The Triumphant Return of Dance Theatre of Harlem

After a full decade, Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to The Auditorium on Oct. 17 for a one-night celebration of the company’s artistry. Featuring “Return,” “Donizetti Variations,” and “Firebird,” the program spans groovy jazz, classical ballet, and a reimagined fairy tale, delivering an evening that lives up to the hype surrounding this long-awaited arrival.

Robert Garland’s “Return” (1999) kicks off the show with a seamless blending of ballet and jazz set to music by James Brown and Aretha Franklin. Across multiple variations, the work explores the many varieties within jazz, shifting from high-energy disco to slow blues. The result is a refreshing fusion of two seemingly opposite genres, where classical ballet gets to loosen up and get down.

“Mother Popcorn” opens with high-energy swagger and attitude. A soloist grooves on pointe, twisting her hips before the ensemble struts onstage with sassy jazz walks and swinging arms. Split leaps and elegant arabesques mix with angled arms, playfully blending classical ballet’s precision with jazz’s loose, uninhibited style.

Shifting into a moody, tango-like blues is “Baby, Baby, Baby.” Against a piercing red backdrop, a lone dancer slowly body rolls across the stage, her silhouette rippling like a wave. Her partner rushes in to meet her as the music settles into a slow, almost mournful duet. Their movements heavy and deliberate, sweeping arms and tender lifts reveal a relationship on the edge. 

“Call Me” adds a touch of humor when a female dancer points out three potential suitors in time with Aretha Franklin’s lyrics (“I love you”) as she cheekily builds her own harem. The group forms pairs engaging in trust falls, sweeping catches, and gentle swaying. As the dancers settle into each other’s arms, the initial comedy gives way to a softer romantic ending.

George Balanchine’s “Donizetti Variations” (1960), set to music by Gaetano Donizetti, offers a glimpse into the roots that helped shape Dance Theatre of Harlem. Arthur Mitchell, the company’s founder, studied under Balanchine, whose neoclassical style helped lay the foundation for their artistic identity. This piece serves as a tribute to that legacy, bringing the evening back to the classical technique that the company is founded on.

The standout of the evening is the much-anticipated revival of John Taras’ “Firebird” (1982). Reimagining the original Russian folktale in the lush Caribbean, the story feels fresh while retaining its familiar magic. The scenes come to life through Geoffrey Holder’s beautiful scenic and costume designs. Delicate hanging florals, a lush green backdrop, and shimmering pastel costumes create a breathing fairy-like world.

Our Firebird of the evening, Alexandra Hutchinson, is the undeniable star of the performance. Whenever she appears, she commands the stage with graceful power. Every gesture feels intentional, from the tilting of her head to her powerful traveling turns. Her endless couru shift effortlessly between explosive speed and delicate softness, making the technically challenging solo look deceptively easy. Her feet shuffle at astonishing speed while her upper body remains expressive, her arms fluttering and her sharp gaze darting like a bird on constant alert. 

Derek Brockington also deserves recognition for his performance as the Young Man, bringing a gentle sense of wonder to the story’s fantastical setting. The corps adds plenty of charm, particularly in scenes where they represent winged creatures, flitting around the stage with the light, distracted air of butterflies. The work concludes with a wedding celebration, with Hutchinson rising above the company, her enormous red wings unfurling over the dancers like a guardian angel watching over a restored kingdom

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s return to Chicago is well worth the wait. “Return” showcases the company’s style of blending genres, “Donizetti Variations” pays tribute to its classical roots, and “Firebird” closes the evening on a magical note. Together, the works reveal a company capable of moving between and merging styles without losing personality. After such a memorable visit, Chicago can only hope its next encounter comes much sooner.

“Dance Theatre of Harlem” presents “Return,” “Donizetti Variations,” & “Firebird” for one night only, Oct. 17, at The Auditorium, 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive. For more information, visit the event page by clicking HERE