March 27
Born Today:
Arthur Mitchell
Ballet dancer Arthur Mitchell (1934-2018) grew up in Harlem and danced for George Balanchine (1904-1983) and the New York City Ballet, one of a very few black ballet dancers performing for a major dance company at the time. Balanchine choreographed the pas de deux in Agon (1957) specifically for Mitchell and Southern-born ballerina, Diana Adams (1926-1993), who celebrates a birthday later this month. Following the assassination of MLK in 1968, Mitchell returned to his early roots to found Dance Theatre of Harlem, a school and performing company that would draw talent from his old neighborhood.
Also Born Today: Early French ballet dancer Auguste Vestris (1760-1842), son of dancer Gaétan Vestris (1729-1808) - both considered the best dancers of their time. Auguste Vestris went on to train the ballet stars and choreographers of the 19th century, including Marius Petipa (1818-1910). Choreographer Charles-Louis Didelot (1767-1837) rigged dancers to wires so they could fly in his piece entitled Flore et Zéphire (1815). Harold Nicholas (1921-2000) was half of the duo, The Nicholas Brothers, including Fayard Nicholas (1914-2006), a top drawer tap dance flash act. Dancer/actor Chick Vennera (1947-2021), who is best known for dancing in the original production of Grease (1973) on Broadway and on top of a car in the movie Thank God it’s Friday (1978).
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Movies: Cabin in the Sky released in 1943, Singin’ in the Rain released in 1952
Broadway Premiere: Dancin' in 1978