Geoffrey Holder scenes from PBS Stravinsky's Firebird performed by Dance Theatre of Harlem

had the honor of working with Mr. Holder when I produced, directed, and edited the one hour PBS Special Stravinsky's Firebird as performed by the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Our production which contained a 30 minute making of the Firebird which I directed and the actual premier performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC won the distinguished Peabody Award in 1983. I will forever treasure the time I spent with Mr. Holder during this wondrous collaboration of amazing dance talent. These are but a few scenes from the entire program.

[@cindychristian1700]

I remember seeing this back in the day. It was beautiful. Please someone find and upload on RUclips!

[@qbear17]

The performance is beautiful. If you can find a video of it, it is worth watching. Stephanie Dabney was the first black ballerina to have a Firebird role created for her. Not to take away from Misty Copeland, Ms. Dabney was the real pioneer in the world of dance. I've known Ms. Dabney since 2000, and she.s been a delight, funny, kooky, spirited. I was honored to host a screening of The Firebird on its 30th anniversary, with Ms. Dabney present and answering audience questions. Videos of this production are hard to find, but don't give up.

[@kerrytakashi12]

+qbear17
EXACTLY! I find it hard to take that we are all supposed to forget the accomplishment of Stephanie Dabney and Dance Theater of Harlem just so Misty Copeland can rise above them. Both Copeland's mentor and her agent in her biography film boldly claim that DTH wasn't a major dance company, unsaid was that Dabney wasn't a professional dancer. Lies like this have to stop.

[@kellylamarco9955]

Is there a place to find video of Ms. Dabney? I remember her from when I was young, when she was dancing with Ballet Western Reserve in Youngstown, Ohio. She stopped every show I can remember. I would love to see a video of her dancing. Many thanks for any help you can give me. -Kelly

[@phmex13]

Thank you for posting this!
My dear friend Geoffrey was a true gentleman

[@colo-read]

I was mesmerized when my brother, Christopher Aponte performed Firebird at the Kennedy Center. Stunning piece of work.

[@BeverlyBaroff]

@OutlawJacksBonnyLass Hi thanks for your comment. this is my old RUclips channel I was the producer, editor of the PBS Dance Theater of Harlem Firebird Special. I actually directed all the behind the scenes sequences including in which Mr Holder appears. Actually the DTH got permission from us and WQED Pittsburgh to use our production in their promotions. Including Donald's intro that they added in their link..

[@severalaccounts]

Every year when I was a little girl in the 80s, I looked forward to watching this on PBS. MEMORIES!!! Thank you for posting this 💜

[@farisasmith7109]

I'll never forget when The Dance Theatre of Harlem came to my elementary school and performed parts of this. Seeing beautiful black people that looked like me dancing ballet !? Hearing that suite was amazing! I never forgot that.

[@TheCoryh1]

My heart became so sad to here that "The Great One" ...I like to call him, passed away. But what an fantastic body of work!! Thank you for posting this..I have been yearly looking for this special documentary using RUclips and google search but coiuld never find it..until now. Please do post the complete video. As an artist and illustrator myself, I love watching Mr. Holder sketching and designing in his studio. I was avery lucky child in that my parents took me to see the original "The Wiz" in New York in 1975, and also I saw the traveling version of Timbuktu. Holder's fantastical costumes and lush fabrics burst with so much boldness on stage. But I must say that this "firebird" you directed moved me to tears...The whole production was perfection! Mr. Holder I love YOU. Your Art will live forever in my mind, in my own artwork, and with in these video recordings. God Bless to the Family. In Peace, Cory

[@KIKAALEGRIA]

Thank you for sharing . I would love to see the complete video if it is available ?

[@JuniperJupiter]

Your best bet would be to contact your local PBS affiliate and ask if they might have a copy of it. Bonus if you happen to live in NYC. Good luck, hon. :)

[@Jayjen35]

I want, very very much to see this...I hope that I can find it somewhere!

[@hellokittyy9646]

An article about Ms. Dabney....A Firebird No Longer in Toe ShoesAbout New York By TRYMAINE LEE OCT. 5, 2010

[@ebonywahine]

@Happyidiot90049 Is it possible to purchase the full video from a vendor?

[@happyidiot90049]

Contact [e-mail] 310 828 2966 Dale Bell is the executive producer of the Firebird Special

[@mikedillingham462]

His paintings were a derivative of the work of Amedeo Modigliani.

[@OutlawJacksBonnyLass]

Looks like it was uploaded!
ruclips.net/video/ToWjcHvaUyM/видео.htmlfeature=shared

[@hellokittyy9646]

A Firebird No Longer in Toe ShoesAbout New York By TRYMAINE LEE OCT. 5, 2010