Obituary of Albert George Tomal

Many people will remember George Tomal. For more than 25 years, the gregarious dancer portrayed Drosselmeyer in New Jersey Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" in a version that he helped choreograph in 1971. Holding the Nutcracker doll out of reach above a mob of eager children, or directing a look that seemed to glint with intrigue, Mr. Tomal projected a warmth, spice and mystery that drew audiences into the ballet's atmosphere year after year. A Caldwell resident, Mr. Tomal, 83, died yesterday of heart failure. A native of Chicago, Mr. Tomal danced with Ballet Theatre (now American Ballet Theatre), excelling in roles such as the Drummer Boy in "Graduation Ball." On Ballet Theatre bus tours across North America, and dancing across Europe, he befriended his fellow dancer Carolyn Clark. The two began to give concerts together after 1957. One such event, at Newark Arts High School in 1958, featuring the "Don Quixote" pas de deux and Mr. Tomal's own choreography of "Gymnopédies," marked the debut performance of New Jersey Ballet. Clark recalled him as "a strong, muscular dancer" and said, "He was a perfectionist who put great demands on himself. He was always one of the best in whatever roles he performed." Clark also described Mr. Tomal with "three Ds." "He was demanding, dedicated and disciplined." Among the talents he brought to New Jersey Ballet, which he left from 1961-1967 to direct the Denver Ballet Arts Center, were the abilities to teach and choreograph. Clark described him as a strict teacher, with an eye for developing young talent. Among the artists he nurtured were New Jersey Ballet assistant director Paul H. McRae and current company members David Tamaki and Gabriella Noa-Pierson. "His class was very energetic -- never a dull moment," McRae remembered. "He kept you going, pushing you. He loved his students, and you could tell that. He paid attention to everyone and tried to make everyone the best dancer they could be." After returning from Denver, Mr. Tomal entered a fruitful period in which he created more than 100 ballets for New Jersey Ballet, plus 16 productions for the New Jersey State Opera. His works include "Poco Adagio," "Carmina Burana," "Winterset" and "Carmen," plus an entire repertory of works for children. "George had a very romantic side to his personality," Clark said, describing his work as lyrical and musically sensitive. Even after suffering a stroke in 2001, Mr. Tomal would attend rehearsals on Thursday afternoons and talk to the dancers in his characteristic, booming voice, helping them to shape their interpretations. "He talked a lot about feeling," Clark said. "He was very much into feeling what you were doing, not just doing steps." Speaking of Mr. Tomal's choreography, McRae said, "For so many years he was a force here. He grounded the company in a style that was both very classical but reaching forward to a more neo-classical and contemporary style. I think that gave the company its voice in its early years and has shaped the kind of work that we do now." Mr. Tomal's survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Rose Tomal of Illinois. Viewing will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the Preston Funeral Home, 153 South Orange Ave., South Orange, with a service at 6. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to New Jersey Ballet, 15 Microlab Road, Livingston N.J. 07039.