Mitchell, Arthur

Mitchell, Arthur, 1934–, American dancer, b. New York City. Mitchell studied in New York City and appeared on Broadway and with various companies at home and abroad. He joined the New York City Ballet in 1956, becoming a soloist in 1959. The first black principal dancer of a major company in history, he remained with the company for 20 years. His performance as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream (1964) was especially acclaimed. He also performed with distinction in Western Symphony, Agon, Afternoon of a Faun, and Ebony Concerto. In 1968, Mitchell founded a ballet school in Harlem, New York City, in order to provide classical academic training to black students. By 1970 under his direction the school developed into the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the first black classical ballet company. His works include Rhythmetron (1968) and Ode to Otis (1969).

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Mitchell, Arthur

(born March 27, 1934, New York, N.Y., U.S.) U.S. dancer, choreographer, and director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. He studied at the High School for the Performing Arts in New York City. He began dancing in Broadway musicals and worked with several ballet companies before joining the New York City Ballet in 1956 as its first African American dancer. He created roles in several of George Balanchine's ballets, including A Midsummer Night's Dream (1962) and Agon (1967), before leaving the company in 1972. In 1968 he cofounded a ballet school, and its company, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, made its debut in 1971. He has continued as its director and choreographer.

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Mitchell, Arthur (1934–  ) ballet dancer, choreographer; born in New York City. Trained at the School of American Ballet, he became the first African-American dancer to become a full member of the New York City Ballet (1956). In 1968 he began working toward his vision of a classical ballet school for young African-Americans; by 1970 he was opening the Dance Theater of Harlem, which soon was producing dancers capable of performing both classic and original dances. He continued to direct the internationally renowned school and company.