Although George Balanchine was a mentor to Arthur, I wonder what his experience would gave been like in 2024 as a black dancer. Balanchie was quoted as saying that he had to work and be better than everyone else. This just put a lot in perspective for me and reminded me of my parents and their experience raising me in Oklahoma as Middle Eastern immigrants owning a restaurant during the War on the Middle East. Having to work harder and literally pave ways for people to prove that they exist and deserve to hold up space.
Arthur Mitchell continued most of his work later with the DTH, which is still a running theater for young dancers and artists today. He died on September 19th, 2018 in New York City due to renal failure. Mitchell’s honors include ‘1971 Capezio Award, the 1975 Dance Magazine Award and, in 1993, a Kennedy Center Honor and a Handel Medallion from New York City’ (Holmes). I dream of a place where I can make similar strides for children that grew up like me. Unsure of the space they are allowed to take up. Arthur Mitchell made spaces of accessibility for many people in the future of art, dance, and life.
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