Stacey A. Frazier smiled as she thought about being 7 years old, sitting beside her mother and watching dancers glide across the stage during Dance Theatre of Harlem performances. Now, years later, that memory recently resurfaced. Frazier, who is president of the NY Chapter of National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, realized she was having a full-circle moment.
Here’s why.
The Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) will host their 4th Annual Divine Nine & HBCU Night at New York City Center (55th Street in Manhattan) on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 pm. Every year, DTH highlights one historically Black college or university (HBCU). This year, the featured HBCU is Frazier’s alma mater, Spelman College.
DTH Company Artists Derek Brockington and Alexandra Hutchinson in Firebird. Photo by Rachel Papo 
(L-R) A member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. with member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. at last year’s Divine Nine & HBCU Night. (Photo courtesy of Cherylynn Tsushima) 
Dance Theatre of Harlem Company Artists Kamala Saara and Derek Brockington. (Photo courtesy of Nir Arieli)
The public is welcome to attend the event, which is being held in partnership with the National Pan-Hellenic Council of New York City, Inc. and the NY Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College.
“As a native New Yorker, I grew up being very familiar with the Dance Theatre of Harlem,” said Frazier, a member of the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. “There’s just something beautiful about DTH, and I’m really excited about the opportunity for Spelman not only to be the named partner, but for us to have our Spelman sister and my soror DJ Monday Blue on the ones and twos. This event is an opportunity for everybody to dance. You can come in the door dancing (when the doors open at 6:30 p.m.). You can leave the show dancing. While we get to experience the wonderful dancers through the Dance Theatre of Harlem, we also get to be engaged in moving our bodies and dancing.”
Dance Theatre of Harlem Board Members/Staff and their Divine Nine/HBCU Affiliations:
Marcie Cleary, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., board member
Sharon Duncan, Howard University alumna, director of individual giving
Anna M. Glass, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., executive director
Virginia Johnson, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., artistic director emerita
Fatima Jones, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., chief marketing officer
Gwendolyn Kingsberry, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., director of community engagement and arts education
Ackneil M. Muldrow, III, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., board chair
Erika Munro Kennerly, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Hampton University alumna, board member
Keyana K. Patterson, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., marketing manager
Stanley Lee Ralph III, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and North Carolina A&T alumnus, production stage manager
Jeanine A. Reynolds, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., North Carolina Central University alumna, chief development officer
Kira Robinson, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., company artist, Dance Theatre of Harlem
Vernon Ross, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., former wardrobe supervisor and production manager
Leslie Wims Morris, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., board vice chair
In addition to offering opportunities for people to dance before and after the performance, the evening is designed to bring together DTH, members of the Divine Nine, HBCU alumni, faculty, students, and the public. This will be a celebration of history and culture that honors the dedicated service and commitment of these organizations, institutions, and individuals.
According to Dance Theatre of Harlem Chief Marketing Officer Fatima Jones, “It’s a moment for people to come and just enjoy and not have to worry too much about what’s going on outside in the world. We can get to that when we leave the theater, but this is a time to fall into some magic and be enchanted.” Jones, a member of the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., added, “Valencia Yearwood, a former DTH dancer and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., helped launch this program for DTH.”
Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) Chief Marketing Officer Fatima Jones talks about Divine Nine & HBCU Night with DTH. Jones is a member of Brooklyn Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Dance Theatre of Harlem Divine Nine and HBCU Night recap from 2025. (Video courtesy of Destiny Rosa/Dance Theatre of Harlem)
Jones said the classic tale “Firebird” will be a centerpiece of the evening — a remounting of this work to lift up the iconic name of Goeffrey Holder and celebrate his impact on culture and the arts.
She also mentioned legendary ballet dancer, educator, and DTH founder Arthur Mitchell.
Jones said she feels lucky to help carry on DTH’s 57-year legacy. “I love the fact that Mr. Robert Garland, DTH’s artistic director, always creates a night that includes something for everyone … The dancers are absolutely gorgeous. They’re athletic. They’re at the top of their craft. They rehearse and practice and practice and use their bodies as instruments to spread joy and love and tell wonderful stories about our people.”
On Divine Nine & HBCU Night, Jones believes the audience will experience joy and feel the dancers’ energy and soul of their movements. She invited people to get tickets, come to dance, watch, and be enchanted.
For more information, visit https://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/divineninehbcunight.
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