USA International Ballet Competition has named Arthur Mitchell, founding artistic director of Dance Theatre of Harlem, the organization's new honorary chair.

Founded in 1978 by Thalia Mara, the USA International Ballet Competition is held every four years in Jackson, MI. For two weeks, dancers from around the world vie for bronze, silver and gold medals as well as company contracts and scholarships. This year's competition is scheduled for June 12 - 27, 2010.    

Mitchell, 75, was awarded the National Medal of the Arts in 1995 and received a Kennedy Center honour in 1993. He performed with the New York City Ballet for 15 years.