Bella Lewitzky

In 1966 she formed the Lewitzky Dance Company, for which she continues to create dances. Under her artistic guidance, the company has become one of the leading international modern dance companies, performing to critical acclaim in 43 states across the U.S. as well as 20 countries on five continents. The originality, humanity and unconventional qualities for which Lewitzky's dances are famous have often found their way into the management of her company. At a time when it is fashionable for dance companies to be based in New York -- and dangerous not to be -- she has kept her company operating out of her native Los Angeles for thirty years. It also led to a controversial episode in 1990, when she crossed out the anti-obscenity clause on the acceptance form of a $72,000 NEA grant. She eventually had to sue NEA-chairman John E. Frohnmayer to have the grant reinstated. The New York Times quoted her as saying in response, "I've been struggling in dance for 28 years. To exist merely to exist is stupidity. To exist to make art is a pretty grand act." Although she no longer performs, her creative energy continues unabated, with each year seeing the creation of at least one eagerly awaited new dance. She has not stopped caring about her art form, a fact borne out by the numerous awards she has received for service to dance and the advisory and honorary positions she holds on boards and councils of prestigious arts institutions across the nation. Bella Lewitzky is Los Angeles's own gifted artist, extraordinary educator, caring, humanitarian and champion of freedom of expression. Taken largely from Lewitzky Dance Company press materials.

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