Rasta rocks

By Carolyn Kelemen
Posted: June 30, 2009

Earlier this June, the Wolf Trap Performing Arts Park absolutely rocked with local dance stars Rasta Thomas  and the Bad Boys of Dance, plus Adrienne Canterna and her sister, Ashley. All of them grooved to music ranging wildly from Benny Goodman to Queen to the late Michael Jackson.

Watching Maryland’s award-winning Rasta Thomas combine his classical ballet training with some glitzy Broadway jumps, leaps and turns, one couldn’t help compare him with the best dancers – Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gene Kelly and, of course, the “King of Pop” himself.

How strange that watching Thomas turn on his heels like a spinning top, kick his legs fiercely and fully command the stage put me in mind of Jackson, who died shortly after.

“I’m flattered that you compared me to Michael Jackson,” Rasta said by phone  from his home in Linthicum. “I had the honor of meeting him in 1999. Like most teenagers, I once had that famous ‘Bad’ poster hanging on my bedroom wall.

“I was crushed when I learned of his death,” added Thomas after a thoughtful pause. “When I think of him, the only words that apply are ‘the greatest.’”

When I asked about the name of his hot new company, The Bad Boys of Dance (featuring the Pretty Girls of Dance), he had to laugh.

“That’s what we are about — having fun. We are the dancers of tomorrow, hybrids who do it all, from ballet to hip hop. We’re hot, young and fresh to death.”

Too bad that we will have to wait until 2010 to catch Rasta Thomas and his dancers performing live anywhere within 225 miles of us. Next week the company takes off on a European tour, to be followed by gigs in Minnesota and Kansas, then three weeks at the Joyce Theater in New York City over the Christmas holidays.

Maybe next June will present an opportunity for an engagement at the 2010 Columbia Festival of the Arts …. hmmm.

Meanwhile, check out Rasta Thomas and his incredible “Rock the Ballet” video.

Hot dance continues at Wolf Trap in July with two promising shows: First, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet showcases contemporary works on Tuesday, July 7 at 8:30 p.m.; then Merce Cunningham’s legendary modern dance company makes its Wolf Trap debut with a program that includes “Split Sides,” set to music by Radiohead on July 14 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets for both programs range from $38 (in house) to $10 for lawn seating.

Call toll free 1-877-WOLFTRAP or 703-255-1851 for details, or go to www.wolftrap.org.

Comment on this entry • View all 2 responses

user dorfwax says...

Loved your blog.. I'm not a dance guy but makes me want to see Rasta Thomas.

Posted 8:13 PM, 06.30.09 | Permalink

user thebanker says...

Great blog!!! Your description helped me visualize what I could expect from such an energetic show. Your timely reference to the King of Pop made me feel like although he no longer walks on this earth, his spirit and memory are still alive in performers like Mr. Thomas.

Posted 3:54 PM, 07.02.09 | Permalink