harlem-dance.jpgFrom his childhood, Keith Saunders’ career aspiration had been to become a lawyer. He even had a plan in place. He would go to Harvard University, study political science, then move on to law school.  When Saunders took an Afro-American dance class during his freshman year at Harvard, however, becoming a lawyer became a thing of the past.

From his childhood, Keith Saunders’ career aspiration had been to become a lawyer.  He even had a plan in place.  He would go to Harvard University, study political science, then move on to law school.  When Saunders took an Afro-American dance class during his freshman year at Harvard, however, becoming a lawyer became a thing of the past.

In 1972, after just one year at the esteemed university, Saunders left school to work as a clerk in the city of Boston and took classes to become a classically trained dancer.  In 1975, Saunders successfully auditioned to become an apprentice dancer for the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH).

From apprentice dancer, to principal dancer, to ballet master, Saunders has managed to move up the ranks of the ensemble company, where he is now director.   DTH will celebrate its 42nd birthday this month with a performance at the Miramar Cultural Center.

According to Saunders, audiences of the Miramar show should expect to experience an interactive performance, a lecture demonstration, as well as original works from resident choreographer Robert Garland.

“It is a company of professional dancers trained in the Dance Theatre of Harlem company style,” Saunders said about the currently touring ensemble.  “We have returned Dance Theatre of Harlem to the national touring presence that we were lacking with the former company.”

DTH was founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Troubled by the turn of events, Mitchell sought to start a dance company in his hometown community of Harlem, NY.

In 2004, due to economic conditions, DTH’s first company, comprised of over 40 members, stopped touring.  Five years later, DTH sent out representatives to various parts of the country to gauge the climate for a second company, which would be a smaller, more affordable ensemble of 15 dancers.  The ensemble is now in its second touring season.

“The best part about being the director of the ensemble is it gives me the opportunity to share what I have learned, which I have been fortunate enough and privileged enough to learn during many, many years of dancing and touring with the company,” Saunders said.

Giving back is one of the hallmarks of DTH, said Saunders.  The Dance Theatre of Harlem School’s Dancing Through Barriers focuses on the arts, education, and outreach programs for young people in the community.  It was the Dancing Through Barriers program that helped launch the ensemble that has revived the Dance Theatre of Harlem name.

Saunders, who views his ensemble as classically American said: “We are very much into the discipline and focus that one must learn or must practice to be successful in the study of dance and in the study of the arts.  And, we hold that in very high regard.”

Speaking on DTH’s stellar reputation, both nationally and internationally, Saunders has been diligently preparing for the ensemble’s current tour.  In addition to the interactive performances and lecture series, the ensemble is debuting two new works.The Joplin from choreographer Garland is an ode to ragtime composer Scott Joplin.

For The Dejoto #5, Saunders describes it as “a deceptively simple and very striking ballet” involving two men and one woman.

Saunders is also looking forward to the return of the first company, which he expects will make its debut in the 2013 season.

“The current development plans call for us to continue our Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble touring for this current season and one more,” Saunders said about future plans for DTH’s touring seasons.  “The 2013 season calls for a return of the first company; which will, of course, be a different paradigm.  It will have to be for the 21st Century.”

In the meantime, Saunders wants to share the experience that is Dance Theatre of Harlem.

“I view (being director of the ensemble) as a responsibility to share and pass on.  So many great artists and individuals that I’ve worked with over the course of my career have shared their love of the art form and knowledge about the art form with me. 

And I feel it’s a responsibility to continue to share and pass that on.”

Kimberly Grant may be contacted at KAliciaG
@aol.com.