Founder of Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dance Pioneer
Arthur Mitchell (March 27, 1934 - September 19, 2018):
Have you ever wondered about the man who brought ballet to new heights of diversity and inclusion? Arthur Mitchell, born on March 27, 1934, was a groundbreaking ballet dancer and choreographer, establishing the Dance Theatre of Harlem to provide opportunities for Black dancers. His contributions to classical ballet and his dedication to fostering talent reshaped the landscape of dance.
Arthur Mitchell's friends remember him as a visionary who believed in the transformative power of dance, while history recognizes him as a trailblazer who shattered racial barriers in the world of ballet. Through his artistry and mentorship, Mitchell inspired a generation of dancers and expanded the possibilities of what ballet could be.
The following figureheads were contemporaries of this figurehead. A contemporary is someone who shares the same era of time, engages in a similar dialogue, and contributes to a similar school of thought.
