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RASTA THOMAS
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Rasta Thomas
Ballet's ultimate businessman
When you think of Rasta Thomas the question that comes to mind might be is there anything this man can’t do? A brilliant and critically acclaimed dancer, martial artist, and choreographer who refuses to stop there! Rasta has danced around the world, repeatedly making history. Who else can claim they were both the first American to become a member of the Kirov Ballet of St.Petersburg, Russia and the youngest principle dancer to join the Dance Theater of Harlem? Rasta continuously pushes the envelope, creating his own ideas of where he will go next with his career. His most recent accolades? They range from starting the dance company, Bad Boys of Dance to creating the first ever online dance competition, DIVA. All before the age of 27!
| Q: | When did you start dancing and what influenced that choice? | | A: | Around the age of two I was in a motor vehicle accident and broke several bones. The accident was the reason I started Martial Arts, you see the doctors told my Dad I wouldn't walk properly. My Dad had other plans. By the age of three I was doing horse stances and front kicks for rehabilitation. I came into dance at the age of seven as punishment for being rude and disrespectful in martial arts class. I hated it for years until a choreographer paid me $50 for a performance with which I bought a Gameboy. From that moment I was hooked. |
| Q: | What are your thoughts on Contemporary Ballet vs. Classical Ballet? | | A: | I do not prefer one over the other. They are both full of beauty and difficulty and are endlessly different. Ultimately they are both fulfilling for that reason! |
| Q: | Where do you get your inspiration when you dance? | | A: | The choreography and music. |
| Q: | What sparks your interest in a dancer when you are choreographing or casting? | | A: | Versatility and strength are the most important qualities I look for in a dancer. Passion for the art itself is a very close second. |
 | | Rasta in "Movin Out" |
| Q: | Tell us what sparked the idea of your company DIVA? Why now? What type of exposure are you hoping to provide dancers that participate in DIVA and do you think that dance and the performing arts community is shifting to an online world? | | A: | DIVA'S Mission
To encourage, inspire, and reward the most promising dancers in the world today.
• To encourage dancers by means of competition and communication with world-renowned dance artists.
• To inspire dancers by giving the most promising dancers in the world today the opportunity to share, express, and experience dance styles with an international community.
• To reward dancers by facilitating an international forum for dancers, students, and educators at every stage of training and artistry.
And yes, I definitely think the internet does and will continue to have a huge affect on the dance world. |
| Q: | Tell us about Bad Boys of Dance? Why was it formed and what the goal of the company? | | A: | Bad Boys of Dance is a fresh new dance company comprised of the most versatile young male dancers in the world today. Each Bad Boy is hand selected based on their extraordinary physical talents and artistry. Our mission is to push the boundaries of male dancing today. Each BBD show is custom designed for its targeted venue and incorporates both high art and entertainment value. A show can vary in size utilizing a
cast as small as 6 dancers up to a cast as large as 30 dancers depending on the budget. It is the ideal company for both dance lovers and first time dance goers. BBD also has crossover appeal to a younger audience based on the company's youth and sex appeal. I created and founded BBD in 2005 as a creative dance lab for male dancers to share and explore their art and creativity with the world. It allows for emerging, mid-career, and established choreographers and artists to utilize these incredibly talented dancers to augment their work. |
 | | Rasta dancing at the Apollo |
| Q: | If there was a piece of advice that you know now and wished you had known when you were first starting out, what would that be? | | A: | Nothing comes to mind. All choices I've made, led me to where I am today. I am proud of the dancer and person I have become and wouldn't change a thing. Life throws you curve balls and sometimes you dodge them and sometimes they hit you. You just have to adjust your course accordingly. |
| Q: | What was your experience at the Kirov Ballet? Do you think being there has formed the dancer you are today? | | A: | Being at the Kirov was an educational experience. One that only added to my repertoire and love for ballet. |
| Q: | What is your greatest achievement? | | A: | In addition to my new family, I'd say my gold medals, my blackbelt, and being lucky enough to have a career that is unconventional. |
| Q: | What is the next step for you in your amazing career? More commercial and movie work? Ballet Companies? | | A: | All the above. Stay tuned to rastathomas.com |
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