Purdue’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative event to feature free performance of Dance Theatre of Harlem

The world-renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem will be the featured performers during the Purdue University’s 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative event at 6 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 16) in Elliott Hall of Music.

Presented by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging and powered by Purdue Convocations, the performance is free and open to the public. Tickets are required and can be reserved at Stewart Center’s Loeb Playhouse Box Office or online at convocations.purdue.edu/dancetheatreofharlem.

Lauded for decades as innovators in the world of professional dance, Dance Theatre of Harlem is a diverse, 18-member troupe that has built a reputation of excellence in the performance of both contemporary and classical ballet. The company was founded in the wake of the assassination of Martin Luther King and is dedicated to a message of empowerment through the arts for all.

The 6 p.m. start time is different from the original announcement. Previously issued tickets may have a different time listed, therefore patrons are urged to make note of the time change. Electronic tickets previously issued will automatically be updated with the start time of 6 p.m.

Critics have hailed Dance Theatre of Harlem’s current season for its engaging and technically demanding repertoire that showcases the company’s athleticism and grace. At home and on tour, the company presents the work of choreographers such as the legendary George Balanchine, current artistic director Robert Garland, and William Forsythe, a contemporary American choreographer known for his blending of ballet and the visual arts.

The performance at Purdue will include works set to a variety of musical styles including “Higher Ground” (Stevie Wonder), “Allegro” (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky), and “Blake Works” (James Blake).

“Dance Theatre of Harlem has been widely recognized for their legacy of access and excellence in the world of professional dance,” said John Gates, vice provost for diversity, inclusion and belonging. “Their visit is an invitation to the entire Purdue community to contemplate the lessons that Dr. King’s life offers to us today.”

Additional support for this event is provided by Hall of Music Productions, NeoVision Optical, Union Club Hotel, 8Eleven Modern Bistro, and New England Foundation for the Arts.

The event also will include a recognition of the 2024 Dreamer Award recipients. This award is presented by the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance and recognizes individuals and organizations within the Purdue community whose contributions embody King’s vision of service to others and further the university’s commitment to diversity. 

In addition to the performance in Elliott Hall, Dance Theatre of Harlem will offer two master classes: one open to the Purdue community and one in collaboration with Lafayette Ballet Company. Space is limited; those interested in registering may contact diversity@purdue.edu.

Held annually to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative event serves as an opportunity to celebrate campus values such as respect and inclusion.

Past featured guests have included keynote speakers such as former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young, Columbia law professor Patricia Williams and environmental journalist Steve Curwood, as well as performances by groups such as Sweet Honey in the Rock and, last year, the Morgan State University Choir. 

Additional events around campus are also being planned, including an annual day of service on Monday (Jan. 15) and a campus food drive supporting ACE Campus Food Pantry. A story in Monday’s Purdue Today had additional information on all Purdue MLK events.