Mitchell, Arthur
1934-2018 · Contribution: 1955-2009
Ballet Dancer & Company Founder
First African American principal dancer at a major ballet company; founded Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1969, the first major Black classical ballet company in the United States
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1934
- Active since
- 1955
- Category
- Arts, Music & Entertainment Tech
- Best known for
- First Black NYCB principalFounded Dance Theatre of HarlemBalanchine muse
Impact on the world
Mitchell broke ballet's color barrier at its highest level, then built an institution to open the art to Black dancers. He proved classical ballet belonged to everyone.
An alternative history
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Sources
- Book or scholarly workFind
Britannica
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Related visionaries
Copeland, Misty Danielle
1982-
First African American woman promoted to principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre's 75-year history
Ailey, Alvin Jr.
1931-1989
Founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958, creating a lasting home for Black dancers and choreographing 'Revelations,' one of the most performed ballets in the world
Jamison, Judith Ann
1943-2024
Alvin Ailey's principal muse and star dancer for 15 years; succeeded him as artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for 21 years, becoming the first African American woman to lead a major modern dance company
Robinson, Cleo Parker
1948-
Founded the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble in 1970, building it into a major Denver-based dance institution now in its sixth decade; studied directly under Katherine Dunham and Arthur Mitchell, already profiled in this collection