For Arthur Mitchell, co-founder and artistic director emeritus of the celebrated Dance Theatre of Harlem, the adventure continues and the beat goes on. After 50 years, Mitchell is returning to Russia for an encore performance.
Mitchell is the first African-American principal dancer with the New York City Ballet who became a celebrated protégé of George Balanchine and is recognized as a MacArthur Fellow; a Kennedy Center honoree; an inductee into the National Museum of Dance’s Hall of Fame, among others.
Following his Russian début in 1962, Mitchell is traveling to Moscow and St. Petersburg where he has been invited to be a featured speaker in the “American Seasons” program of the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission.
Additionally, Mitchell will be honored as the sole American juror at the prestigious XI International Ballet Festival Dance Open, April 12-17 in St. Petersburg.
Dance Theatre of Harlem is the country’s most renowned African-American classical ballet school and dance company where, for more than four decades, Mr. Mitchell inspired and choreographed grace, poise and confidence to thousands of gifted and aspiring students.
At the same time, Mitchell successfully commanded the respect of distinguished civic and business leaders, government officials and international audiences. His lifelong mission of promoting cultural enrichment has been dramatically communicated through classic and neo-classic ballet, equal rights and the benefits of diversity.
For international business corporations, foundations supporting the arts, philanthropists and those who strive to strengthen U.S. diplomatic relations, grants, rights and sponsorships are being accepted to enable Mr. Mitchell to extend his U.S. Department of State-supported speakers event for a minimum of a three to four week Russian Residency Program featuring master classes, workshops, lecture demonstrations, community outreach and media recognition.
