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1934
2018
Arthur Mitchell (1934 – 2018) was a ballet dancer who achieved international acclaim as the first African-American principal dancer at the New York City Ballet. He danced with the company from 1956 to 1968. Following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., he was inspired to help found the Dance Theater of Harlem.
His career as a dancer and choreographer blazed a trail and created opportunities for other black dancers in classical dance.
We invite you to share condolences for Arthur Mitchell in our Guest Book.
Died: Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Details of death: Died in New York City at the age of 84.
Read the full obituary from Legacy.com.
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131 Entries
Class is once again in session. The teacher has joined his students: A command performance before the God of All Creation and His Court.
Jeanee Barnes
December 12, 2018
Rest in peace Mr. Mitchell. On behalf of the Barnes family I give my condolences to your family. Thank you for the opportunity you gave to my brothers Fabian and Donnie. May your legacy continue to thrive. THANK YOU!
Jeanee Barnes
December 12, 2018
Leaps UPTOWN...for Mr. Arthur Mitchell
by A. Leo Taylor
Put on brown pointe shoes Little Harlem Girl
And I will teach you to assemble, bourre' and twirl
The world will try to beat you down and try to make you think
That brown pointe shoes dance beside shoe that are pink
I will teach youto soar high as a Firebird
If at center floor, you hang on my every word
Tomorrow we will meet Madiba and you will lift up high
Aswingingleg with pointed foot in tights that you have to dyed
To match your burnt sienna skin that dwells with your pride
That unlocks all of the black butterflies inside
and I can see beauty of your future and those you will inspire
With leaps Uptown, up and down that lift you a little higher
I cannot make you pretty but beauty is in your grasp
As you grande jete' and demi plie' you'll never have to ask
"Where is Mr. Mitchell? Where did he go?"
His heart resides deep inside the flexed and pointed toe
He's in the extended arm waiting for a hand
A Creole Gisselle who does not wail at the loss of a lover man
I know that you will miss
my stern concerned bliss
Need I remind you, to always remember that
You are beautifully young, gifted and black
A. Leo Taylor
December 5, 2018
His presence and what hes built has changed the corse of my life and has inspired me to dance my way through life adjusting to the different lifes choreography thank you Mr Mitchell for everything that you have tought me and shown me you will never be forgotten love ❤ you 4life Jonathan Kolaj Berry
Jonathan Berry
Coworker
December 2, 2018
My sincere condolences to Arthur Mitchell's family and friends.
November 30, 2018
Such an inspiration. Thank you.
Jason Jimerez
Student
October 27, 2018
Thank you Arthur Mitchell. Rest In Peace.
Judy Humphrey
October 24, 2018
May God give family friends and all those touched by Arthur Mitchell's love of dance the strength needed during this time
May he call back to mind the memories that leave a smile on your heart
My prayers are with you
Jackie
October 9, 2018
Our deepest condolences to one of the worlds greatest African American dancers and his family, friends and fans. May God be your strength in this time of great sorrow.
Clara
October 5, 2018
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Mitchell family and friends at this difficult time.
C F
October 3, 2018
May the light of Arthur Mitchell's legacy never dim...
Adrienne
October 3, 2018
CONDOLES TO THE FAMILY. MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILT SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BE OF COMFORT TO YOUR FAMILY DOING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. PROV.17:97.
October 3, 2018
I remember visiting DTH where our mentor (a former DTH dancer) arranged a class for her young dancers alongside DTH dancers. Mr. Mitchell was intense and he demanded perfection. A great experience. So glad to have met him. He will be missed.
Beverly Palmer
October 2, 2018
We have lost a cultural giant and true legend. Thank you, Mr. Mitchell, for showing the world that there is no stage on which we cannot shine...we only need the opportunity. Thank you for being a courageous and determined pioneer.
Lisa Staton Dyer
October 1, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. You opened opportunities for other black classical dancers.
October 1, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your fond memories of Arthur and the talent he shared with so many people. My prayers are with you.
September 30, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss please accept my deepest condolences. And thank you for all you did for the world of dance.
