He is a shining light in the history of dance and an inspiration to many young dancers.
Mel passed away on February 5, 2019, but his legacy lives on. He was diagnosed with AIDS in the mid-1990’s, but made a slow recovery and lived an additional 20 years, teaching ballet to the next generation. He found a second career as a ballet teacher, as well as earning his Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Christian Counseling. Often, Mel was the first or only African-American dancer in the company. He later became a principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Ballet, Charlotte Ballet under the direction of Salvatore Aiello, and Boston Ballet. He graduated with a degree in dance in only three years and moved to NYC to perform with Dance Theatre of Harlem.
XPRESSIVE DANCE ACADEMY PROFESSIONAL
Mel Tomlinson began his professional dance training at Agnes de Mille Heritage Dance Theater, founded at North Carolina School of the Arts where Charlotte Ballet was also established. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to each of our Innovative 1970 choreographers for their commitment, dedication and passion to not only the work they have done here at Charlotte Ballet but to the whole dance community.Ĭharlotte Ballet would like to take this time to celebrate some of the most influential individuals from our history, past and present.” – Christopher Stuart, interim artistic director.įormer North Carolina Dance Theatre Principal Dancer It’s individuals like Mel and Ja’ Malik, among so many others, who have expanded Charlotte Ballet and paved the way for our Company and the dance community as a whole.
I am grateful for the time Rena, Ja’ Malik and Andrés gave us to share about their experiences and express their own ideas about progressing the dance world.ĭuring this conversation, Ja’ Malik spoke about why he joined North Carolina Dance Theatre and the inspiration he found in former Principal Dancer, Dr.
“Last week, I, along with members of our team, had the opportunity to sit down with all of our Innovative 1970 choreographers as we were thinking of the importance of Black History Month and Charlotte Ballet’s continued commitment to supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
0 kommentar(er)
