NOTRE DAME, Ind. — Saint Mary’s College, in collaboration with LampkinMagic Production, will welcome the critically acclaimed Dance Theater of Harlem to campus Wednesday, Feb. 17, for their Michiana Debut.

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s unprecedented success as a racially diverse company, school and source of arts education was built on creating innovative and bold new forms of artistic expression. Through varied artistic interactions, these dance ambassadors have helped to build character and provide valuable life skills to countless people in New York City, across the country and around the world.

The event is part of this year’s Shaheen/Duggan Performing Arts Series. It will take place at 7:30 p.m. Ticket information is available at moreaucenter.com.

Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, Dance Theatre of Harlem was considered “one of ballet’s most exciting undertakings” (The New York Times, 1971).

Shortly after the assassination of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mitchell was inspired to start a school that would offer children — especially those in Harlem, the community in which he was born — the opportunity to learn about dance and the allied arts.

Now in its fourth decade, Dance Theatre of Harlem has grown into a multi-cultural dance institution with an extraordinary legacy of providing opportunities for creative expression and artistic excellence that continues to set standards in the performing arts. Dance Theatre of Harlem has achieved unprecedented success, bringing innovative and bold new forms of artistic expression to audiences in New York City, across the country and around the world.

The Company is known for its thrilling performances that successfully challenge preconceived notions. The Dance Theatre of Harlem Company consists of 14 racially diverse dance artists who perform an eclectic, demanding repertoire. From treasured classics, neo-classical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, cutting edge contemporary works and works that use the language of ballet to celebrate African American culture, the company brings new life to the art form of classical ballet. In addition to performances in New York City across the country and abroad, company activities that carry a message of empowerment through the arts also include engaging community through education activities for audiences and young people.