1906 - 1985
Ben Sommers American Philanthropist
00
Ben Sommers dating history
Relationships
We have no records of past relationships for Ben Sommers.
About
Ben Sommers is a member of the following lists: American businesspeople, American philanthropists and 1985 deaths.
Contribute
Who is Ben Sommers dating? Ben Sommers partner, spouse list. Help us build our profile of Ben Sommers!
Login
to add information, pictures and relationships, join in discussions and get credit for your contributions.
Details
| Birthday |
1st December, 1906
|
| Died |
30th April, 1985
|
| Zodiac Sign |
Sagittarius
|
| Nationality |
American
|
| Occupation |
Philanthropist
|
Ben Sommers (1906-1985) was a leading philanthropic figure in the world of dance, and president of the Capezio dance and theatre shoe company from 1940 to his death. He established the Capezio Foundation in 1951, which focused on dance, especially the regional ballet movement. In 1957, he founded the Capezio Awards which recognise the lifetime achievements of those in dance, including Martha Graham, Jerome Robbins, Alvin Ailey and Agnes de Mille. Sommers was also founder of the Association of American Dance Companies. In 1978, the same year he managed to persuade the United States Postal Service to issue stamps commemorating dance, he established National Dance Week, followed by International Dance Week in 1985.