Laura
September 29, 2018
Thank you for being a Pioneer in Ballet for dancers of all colors.
Thank you for giving my daughter a scholarship.
Thank you for putting Black Ballet on the map.
Job well done, Rest well.
Sandrea Woolfolk
September 29, 2018
Mr. Mitchell etait aux anges quand il danse.
Constance, admirer and student
Saratoga Springs
Constance Carroll
September 29, 2018
My condolence to the family of Arthur Mitchell.
What a legecy he left behind i the dace world, Noted as a trailblazer in the African Americian world.
He as not afraid to test the waters of intergrating the segregated dance world. Even though he no longer exist the memories of him live on. May the God of comfort give you comfort at this time.
Jeanna Byrd
September 28, 2018
What a trailblazer and innovative individual. My prayers are with the family both now and forever.
Tanisha Hill
September 28, 2018
My condolences to the Mitchell family and friends. I am sorry for your loss
September 28, 2018
Having to say good-bye to a loved one can an be extremely difficult and painful. May God give you strength an comfort through the power of prayer. Please accept my condolences. Matthew 21:22
V PM
September 28, 2018
My sincere condolences to family and friends. May the God who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn, sustain your family during this difficult time - Isaiah 61:1, 2.
Priscilla Lynch
September 27, 2018
My Sincere Condolences
Memories will continue to comfort us
Kendra Kingsley
September 27, 2018
Sorry for your loss
September 27, 2018
Thank you Mr.Mitchell for being a wonderful teacher and mentor to a young black girl who always wanted to be a ballerina. Your discipline helped me to continue to walk with grace, dignity, and integrity in every area of my life. Hope we can dance again in Paradise.
Deanna Hope-Felix (Bronx,NY)
Deanna Hope-Felix
Student
September 27, 2018
may god bless him always. keith space Wilson.
keith wilson
September 27, 2018
I was privileged to view "The Dance Theatre Of Harlem"... Mr Mitchell, was a Master of his craft...
Carolyn Bond
September 27, 2018
Arthur was for certain the epitome of black ballet and choreography that carried the the artform in modern times and beyond ! Hopefully others will ride the ballet wave and for these and other reasons he truly will be missed by millions. A word for his grieving family and relatives : The righteous will possess the earth and they will live forever on it Palms 37:29 Submitted with love.
G Scribner
September 26, 2018
I bless the Spirit of the great Arthur Mitchell!!!
J'ai Hemingway
September 26, 2018
Job well done.
Thank you for your
gift of Dance that will
last forever
Dora Wilcox
September 26, 2018
May God sustain you at this time of such great loss.
September 26, 2018
So sorry for your loss, may the God of comfort be with the family through this hard time
Friend
September 26, 2018
Superlative diplomat and creative force....I got to see him receive an award from Brown University in late 1990s.
Marilyn Lavi
Teacher
September 26, 2018
Good night dear sir. RIP
September 25, 2018
God is near to those broken hearted and crushed. May the family find comfort in the days to come.
September 25, 2018
To the family and friends of Arthur Mitchell. My sincere condolences. May our grand instructor bless you and comfort you during this difficult
time.
R D
September 25, 2018
Mrs. Stroud
Neighbor
September 25, 2018
Rest in heaven.
Hope
September 25, 2018
I'm very sorry for your loss. May the power of prayer send you comfort during this difficult time. 1 Peter 5:6,7
Lindsay
September 25, 2018
My condolences to the Mitchell family for your loss
September 25, 2018
My Condolences to the family and friends, fans of Arthur Mitchell for your loss,he openning the door to dance in ballet for black people.may the God of mercy be with you in this time of sadness.
September 25, 2018
God promises life everlasting in Paradise.
Pamela
September 25, 2018
I'm really sorry to know that such a great dancer as Arthur has passed away. Many hearts are broken. I give my condolences to all that knew him and loved him and his dancing. Ps. 83:18
Mac
September 25, 2018
Passion and determination marked his career, leaving lots of memories and a legacy of elegance. Death would be silent for a short time, but loving memories of our beloved ones last for ever. Please accept my since condolences for your loss. Although words can not ease the pain, our Heavenly Father understand what you are going through and He becomes your Stronghold to endure, as you all cherish the great moments enjoyed with Arthur.
