Mitchell, Arthur (1934-2018), was the first black American to dance with a major classical ballet company. He performed with the New York City Ballet from 1955 to 1970.
Mitchell was born on March 27, 1934, in New York City and attended the School of American Ballet. In 1955, he joined the New York City Ballet. His major roles included the part of Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the pas de deux (dance for two persons) in Agon.
In 1969, Mitchell formed the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a professional ballet company in New York City’s chief black community. The company was best known for its varied repertoire, including a version of the 1841 romantic ballet Giselle now set in the Louisiana bayou. Mitchell directed the company, taught in the school, and choreographed (created) dances. He created such works as Holberg Suite (1970), Rhythmetron (1971), Manifestations (1975), and John Henry (1988). In 2004, the company was forced to shut down because of severe financial problems within the organization. Virginia Johnson, a founding dancer of the company, was named artistic director in 2011 and re-formed the company in 2012. Mitchell became artistic director emeritus. Mitchell died on Sept. 19, 2018.
