Sheila Rohan

Dance Theatre of Harlem

Sheila Rohan began her career in dance as a founding member of Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH), under the direction of Arthur Mitchell, former premier danseur with the New York City Ballet, and Associate Director Karel Shook. She toured extensively in the United States, Caribbean and Europe, performing in works including, Arthur Mitchell’s Biosfera, Tones, Rhythmetron, and the pas de deux in his Holberg Suite; Geoffrey Holder’s Dougla; Louis Johnson’s Wings; and William Scott’s Every Now and Then.

Rohan has performed with dance companies both contemporary and ballet. She toured China and South Korea with the Myung Sook Chun Dance Company, a modern dance troupe. She danced the role of Rosa Parks in Gordon Parks’ film for television Martin…the ballet and performed in a production of Porgy and Bess, choreographed by Carmen De Lavallade at the Metropolitan Opera House. She performed with the Louis Johnson Ensemble, Fred Benjamin Dance Company, Rod Rodgers Dance Company, Walter Nicks Dance Company, and Clive Thompson Dance.

Rohan has been assistant to choreographers Louis Johnson, John Jones, Talley Beatty, Walter Nicks and Walter Rutledge. Rohan was commissioned to choreograph a ballet for the Staten Island Ballet, which was entitled Falling In Love With Love and premiered August 2001 at the College of Staten Island.

Sheila has taught master classes in ballet in Kanagawa, Japan and for several years at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater School, both in the Junior and Adult Divisions. She teaches all levels and ages in ballet/jazz/exercise programs and taught for the NYC Department of Education/Elementary and High Schools, NAACP Afterschool Programs, and NYC Housing Authority. Sheila specializes in teaching beginners and programs for seniors.

Since retiring from performing, Rohan has been teaching and choreographing for local schools, theater groups and cultural organizations.

Rohan is a founding member of Clark Center NYC at Universal Temple of the Arts, a cultural organization located on Staten Island and Unity Cultural Workshop, a Black heritage theater group also on Staten Island.