Arthur Mitchell, the first black man to become a ballet star

In this episode of Fabulous Destinies, we will delve into the story of a dancer who evolved into a true political icon in the United States. The color of his skin drew the ire of the crowd for a significant part of his career, yet he never ceased to fight for the rights of black individuals. Eventually, he revolutionized the world of classical ballet. His name: Arthur Mitchell. From the streets of Harlem to the White House, explore his incredible journey. The first black man to become a ballet star December 1, 1957. New Yorkers hustle through the icy streets of Manhattan. A crowd gathers around a renowned cultural center. Inside, champagne glasses sparkle beneath the grand chandeliers of the entrance hall. However, this luxury struggles to conceal the harsh political reality of the United States. Since the end of slavery, a cruel divide separates the nation between whites and blacks. Tonight, two brilliant artists have joined forces to create a ballet with a scent of revolution: George Balanchine, choreographer, and Igor Stravinsky, composer. Backstage, Balanchine places his hand on the shoulder of his star dancer. Despite the pressure, the young artist remains at ease. He smiles at Balanchine and nods. Slowly, the audience fills the hall, and the curtain rises... Production : Bababam Voice : Fabrice Muracciole Translation of the French script of Lucie Kervern Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices