course, this raises the issue of “brand identity” in the arts. Is a re-constituted Dance Theater of Harlem a better choice than a young vibrant group of dancers building their careers for the first time?