When the lights came up on Dance Theater of Harlem earlier this month at the Kennedy Center, there was a burst of ecstatic applause before the dancers took a single step, demonstrating America’s enduring love for the country’s first African American ballet company.The company is renowned for its distinct blend of classical ballet and African American cultural influences. Their repertoire reflects the energy, direction, vitality and precision of George Balanchine and the New York City Ballet where Dance Theater of Harlem founders started their careers.