By Hilarie Carpenter

SMG-managed DeVos Performance Hall, DeVos Place®, and the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) Community Inclusion Group (CIG) has announced “The Series: Creative Expressions of African-American Culture,” and its first event the Dance Theatre of Harlem, which brings their 50th Anniversary Tour to DeVos Performance Hall on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 at 8pm. Additional events in The Series will be announced in the near future.

“We are pleased to announce the launch of The Series: Creative Expressions of African-American Culture,” said CIG Chairman Darius Quinn. “The Series is a program of the CAA and CIG that is designed to provide consistent, high-quality programming for members of the West Michigan region who have an interest in the various forms of arts and entertainment inspired by African-American culture. We are committed to ensuring that the series is entertaining, empowering, educational and inspiring.”

“We strive to guide the venues in bringing diverse and inclusive entertainment to West Michigan,” added Joe Jones, CIG Member and President/CEO of the Urban League of West Michigan. “The Series follows in line with this vision, and we are excited to bring a set of excellent events to Grand Rapids that both celebrate and reflect the rich and vibrant African-American culture.”

Dance Theatre of Harlem is a leading dance institute of unparalleled global acclaim whose mission is to maintain a world-class school that trains young people in classical ballet and the allied arts. They provide arts education, community outreach programs and serve as positive role models for all. The Dance Theatre of Harlem presents a ballet company of African-American and other racially diverse artists who perform the most demanding repertory at the highest level of quality. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company tours nationally and internationally, presenting a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century.

The 16-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate African-American culture. Through performances, community engagement and arts education, the Company carries forward Dance Theatre of Harlem’s message of empowerment through the arts for all.

Tickets for Dance Theatre of Harlem are on sale now. Tickets are available at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena® box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. See Ticketmaster.com for all current pricing and availability.