Mel Tomlinson
Mel Tomlinson | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 3, 1954 Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | February 5, 2019 (aged 65) |
| Education | John W. Ligon Senior High School North Carolina School of the Arts Carolina University of Theology |
| Occupation(s) | Ballet dancer, modern dancer, minister |
| Career | |
| Former groups | Agnes de Mille Dance Theatre Dance Theatre of Harlem Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater New York City Ballet North Carolina Dance Theatre Boston Ballet |
Mel Alexander Tomlinson (January 3, 1954 – February 5, 2019) was an American dancer and choreographer. At the time of his debut with the New York City Ballet in 1981, he was the only African-American dancer in the company. Ballet choreographer Agnes de Mille referred to Tomlinson as "the most exciting black dancer in America." Throughout his ballet career, he danced with New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Agnes de Mille Dance Theatre, North Carolina Dance Theatre, and Boston Ballet. In his later life, Tomlinson received a degree from Carolina University of Theology and was ordained as a Baptist minister.