Arthur Mitchell: Library honoree. Contributed photoThe Westport Public Library will honor Arthur Mitchell, founder and director of Dance Theatre of Harlem, at its seventh annual “Booked for the Evening” fund-raising gala May 29.
The award honors those whose work furthers the goals of the library—to nurture a love of learning and to enhance our understanding of the world. The 4 p.m. award ceremony will include a tribute by Jacques dAmboise, readings and dance.
Mitchell has been a pivotal figure in the dance world for more than five decades. He is known around the world as an accomplished artistic director, educator, choreographer and dancer.
In 1955, Mitchell became the first African-American male dancer to become a permanent member of a major ballet company. He joined the New York City Ballet and quickly rose to the position of principal dancer with company.
In 1968, upon learning of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mitchell was determined to do something to provide children in Harlem with the kinds of opportunities that had been given to him. He began giving ballet classes to local children in a Harlem church basement.
In 1969, with financial assistance from the Ford Foundation, Mitchell and Karel Shook, his teacher and mentor, founded and formally incorporated the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Now 36 years old, the Dance Theatre of Harlem has grown into a multicultural institution of world renown, comprised of students and dancers from the United States and abroad.
Previous recipients of the Westport Public Library Award have been Tom Brokaw, 1999; E.L. Doctorow, 2000; Calvin Trillin, 2001; Wendy Wasserstein, 2002; Pete Hamill, 2003; and Martin Scorsese in 2004.
Reservations for the gala begin at $150 per person. Cocktails and hors doeuvres will be served. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Joan Hume, director of community relations, at (203) 291-4818.
