Arthur Mitchell

Arthur Mitchell (March 27, 1934 - ) is an African-American dancer and choreographer who created a training school and the first African-American classical ballet company, Dance Theatre of Harlem. Among other awards, he has been recognized as a MacArthur Fellow, inducted into the National Museum of Dance's Hall of Fame, and has received the United States National Medal of Arts and a Fletcher Foundation fellowship. Born in Harlem, New York, Arthur ... more

Arthur Mitchell (March 27, 1934 - ) is an African-American dancer and choreographer who created a training school and the first African-American classical ballet company, Dance Theatre of Harlem. Among other awards, he has been recognized as a MacArthur Fellow, inducted into the National Museum of Dance's Hall of Fame, and has received the United States National Medal of Arts and a Fletcher Foundation fellowship. Born in Harlem, New York, Arthur Mitchell was encouraged by a guidance counselor who saw his talent to apply to the selective High School of Performing Arts. He was accepted and decided to work toward making a life in classical ballet. When Arthur Mitchell graduated from the High School of Performing Arts in New York City in the early 1950s, he won a dance award and a scholarship to study at the School of American Ballet, the school affiliated with the New York City Ballet. In 1955 Mitchell made his debut as the first African American with the New York City Ballet (NYCB),... less