In Wednesday’s (7/21) Washington Post, Robin Givhan writes, “In a White House where first lady Michelle Obama’s relationship to the arts strives to be both rarefied and common, cerebral and pragmatic, the cultural program is dictated by tradition, personal life story … and an unabashed desire to shake things up. … On Monday evening, the president and first lady hosted the sixth installment in the White House Music Series: Broadway. As usual, there was an afternoon youth workshop. Dozens of students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts gathered for a dance lesson from Jerry Mitchell, the award-winning choreographer of ‘Hairspray.’ … After a year and a half of an Obama White House, which has included more than 50 cultural events, this student workshop epitomizes the first lady’s approach to the arts. Her philosophy is defined by an emphasis on education and access for those who are often locked out. With that goal always in mind, she has also pointed out the financial impact of the arts on the economy and their ability to strengthen and build communities.”
Posted July 21, 2010
