Having performed over 1000 shows during sell out seasons across the globe since its inception in 2007, Rasta Thomas’ Rock the Ballet returns to Australia with its fusion of classic Ballet technique combined with the excitement of musical theatre, hip hop, martial arts, tap, contemporary, gymnastics and more.
Rasta Thomas’ Rock the Ballet features a stellar soundtrack including some of the biggest hits from U2, Michael Jackson, Prince, Queen, Coldplay and Lenny Kravitz. Set against a backdrop of video projected scenery, the show is exciting, fun, fleshy, raunchy, powerful and brilliantly entertaining.
The New York Times wrote:
"Rasta Thomas has enormous talent and undeniable charisma", "Excellent dancers", "Crowd pleasing"
Rock the Ballet commences its 2012 national tour of Australia in Melbourne from Monday, 28 May with shows following in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
“We loved Australia and we’re so excited to return. The audiences in Australia were so dynamic and responsive. We can’t wait to get back to perform our signature pop-ballet,” said Founder, Director and Principal Dancer, Rasta Thomas.
In 2007, Thomas founded Bad Boys of Dance and they debuted at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Massachusetts. In 2008 Thomas went on to create Rock the Ballet and since then has taken the world by storm.
Versatile and gutsy, these talented performers stretch the bounds of dancing with athletic jumps, endless turns and endearing individuality. Featuring the sensational talents of six Bad Boys and one Pretty Girl, this show will surely get you on your feet and smiling.
Multi award winning Director and Principal Dancer, Rasta Thomas was, in 2001, the first American to become a member of the Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia and then in 2003 he joined Dance Theatre of Harlem. In 2005, Thomas starred on Broadway in Twyla Tharp's hit musical, Movin' Out. Thomas has danced some of the greatest roles ever created by Petipa, Balanchine, Robbins and more. He has been a principal dancer with over 20 professional companies including American Ballet Theater and Japan's K-Ballet. He has performed at the Academy Awards, danced at the White House and made the film One Last Dance with Patrick Swayze.
The Rock the Ballet company includes the talents dance of New York Fringe Festival dancer, Michael Keefe, Robbie Nicholson from Broadway’s Music Man, award-winning choreographer and director, Adrienne Canterna-Thomas and So You Think You Can Dance US finalists, Karla Garcia, Jakob Karr, Kameron Bink and Kevin Mylrea.
“Rock the Ballet is a show that goes way beyond a normal dance company experience and transcends borders... We are so fortunate to share Rock the Ballet with audiences across the globe – if you like great music, great dancing and want to have a great time this show is for you!” said Rasta Thomas.
"The Bad Boys of Dance strive to free ballet from its prissy aura… The Bad Boys of dance... are proclaiming loud and clear that ballet is sexy, spectacular, and yes, very masculine"
The New Yorker
"Absolutely dazzling dancing"
Boston Globe
“The music is great… the dance gives it fresh meaning… amazing skill and passion. They are insanely good dancers.”
Sunday Herald Sun
“…their incredible skills shone through every move they did… the most fun you’ll ever have at a ballet.”
Perth Now
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