The artistic community is healing from a great loss last week with the death of dancer Albert Evans at the age of 46. No further details have been given by the family. Mr. Evans was a former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet; the company’s second black principal dancer after Arthur Mitchell‘s 1955 debut.
He is remembered as a kind and lovely spirit who brought joy to his fellow artists and performed roles in pieces by George Balanchine, Ulysses Dove, Twyla Tharp, and Jerome Robbins, among many others.
Albert Evans was an Atlanta native who became an ensemble member at New York City Ballet in 1988 and advanced to soloist in 1991 before making his trailblazing debut as principal in 1995. Since his 2010 retirement, Mr. Evans was a master teacher at his alma mater, the School of American Ballet.
In this time of mourning, it is also important to celebrate the wonderful achievement of Albert Evans. In a world where breaking new ground is far from easy, he was able to change conventional thinking with grace, beauty, and poise. We are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to experience his spirit.
Rest in joy, Mr. Evans.