September 25, 2018
Thank you so much Mr. Mitchell for your contribution to our history. You opened many doors for our people of color. I pray that your soul is now resting in paradise.
Tina
September 24, 2018
Linda Reese
Acquaintance
September 24, 2018
I remember Mr. Mitchell doing an interview on the TV Program "Like it Is". He was a proud confident Black man that spoke with eloquence. His demure was that of regal gentleman. I was 10 years old and I knew that the man of TV was a legend without knowing anything about him. As an adult I have been to several performance of his incomparable dance company. I was mesmerized by each performance I attended. Sleep in Peace African King.
GUY LOVING
Acquaintance
September 24, 2018
He could truly leap like a dear and Express a story of life.. God knows him and remembers him deeply and so do we. To see him keeping Freer and without end one day will truly be beautiful per our maker.
At that time the lame will leap like the deer,And the tongue of the speechless will shout for joy. For waters will burst forth in the wilderness,And streams in the desert plain. Is 35:6
J Belman
September 24, 2018
So sorry for your loss. God made hope for the dead possible by sending his son to die for us . John 3: 16
September 24, 2018
Losing Arthur is painful. Cherish your memories of him. I'm sorry for your loss. May The God of comfort be with you.
September 24, 2018
May You rest in Peace, Mr Mitchell. I thank you for the extraordinary privilege of singing with the DTH Choral Ensemble. With love... Victoria
Victoria Bell
Student
September 24, 2018
To family and friends, I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort during this time.(Isaiah 51:11-12)
September 24, 2018
May the God of comfort and tender mercies give you peace and help you endure your loss.
September 24, 2018
I'm so sorry about your loss, may the God of comfort, comfort you and the family.
Bernie Laut
September 24, 2018
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of a talented man, who will be remembered for his trailblazing contribution to the arts. He's an icon that will never be forgotten. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of mourning.
September 24, 2018
Thank you for not being afraid to be the best you could be , and for sharing your God-given gift with the world, and doing so with pride and grace. God bless and keep you always.
Sharon Logan
September 23, 2018
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
G. Freeman
September 23, 2018
My prayers and.heartfelt sincerely sympathies are given to the family.friends and associates. In earth loss and heaven gain of. Arthur Mitchell the life he lived and the work he done truly. has spoken for him.
Good deeds continues to live on in many ways as blessing to others. Arthur Mitchell may your soul find rest in God kingdom.
Artis.
Macon. georgia
September 23, 2018
Rest in peace talented sir.
Thomasine Stroble
Friend
September 23, 2018
Dear Mitchell,Rory and I wish to extend our condolences's to the Mitchell Family.and may he rest in peace.he'll surely be missed.luv,faith/rory
faith/rory tobin/dockett
September 23, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope.
M B
September 23, 2018
My sincere condolences to all in the name of Arthur Mitchell's family and friends. May Arthur Mitchell continue to live on in your hearts and in your memories and may you all continue to rely on God in this time of grief because He will strengthen you. Isaiah 40.29
September 23, 2018
Thank you for your contributions to the arts. I'm sure you had to endure some discomfort to pave a friendlier path for us today. RIP.
Van Strickland
September 23, 2018
So sorry that I never got to see him dance! It must have been a delight to watch him float across the stage. Long live his dreams!
Lise Danzer-Blaise
September 23, 2018
My life was enriched by being in a Dance Theater of Harlem audience.
Annually I made sure this august company was part of my 'must see' performances.
He now rests with the Ancestors.
Ashe'
From a Once Little Girl from Gary.
September 22, 2018
My condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the broken-hearted. Isaiah 61:1
September 22, 2018
I grew up in harlem and the Bronx, ny and I have always admired Mr. Arthur Mitchell's work. I remember being mesmerized by watching a performance by the Dance company back in 1979-1980 in Syracuse NY. I has always been fond of classical ballet. Mr. Mitchell was essential to my generation. He will truly be missed....
