Tap dance
grew with Jazz
through all its iterations
and
as told by Gillespie/Papa Jo Jones/Honi Coles was a driving force in the evolution of the art form. In difficult times it was cohesive and artistically expansive.
There are many ways to sing the blues.
THOMAS draws on these traditions in his work as a jazz band leader and performing artist.
From 2010 until the present he has lived primarily out of a suitcase, touring extensively throughout Europe, Asia and North America. He has studied music and traditional dance in Guinea, led various jazz groups,
was a principal member of the (then) only full-time tap dance company in the world "Tapestry Dance", received a scholarship of Fine Arts at Monash University Melbourne, taught dance to children in countryside Hokkaido over several spring/summer seasons; became a father,
is still moving.
He is recently based in Tokyo.
Venues include:
The Long Center in Austin, Texas;
Falls Festival Australia;
Place des Arts, Montreal;
Spirit de Milan, Italy;
Södra Teatern in Stockholm;
Brixton House London;
Teatro San Pol Madrid;
Woodford Folk Festival, Brisbane;
Iðnó Theatre, Reykjavik Iceland;
Tsaritsyno Palace in Moscow;
the Shanghai International Arts Festival;
Fall For Dance North (Toronto, Canada)
in the electronic/jazz music collaboration The Mars Project with Travis Knights;
stages in Taiwan, Singapore, Bangkok, Athens, Montpellier
Before the drum there were feet for rhythm
FAQs
What styles do you perform?
Jazz repertoire, original songs and folk tunes.
Thomas' live performance sit with across genres -
His percussive footwork is rooted in early swing rhythms, modern jazz, experimental, electronic.
Where are you based?
Recently in Tokyo.
Can I book you for events?
Yes, for both private events and performances; please reach out to discuss details.
Do you teach tap dancing?
Thomas does offer workshops for any level focusing on melodic dancing.
What inspires your work?
People, the sky, dreams, growing things.
Thomas was profoundly impacted by artists such as Billie Holiday, Tommy Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, in addition to some of the tap dance greats of old - Jimmy Slyde, Bunny Briggs, Lois Bright.