Sommers, Ben, 1906-1985 (1906-1985)
Dates
- Existence: 1906-1985
Biography
Ben Sommers was the former head of dance and theatrical shoe company Capezio Ballet Makers. He started working at Capezio at age 14 as a stock boy, later working up to being a salesman, and eventually became the president of the company in 1940, were he headed the company for 36 years. He established the Capezio Foundation in 1951, which became a leading philanthropic organization dedicated to dance, giving special assistance to the emerging New York regional ballet movement. In 1957, Sommers created the Capezio Award, which was given for lifetime achievement in dance. He also founded the Association of American Dance Companies and established National Dance Week in 1978, as well as International Dance Week in 1985, to honor dance throughout the world.