Ashayla Byrd X Robert Garland, Alexandra Hutchinson, Derek Brockington

In this special Artist Talk, Ashayla Byrd sits down with The Dance Theatre of Harlem’s (@dancetheatreofharlem) Artistic Director, Robert Garland (@robertgarland) and principal dancers Alexandra Hutchinson (@a_ballerina_) and Derek Brockington (@princederek14)!

They chat about documenting dance, dancing at the National Theatre (@washingtonperformingarts) and their upcoming show, the Washington Performing Arts (@washingtonperformingarts) presentation of the Firebird! Special Thanks to Bucklesweet (@bucklesweet) for help in coordinating the interview!

“The Firebird Ballet Suite” was performed by the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra (@uncsamusic) conducted by Mark A. Norman and released on UNCSA Media. Support for “Firebird” is provided by the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts as part of a multi-year partnership between Dance Theatre of Harlem and UNCSA.

Friday, September 25, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 26, 2026, 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
The National Theatre (1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C.)

Get Tickets here!

Let Your Spirit Take Flight! Experience the power and passion of Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) as the company returns to Washington Performing Arts with the bold revival of Firebird, the company’s iconic take on the classic tale of love and transformation. This DTH signature work, which premiered in Paris, is a feast for the senses, as the Russian folk tale is reimagined in a luscious Caribbean setting featuring John Taras’s choreography and Stravinsky’s iconic score. First conceived in 1982 by Taras, the production comes to life through the inimitable Geoffrey Holder’s stunning sets and costumes, and is accompanied by music recorded by the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mark A. Norman. This exclusive D.C. engagement by Washington Performing Arts and Dance Theatre of Harlem is the latest in a 50-year history of collaboration first established in 1973.

The performance program also includes the lively Donizetti Variations—a masterclass of elegance and endurance set to Donizetti’s Don Sebastian opera—and Return, a soulful, high-octane celebration performed to the timeless sounds of James Brown and Aretha Franklin. Return was choreographed for Dance Theatre of Harlem’s 30th anniversary by DTH Artistic Director Robert Garland.

Ashayla Byrd (she/they) (@abyrdnyca) is a DC-based dance artist and writer who is dedicated to amplifying the voices of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ folks. Originally from Virginia Beach, Ashayla is eager to explore the richness of DC’s dance and writing communities!