A dramatic black-and-white portrait of a male dancer in mid-leap against a dark studio backdrop, strong contrast and motion

Artistic Directors

Leadership that drives the vision, artistry, and energy behind Bad Boys of Dance.

Rasta Thomas — Artistic Director

Bad Boys of Dance is led by Artistic Director Rasta Thomas, whose vision has shaped the company into a globally recognized force in contemporary dance. Under his direction, the company has produced acclaimed works including Rock the Ballet, Rasta Thomas' Romeo and Juliet, and Tap Stars.

Rasta Thomas brings together versatile dancers from around the world, uniting them under a shared commitment to artistic freedom within dance entertainment. The company operates as America's Premier Competition Company, pushing boundaries across ballet, contemporary, and tap.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Rasta Thomas, Bad Boys of Dance has cultivated a reputation for athleticism, charisma, and theatrical storytelling that sets it apart in the contemporary dance world. The company's productions, from the high-energy spectacle of Rock the Ballet to the dramatic reimagining of Romeo and Juliet and the percussive precision of Tap Stars, reflect a commitment to making dance accessible and electrifying for audiences of every background. Each performer brings a distinct training background and personality to the stage, yet they unite under a shared philosophy that dance should entertain as much as it inspires. This blend of technical rigor and showmanship has helped the company carve out a unique space in the entertainment landscape, drawing both devoted dance enthusiasts and newcomers to the art form.

The company functions as America's Premier Competition Company, a designation that speaks to its dedication to excellence across ballet, contemporary, and tap disciplines. Bad Boys of Dance regularly opens its doors to aspiring dancers through workshops and auditions, giving emerging talent the opportunity to train with seasoned professionals and learn directly from the artistic team that shapes the company's signature style. These programs are designed to challenge participants while nurturing their individual strengths, encouraging versatility and creative risk-taking in equal measure. By bridging the gap between professional performance and educational outreach, the company ensures that its influence extends well beyond the stage, helping to develop the next generation of dancers who will carry the art form forward.

Throughout the performance calendar, the company brings its productions to venues across the country and around the world, supported by a dedicated team of artistic directors, choreographers, and production specialists who work behind the scenes to ensure every show meets the highest standard. The collaborative spirit that defines the company is evident in the way its dancers, designers, and crew members work together to create seamless, visually striking performances. Whether in a large theater or an intimate studio setting, each presentation is crafted with careful attention to detail, from lighting and staging to the musical selections that drive the choreography. This commitment to polish and professionalism has earned Bad Boys of Dance a loyal following and continues to draw new audiences to the power of contemporary dance.

Artistic Philosophy

The leadership at Bad Boys of Dance is built on a core belief: that the world's most versatile dancers deserve a platform where artistic freedom and entertainment excellence coexist. Every production, workshop, and performance reflects this commitment.

A technical blueprint-style drawing of a dance stage with rhythmic footwork patterns mapped across it, rendered in dark ink on a pale background

A 21st-century dance company gathering, training, and uniting the world's most versatile dancers.