Dance Theatre of Harlem Names Marcie Cleary to Board of Directors

The Dance Theatre of Harlem, one of the nation’s most prestigious cultural institutions, has announced the appointment of Marcie Cleary to its board of directors. The move comes ahead of a busy summer season for the company, which includes a return to Lincoln Center’s BAAND Together Dance Festival (July 29–August 2), as well as upcoming residencies in East Hampton and Martha’s Vineyard.

Ms. Cleary, a partner in the Entertainment Group at Frankfurt Kurnit, brings more than 15 years of experience in media and entertainment law to the board. Her client roster spans film, television, digital media, podcasting, publishing, and professional sports, and she is widely recognized as one of the top entertainment attorneys in the country.

“We are delighted to welcome Marcie Cleary to the Board of Directors of Dance Theatre of Harlem,” said Ackneil M. Muldrow III, Chairman of the Board. “As a distinguished entertainment lawyer, she brings a wealth of industry expertise and strategic insight that will strengthen our organization at a pivotal time of growth. Her deep personal commitment to DTH—as a parent of a student in our school and a passionate advocate for our mission—makes her an especially meaningful addition.”

Ms. Cleary has been named to The Hollywood Reporter’s Power Lawyers list in 2023 and 2024 and featured in Variety’s Legal Impact Report for five consecutive years. She was also included in Variety’s 2024 Women’s Impact Report: New York. Her accolades include recognition from The Legal 500, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Business Insider, and Chambers USA.

In a statement, Ms. Cleary said the appointment was both professional and personal. “DTH is a vital cultural institution for the Harlem community, New York City, and the world. As a DTH parent, it has also been an important institution for me personally. DTH doesn’t just teach students dance; it teaches essential life skills and gives them an invaluable sense of community.”

Her addition to the board aligns with Dance Theatre of Harlem’s broader efforts to elevate voices with deep ties to both the arts and the professional sectors. Other members of the board include Vice Chair Leslie Wims Morris, Secretary Martino R. Moore, and board members Terri Prettyman Bowles, Kevin M. Cofsky, Richard E. Constable III, Charles DeSantis, Molly Hall, Isabel Kallman, Aliya LeeKong, Sharon Madison, Erika Munro, Carmen Perkins, Azhar Richmond, Tangela Richter, Bonita Stewart, Peter Sung, Janice Vickers, and China White.

Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, Dance Theatre of Harlem was born out of a mission to expand access to classical ballet in the aftermath of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mitchell, a former principal dancer with New York City Ballet, envisioned a space where children—particularly those in Harlem—could learn dance and the allied arts at the highest level.

Now in its fifth decade, Dance Theatre of Harlem continues to offer performances around the world, lead professional training programs, and maintain robust education and community outreach initiatives, including its flagship program, Dancing Through Barriers®.

Ms. Cleary’s appointment reflects the company’s commitment to leadership that is both professionally accomplished and personally invested in the future of Dance Theatre of Harlem.