Dance Theatre of Harlem brings ‘Firebird’ to NYC with live Gateways Festival Orchestra for 2026 season

NEW YORK — Dance Theatre of Harlem will bring its signature classic Firebird back to the stage with a live performance of Igor Stravinsky’s score by the Gateways Festival Orchestra during its 2026 New York season, running April 16–19 at New York City Center.

Dance Theatre of Harlem x Gateways Festival Orchestra

The collaboration marks the first partnership between the two institutions and features a 58‑member orchestra of Black classical musicians.

The season highlights a mix of classical and contemporary works. It also reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding access to ballet and celebrating cultural legacy.

Live Orchestra Elevates a Signature Work

The Gateways Festival Orchestra will perform under conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson on April 16, 18, and 19. Pulitzer Prize‑winning composer and former DTH music director Tania León will conduct on April 17 for the Vision Gala performance.

.Gateways Festival Orchestra Credit: Shahar Azran

Firebird, choreographed by John Taras, anchors each program. The ballet returns with its Caribbean‑inspired staging and Geoffrey Holder’s original sets and costumes.

Season Programming

The four‑day run features themed evenings designed to welcome diverse audiences:

Thursday, April 16 — Dance Community Night

• Blake Works IV (The Barre Project) — William Forsythe
• Passage of Being — Jodie Gates
• New Bach — Robert Garland
• Firebird — John Taras

Friday, April 17 — Vision Gala Performance

A 6:30 p.m. performance at New York City Center precedes the annual Vision Gala.

Saturday, April 18 — Divine Nine/HBCU Night

(All are welcome regardless of affiliation.)

• Higher Ground — Robert Garland
• The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude — William Forsythe
• Nyman String Quartet No. 2 — Robert Garland
• Firebird — John Taras

Sunday, April 19 — Meet the Ballerina Matinee

• Blake Works IV (The Barre Project) — William Forsythe
• Nyman String Quartet No. 2 — Robert Garland
• Passage of Being — Jodie Gates
• Firebird — John Taras

Dance Theatre of Harlem Vision Gala Honors Fatima Robinson and Scott Mills

Dance Theatre of Harlem will host its annual Vision Gala on April 17. The event supports the company’s artistic season and the DTH School. A distinguished host committee from art, film, fashion, and cultural criticism will lead the evening.

This year, DTH will present:

• Arthur Mitchell Vision Award — Fatima Robinson, acclaimed choreographer and creative director
• Virtuoso Award — Scott Mills, media executive and philanthropist

Past honorees include Darren Walker, Debbie Allen, Misty Copeland, and Jessye Norman.

After the performance, guests will move to the Ziegfeld Ballroom for dinner and dancing, with DJ D‑Nice and Kenny Burns leading entertainment.

Dance Theatre of Harlem: A Season Rooted in Legacy and Innovation

The 2026 season underscores DTH’s mission to blend classical technique with contemporary vision. It also highlights the company’s long‑standing commitment to cultural storytelling and community engagement.

For Vision Gala tickets and additional information, attendees may visit dancetheatreofharlem.org.