Mel Tomlinson facts for kids

Mel Alexander Tomlinson (born January 3, 1954 – died February 5, 2019) was a famous American dancer and choreographer. He was a very important figure in the world of dance. When he joined the New York City Ballet in 1981, he was the only African-American dancer in the company. A well-known ballet choreographer, Agnes de Mille, even called him "the most exciting black dancer in America."

Early Life and Dance Beginnings

Mel Tomlinson was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. He grew up in a neighborhood called Chavis Heights. His journey into dance started when he was a student at Fred J. Carnage Junior High School. There, he took his first dance lessons from a teacher named Betty Kovach.

In the 1960s, he went to John W. Ligon Senior High School. At this school, which was for Black students at the time, he continued to study dance. He also learned gymnastics, which helped with his dancing. Later, he earned a special degree in dance from the North Carolina School of the Arts.

A Career on the Big Stage

Mel Tomlinson began his professional dance career as a main dancer. He joined the Agnes de Mille Heritage Dance Theater. This group was started at the North Carolina School of the Arts.

In 1974, Mel moved to New York City. He chose to join the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a very respected dance company. He had also received invitations from other famous groups like the Joffrey Ballet and Boston Ballet. At the Dance Theatre of Harlem, he became a soloist. He performed in many important ballets, including Manifestations, Swan Lake, and Scheherazade.

Later, he took a break from the Dance Theatre of Harlem. He joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, another well-known company. With them, he danced in pieces like Pas de Duke.

Joining the New York City Ballet

In 1981, Mel Tomlinson joined the New York City Ballet. At that time, he was the only African-American dancer in the company. This was a big step for him and for dance history. He made his first performance with them on November 27, 1981. He danced in George Balanchine's Agon with another dancer named Heather Watts.

Awards and Teaching

In 1983, Mel Tomlinson received a special award. It was the first annual North Carolina Prize for great work in visual or performing arts. This showed how much his home state valued his talent.

In 1987, Mel retired from the New York City Ballet. He had reached the rank of soloist there. He then moved back to North Carolina. He started teaching at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He later returned to dance as a main dancer for the North Carolina Dance Theatre.

In 1991, he joined the Boston Ballet. He was a principal dancer and a master teacher in their CITYDANCE program. He danced with them until 1994. Mel also taught dance at several universities and schools, sharing his knowledge with new dancers.

Later Life and Ministry

After his dancing career, Mel Tomlinson continued to inspire others. He studied at the Carolina University of Theology. He became a Baptist minister, helping people through his faith.

Mel Tomlinson lived in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was a dance teacher and led The Hallelujah Dance Corps at St. Paul Baptist Church. He passed away on February 5, 2019, at the age of 65. His life showed how dedication and talent can lead to a remarkable journey in dance and beyond.