Palmetto Health Foundation and the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties, with a $25,000 presenting sponsorship gift from AT&T, will bring the renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem to Township Auditorium on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. The performance will be one of the last this season in the Southeastern United States.

Dance Theatre of Harlem School is a cultural, social, and educational institution committed to providing young people of diverse backgrounds with an opportunity to receive training in classical ballet and the allied arts.

The school’s comprehensive programs strive to instill discipline and self-esteem, and to encourage creativity, enabling students to develop to their fullest potential and to excel in their chosen endeavors.

The school’s positive presence in Harlem offers individuals a safe haven in which to explore and express themselves both emotionally and physically, and helps them develop into contributing members to the community at large.

Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, the Dance Theatre of Harlem School quickly emerged as a leading arts education center and an accredited dance training institute. From an initial enrollment of just thirty students, DTHS has grown to a registration of over 500 students per year, and developed a varied curriculum that, in addition to ballet and tap, has included modern, jazz and African dance, gymnastics, karate, Tai-chi, and even Irish step dancing. Other classes include music theory and dance history. Classes are offered in three programs (Community, Pre-Professional, and Professional) during the fall and spring semesters, for all levels of experience, ages 3 to 24 years. The summer semester features a six-week intensive program of study.

"At AT&T, we are committed to helping make a difference in lives throughout South Carolina," said Pamela Lackey, president of AT&T South Carolina. "We do that by investing in the advanced technologies and networks that customers rely on every day and by investing in local organizations and initiatives that improve quality of life in a community. We are pleased to help bring the Dance Theater of Harlem to the Midlands and excited about the ways this event will benefit the region."

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Pediatric Sickle Cell Program of the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital as well as arts programs and services at the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Katherine Davis at Palmetto Health Foundation at 803.434.2826 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Tickets are available at the Township Auditorium box office, ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets (including most Publix stores) or by phone at 800.745.3000.

Palmetto Health Foundation’s mission is to engage community partners to enhance healthcare for patients and families served by Palmetto Health.

For more information, visit palmettohealthfoundation.org.

Founded in 1984, the Cultural Council is a not-for-profit local arts agency dedicated to fostering the artistic and cultural vitality of Richland and Lexington Counties. For more information, visit smartarts.org.