Career
He began his career with dances like the Cakewalk, Lindy Hop, and Charleston at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, and worked with the Mura Dehn Jazz Ballet and other companies before forming his own troupe. He is known for choreographing the Lindy Hop jazz routine Tranky Doo. Bethel worked as a consultant and choreographer on several shows directed by Vernel Bagneris, including two productions of "One Mo" Time," the 1987 "Staggerlee" and 1994"s "Jelly Roll!" In 1980, his work as a choreographer was honored in "Celebration of Men in Dance" at the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center in Brooklyn.
He died the day before his 84th birthday in New York City.
