Tania León rehearsing the DTH orchestra in Studio 3, at Dance Theatre of Harlem

Renowned Cuban-American composer, Ms. Tania León started at DTH as an accompanist for ballet classes taught by Karel Shook and Arthur Mitchell. In 1969 Ms. León became the first Music Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem, establishing the Music Department, Music School and Orchestra. She conducted all the compositions she wrote for the company.

“My first conducting experience was incredible. We were on tour in Spoleto and I had not yet studied conducting. Mr. Mitchell, Giancarlo Menotti, Lincoln Kirstein, Mr. Shook and I were sitting in Mr. Menotti’s castle and they told me, “You know the music, go do it.” The conductor we brought with us was unable to perform. I was dying and so nervous. I just went on automatic. I don’t know how I did it but I did and received favorable reviews. After returning to NY I enrolled in conducting classes at NYU.”

Tania León, DTH Conductor/Musical Director