Daphne Myers
September 22, 2018
May the God of peace comfort the family during this time of loss.
September 22, 2018
Sophia Strachan
September 22, 2018
So talented accomplished so much for those who love to dance. May the wonderful memories you share bring comfort during this time of loss. Proverbs 17:17
Chianti
September 22, 2018
Thank you for sharing your talents with the world. Condolences to the family and many friends.
Rhonda, MD
September 22, 2018
My condolences to the family, friends and fans of this talented man. Although I was never fortunate enough to see any performances in person, I watched many on television. May those mourning find comfort in kind words, fond memories, and the many Bible verses that others are sharing.
September 22, 2018
So very sorry for the loss of such a talent. He opened many doors and will be remembered as a trailblazer. May our God of tender mercies be with all the friends and family and bring comfort and peace and soothe your hearts and minds
C S
Friend
September 22, 2018
In God's care, rest in peace.
Dwayne Bickham, Sr.
September 22, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary Brown
September 22, 2018
I extend my sincere, heartfelt condolences to the Mitchell family. I am truly sorry for your loss. May you be consoled by knowing that God has the power to bind up the broken hearted and to comfort all who mourn.
Isaiah 61:1, 2
SS
September 22, 2018
Josette Smith
Neighbor
September 22, 2018
When one possesses a talent and shares it with others it is well appreciated as is evidence of Arthurs accomplishments and the joy he brought others. Family, enjoy your memories of him and trust in the love of God, friends and family to assist you through your grief.
Jenkins
Friend
September 22, 2018
Deepest condolences to the Mitchell family. May loving memories and kind words and deeds from others provide a measure of comfort.
Marie
September 22, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
September 22, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
September 22, 2018
May god bless you and the family with comfort-
Nykrum Bell
Friend
September 22, 2018
Prayers and heartfelt condolences are extended to family, colleagues and friends. God bless
Karen Davis
September 22, 2018
To the Mitchell Family. I would like to extend my condolences to you and your friends on the loss of your dear love Mr. Arthur.
May fond memories of him comfort you in these times of sorrow.
The Holy book the God of comfort,comfort us in these times of distress.
J.R.Davis From New York City
September 22, 2018
May God be with you on your journey.
Sheila
September 21, 2018
Our condolences..
S. Kingston, for the family of Alms Kingston
stephen kingston
September 21, 2018
"Thank you, Mr. Arthur Mitchell; we shall remember and honor you."
Norma DeBooth
September 21, 2018
"Warm condolences to family, friends and fans; with love and respect."
Norma DeBooth
September 21, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
September 21, 2018
Please accept my sincere, heartfelt condolences and prayers to your family during this very difficult time. May happy memories of joyful times together bring your family some comfort and peace of mind.
Stockbridge Ga
September 21, 2018
It's difficult to imagine a world without Arthur Mitchell. He was a unique and extremely gifted dancer. May he rest in eternal peace.
Leota Henry
Acquaintance
September 21, 2018
Eternal rest grant unto Arthur, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen
September 21, 2018
I had heard of the name of Arthur Mitchell but never tried to visualize him.When I noted that he passed away I searched thje internet and found out so much about him. I waas impressed that he rose from a humble beginning and broke barriers, inspired and nurtured a generation.I am in awer and saddened by his passing .I pray that his family, friends and others may be comforted by the Holy Spirit.and be thankful that his was a life well lived. May this gifted person rest in Peace.
WENTWORTH Christopher
September 21, 2018
Another iconic trailblazer is gone. Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Gilbert
September 21, 2018
God bless you always ~
Jane Dowling
September 21, 2018
I experienced such delight watching Arthur Mitchell dance in the '50's with the New York City Ballet. My impression of him was strong then, as it is now. May he rest in peace and may his family cherish their memories of him. I'd like to think he is still dancing in his new home.
Felice
Felice Tanenbaum
September 21, 2018
Steven
September 21, 2018
My condolences to the Mitchell family. Thank you for sharing Mr. Mitchell with the world. May God Bless you and comfort you.
Patricia Sampson
September 21, 2018
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