Rock the Ballet

The New Porn for Women.

I had the privilege last week of attending the opening night of Rock the Ballet. And how glad I am that I did. I’d been somewhat put off during the week after receiving strict instructions to keep this article short, because our rock-purist (but lovely) Editor, Bob Gordon, couldn’t bare the thought of ‘cheesy rock tunes with ballet thrown in’. He kinda had a point I had to admit. I even YouTubed it after talking to him and the results left me underwhelmed. I was worried as I took my seat.

Then the ballet boys appeared on stage and my fears were immediately gone. First let’s talk about how hot these boys are. I don’t even think there are words – and I’m a writer – I always have words! I mean one woman actually leapt to her feet towards the end and shook her boobs at them. I thought I’d gone to the ballet – not a performance by the Chippendales?

Hot men aside, the best thing about this show is the dancing. It made me remember just how joyous it felt to dance. It made me feel the happiness and the sheer abandonment and thrill again. It’s these very emotions that drive dancers to keep going. I wanted to jette on to the stage and join them (not least of all so I could get close to Green Shirt, Grey Shirt or Beardie – those who see the show will understand). The soundtrack absolutely rocked (well it did!) and technique had not been left by the wayside, as is so often the case in ‘trendy’ productions. There was not a sickle foot in sight.

Rock the Ballet comes to us direct from New York and following on from sell out seasons in Berlin, Hamburg, Vienna and Frankfurt. It’s a fusion of classic ballet blended with musical theatre, hip hop, tap, contemporary, gymnastics and 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.

I caught up with founder, choreographer, principal dancer (and wearer of the ‘Grey Shirt’), Rasta Thomas, for a quick discussion about dance.

How did you get into ballet? 

One day after karate class my father told me if I didn't improve my behaviour in Martial Arts he would put me in a tutu and in ballet class. A day or so later I was in ballet class as punishment. I was about 7 at the time this happened and hated the thought of dancing. But a few years later I was dancing around the world and loving every minute of it.




We had a boy at our school that did ballet and he was bullied because of it. Did you ever face anything like that? If so, how did you get through it?

I was given a hard time by a few kids for taking ballet class, but none of them could do any of the cool dance tricks I could do, so it didn't bother me too much. But I do think it is important to be around a loving and supportive environment regardless of the activity you chose to pursue. 



Why Rock the Ballet and not Swan Lake or Romeo and Juliet?

I danced those classics and very much appreciated them; they have been around for a long time and will continue to be around for a long time. However "Rock the Ballet" in my opinion is a lot more fun (to dance and to watch).

Where did you inspiration come from to create this show?

My inspiration came from wanting to create a dance show for both a new generation and ballet lovers. In addition I wanted to be a part of something that fights the perception that ballet is boring. Come see our show if you think ballet is boring! 



Do you find the audience is different to a traditional ballet? 

I have been to lots of ballet performances and danced in even more... and I can safely say our audiences are louder. I think dancing to popular music allows them to just sit back relax and enjoy the show. Not to mention the infectious personalities of the cast. In our show there is no corps de ballet, everyone is a star with lots of personality.

I can attest to that - I’ve never heard so much cheering (and wolf whistles) in a theatre, let alone ballet performance! Tell us about your history? What did you do before this show?

I have danced my whole life; it is what I know best. Over the years I have worked with over 20 different companies and worked with some of the world’s greatest choreographers. I have had some wonderful highlights such as making a feature film with the late Patrick Swayze, meeting Michael Jackson, performing at the Academy Awards, and marrying my childhood dance sweetheart. 



You’re a very lucky man to go home to that every night – your wife is so beautiful and extraordinarily talented. Favourite moment in the show?  

There is a very funny comedy routine in the first act called "Carmen" that we all love to do because it gets a good laugh. Also I am very happy anytime I dance with my wife (who plays female lead who and is the choreographer of the show). 

Most embarrassing moment on stage (ever)? 

Over the years I have fallen a fair share of times on stage. One time I did a back flip and landed right on my head, there is no graceful way to cover that up.

Career Highlight?

Winning the junior gold medal at the Varna International Ballet competition and the senior gold medal at the Jackson Mississippi International Ballet competition. 



Career Lowlight?

Getting burn out and having to find the love for dance all over again. 



Best show you’ve ever seen?

Michael Jackson at Madison Square Garden. 



First time you realised you’d made it?

It is all relative but a proud moment was when I could treat myself to anything I wanted to eat. 


What are you looking forward to?

Producing and directing more dance shows.



Advice for Perth girls and boys who’d like to have a career in dance? You get out what you put in, so work hard. Continue to challenge yourself (your body and your mind) - if something is easy you aren't working hard enough.



Why should Perthites come and see Rock the Ballet?

If you enjoy good music, good dancing and having a good time Rock the Ballet is the show for you.

What do you say to boys (and bogans!) who think the ballet is for
 ‘posh’ people only?

Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, and mine is that Rock the Ballet is for everyone!

Well all I can say is that everyone left the theatre buzzing on opening night – the women in near hysteria, the men in jealous awe. My cousin even reported a very pleasant dream to me the next morning (thank you “Green Shirt”). You know, I reckon even Bob Gordon might like this production.

PERTH

July 1 -17

Regal Theatre

Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au