After a 40-year absence, the iconic New York–based ballet company Dance Theatre of Harlem announces its long-awaited return to France with an exceptional tour stopping in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Roubaix from February 11 to March 7, 2026.

Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook at the height of the civil rights movement, Dance Theatre of Harlem has championed an idea that is both simple and revolutionary: ballet belongs to everyone. Through its dance school, Arthur Mitchell sought to introduce children from underprivileged Harlem neighborhoods to classical ballet and to democratize access to artistic practice for the African American community.

To celebrate their return to France, the company’s 28 dancers will perform an avant-garde repertoire composed of classical works, neoclassical pieces by George Balanchine and artistic director Robert Garland, as well as contemporary works that use the language of ballet to uphold the company’s values.

Two programs will be presented in alternation

Program A and Program B reflecting the multicultural vision championed by Arthur Mitchell, with ballets set to music as diverse as that of Johann Sebastian Bach, Stevie Wonder, Radiohead, and James Blake.

We will also celebrate the return to the stage of the legendary Firebird, presented exclusively in Paris. This emblematic company classic was first created in 1982 and captivated audiences from its very first world tour.

For nearly 60 years, Dance Theatre of Harlem has held a unique place in the world of ballet. Through innovative and bold forms of artistic expression, the company has established itself as one of the most exciting in the world, offering a powerful vision of ballet in the 21st century.

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