Title
To recognize Arthur Mitchell for his many accomplishments and contributions to the arts community through drama and dance
Explanation
WHEREAS, Arthur Mitchell became the first African American lead dancer with the New York City Ballet in 1956; and
WHEREAS, After an accomplished career performing in myriad major ballets, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Nutcracker, and performances in several Broadway shows, Mr. Mitchell returned to Harlem as the Co-Founder of the first African-American classical ballet company, Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH); and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mitchell’s passion and determination to bring classical ballet opportunities to underrepresented communities fueled his desire to help create Dance Theatre of Harlem, and is the sole reason for his visit to Columbus; and
WHEREAS, In Harlem, DTH created an explosion of professional opportunity in dance, music, and other theatrical activities. Many of the students who have attended the Dance Theatre of Harlem have successfully engaged in careers as dancers, and musicians, as well as production technicians, stagecraft, and wardrobe consultants, and many other theatre related occupations; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mitchell has received numerous honors including the Kennedy Center Honors, MacArthur Fellowship, United States National Medal of Arts, Inductee into the National Museum of Dance C.V. Whitney Hall of Fame, Heinz Award in the Arts and Humanities, Fletcher Foundation Fellowship, and Mr. Mitchell and the Dance Theatre of Harlem were honored at the White House by President Bush with a dinner celebrating their accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mitchell has also received honorary doctorates from numerous leading universities, including Hamilton College, Brown University, City College of the City University of New York, Harvard University, The Juilliard School, The New School for Social Research, North Carolina School of the Arts and Williams College; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mitchell’s leadership, outreach in the community, and dedication to introducing drama and dance to many, has left an indelible mark on the arts community, and enabled him to be a source of inspiration to future aspiring dancers; and
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council recognizes the accomplishments and contributions that Arthur Mitchell has made to the arts community through drama and dance, and wishes him continued success in all of his endeavors.