Dancer, choreographer, educator, caring humanitarian and champion of freedom of expression, Lewitzky was a life-long resident of Southern California. Born while her parents were members of the socialist Llano Del Rio Colony in 1916, Lewitzky became the star of the Lester Horton Dance Group based in Los Angeles in the 1930’s and 40’s where she was the primary developer of the Horton technique. To support her self financially she danced in and assisted choreographers on many films including Oklahoma, Pride and Prejudice, The Great Waltz, and The Vagabond King. In the 1950’s Lewitzky was a primary target for the House un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) where she refused to testify against fellow artists stating, "I am not a singer, I am a dancer." In 1966 she founded the Bella Lewitzky Dance Theatre and was appointed Dean of Dance at the California Institute of the Arts. Her company performed and toured internationally for the next thirty years. In 1990, when she crossed out the anti-obscenity clause on the acceptance form of a $72,000 NEA grant she sued 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 her company was forced to disband, Lewitzky ultimately prevailed and won the judgement. Gathering her forces, she re-united her company and in 1997 organized a farewell tour and gala before its permanent closure. Lewitzky’s life is an important and untold American story, one effecting every citizen.

Bella Lewitzky died on July 16, 2004. At age 88, her physical health had deteriorated but her vital spirit continued to inspire those around her. Designated one of America's Irreplaceable Dance Treasures by the Dance Heritage Coalition and awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Clinton, Lewitzky’s life demonstrates how an artist with vision and tenacity can change the lives of her fellow citizens for the better.