Next week, the Dance Institute of Washington celebrates its 25th anniversary with a “25 Years, 25 Lives” gala event.
Founded by former Dance Theatre of Harlem dancer (and 2007 DT cover star) Fabian Barnes, DIW is dedicated to offering quality dance classes to underserved and at-risk youth in Washington, D.C. (Click here to read about Barnes’ personal childhood experience with dance and DIW’s expansion to new state-of-the-art facilities in 2006.) DIW’s students have gone on to perform in college and professionally with DTH, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Suzanne Farrell Ballet and more.
Dance Theatre of Harlem founder Arthur Mitchell (also the first African-American to dance for NYCB) will speak at the event as a guest of honor, and the evening will include performances by DIW students and guest performers.
Photo: Fabian Barnes and Dance Institute of Washington students, by John Woo, 2007
