The ballet John Henry, based on the folk song that forms the ballet's score, is the tale of the legendary steel-driving man who fights against automation and whose feats of strength are celebrated in American folk tales and ballads. Using his sledgehammer and steel bit, John Henry outworks a steam drill and wins, but as the song says he pays a price. Choreographed in 1988 by acclaimed dancer and Dance Theatre of Harlem's co-founder Arthur Mitchell, the ballet is a testament to the singular perseverance that allowed the folk hero to triumph over impossible odds. The production opens with Mitchell describing the creation of his work: "The essence of what John Henry was about is the essence of what we, at Dance Theatre of Harlem, are about...those who want to achieve beyond the norm."

Composer: Milton Rosenstock
Choreography: Arthur Mitchell
Venue: Danmarks Radio Aarhus
Company: Dance Theatre of Harlem
Cast/Soloist: Eddie J. Shellman, Yvonne Hall, Dance Theatre of Harlem
Genre: Dance