Early Life
Mitchell is one of four siblings and grew up in the streets of Harlem, New York. He had to grow up fast; when Mitchell was aged 12, his father was incarcerated, leaving the financial responsibility on Mitchell. He had to work numerous jobs to help support his family; he shined shoes, mopped floors, delivered newspapers and worked at a meat shop to help his family make ends meet. Despite his strong work ethic and good head on his shoulders, Mitchell was involved in street gangs, but it did not stop him from finding a way out of his neighborhood.
As a young teen in Harlem, Mitchell was encouraged by a guidance counselor who saw his talent to apply to the selective High School of Performing Arts. He was accepted and decided to work toward making a life in classical ballet. When he graduated from the High School of Performing Arts in New York City in the early 1950s, he won a dance award and a scholarship to study at the School of American Ballet, the school affiliated with the New York City Ballet. In addition, in 1954 Mitchell performed in the musical House of Flowers, alongside Geoffrey Holder, Alvin Ailey and Pearl Bailey.
Read more about this topic: Arthur Mitchell (dancer)
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