Kennedy Hannible- The Passing of the Legendary Arthur Mitchell

Arthur Mitchell a dance icon died at the age of 84 on September 19, 2018. He is known as a revolutionary for black dancers in a very bias world. He was also known a the founder and director of the Dance Theater of Harlem. Mitchell was the first black ballet dancer to achieve international fame. He was one of the most popular dancers with the New York City Ballet and was remembered for his dazzling presence, amazing artistry, and his outstanding sense of self. His excitement helped him as director of the Dance Theater of Harlem, which was the nations first major black classical company. This company was a big breakthrough for the African American culture in dance for the past and present. He even danced for the well-renowned George Balanchine which made him a prime artist for American ballet history. One of Mitchell's last performances was a tribute towards Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shortly after his passing in 1968. After the passing of Martin Luther King, he provided the children of Harlem with the kinds of opportunities he had and what others would want. Which is why he created the Dance Theater of Harlem with Karel Shook who was a mentor and friend.
Arthur Mitchell has opened doors for many black dancers and has even inspired dancers like me and my teachers. Me being an African American dancer it is nice to know how what, and why they went through what they did just for the future. His influence on the world of dance has grown tremendously which has provided the opportunities he wanted for children of color. His death has shaken many dancers even some of my mentors and teachers and is hard to take. But his legacy still lives on in the lives of African American dancers like me.
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