fp Turks and Caicos

Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance have booked their tickets, and now it is time for you to book yours.

Following sold out shows in major cities across the world, the Bad Boys of Dance are coming to the Turks and Caicos Islands with shows on two nights.

On May 18-19, the group will be performing at Brayton Hall, offering the local community the opportunity to see a show like no other. These amazing dancers’ versatility and talent push the bounds of dance today with athletic jumps, endless turns and endearing individuality. BBD dancers have performed on Broadway, been in feature films, and have been adored by millions on hit TV shows like “Dancing with the Stars.”

In 2010 they performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City with Sir Elton John for a Rainforest charity event also starring Lady Gaga, Sting, Bruce Springsteen and more. They also had the distinct honor of performing at the opening ceremonies of the USA International Ballet Competition.

In 2011 they made a special guest performance on Fox TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance” and are currently touring the world with their hit shows “Rock the Ballet” and “Tap Stars.” Bad Boys of Dance are sexy, athletic, entertaining and fun, and they are coming to the TCI.

“We cannot express how thrilled we are that the Bad Boys are coming back to the TCI,” Turks and Caicos Friends of the Arts Foundation co-founder Barbara Pankhurst told the fp. The group performed for the foundation’s first event in 2002, and now they are back to celebrate 10 years of the TCFAF.
“Rasta Thomas, an extraordinary classical dancer, has a dance pedigree like no other, winning gold medals at Varna, Bulgaria and Jackson Mississippi, among others,” Pankhurst said. “The fact that he’s assembled the most talented male dancers from around the world in creating The Bad Boys of Dance will blow us all away with the high caliber of their technique and artistry.”

In addition to their two performances, the group is offering free lectures and demos for local children and individuals who are interested in learning more about their unique style of performing arts.

“All children and parents are welcome to join us in learning more about these amazing young men and one woman who are moving the art of dance into a whole new direction,” Pankhurst said.

Tickets are available at Unicorn Bookstore and the Saltmills Diner.

Thanks to the overwhelming support of the local community, the TCFAF proudly announced this week that it has exceeded its goal of raising $25,000 in order to bring the dance ensemble to the islands to perform on May 18 and 19.

“We are so grateful for the support of everyone in the community who has helped us to achieve this goal,” Pankhurst said.

Just 87 donors, mostly members of the local community, pledged $25,956 to ensure the show would go on. Pankhurst used a fundraising website called Kickstarter (kickstarter.com) to facilitate the fundraising effort.

“It was phenomenal to know that I could raise funds on the Internet, and know that Kickstarter would make it easy and safe for our backers!”

In just two short months the TCFAF was able to surpass its monetary goal, which will be used to cover the performers’ and technical crew’s airfare, food and accommodation, and fees for a videographer to film, edit and produce a DVD documenting the event.

“We are so excited to be able to bring Rasta Thomas back to celebrate our 10-year anniversary,” Pankhurst said. In 2002, the newly formed TCFAF brought the young dancers Rasta Thomas, Adrienne and Ashley Canterna, Danny Tidwell, and Robbie Nicholson in to perform the most ground-breaking and eclectic show ever seen in the TCI. The performers collaborated with the islands local artists in a mix of classical and contemporary dance, African drumming, folk dance and story-telling.

Since that initial show, TCFAF has continued its mission and has produced more than 60 original shows with mostly local volunteers and international artists donating their time to work with and inspire the islands’ youth.

During its visit, the group will also be connecting with the children of the island, who Pankhurst notes get very little opportunity to see professional dancers of that caliber perform live.

“During the week of May 14-20, the dancers will give master and company classes, outreach workshops on choreography, and create a new original piece collaborating with local artists,” she said. The visit will culminate in a grand finale performance for the public May 18 and 19.

Bad Boys schedule

Lecture Demos

• May 15, 3:30-5:30 a.m., Graceway Sports Centre, ages 4 up
• May 16, 1-3 p.m. and May 17, 1-3 p.m., Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Centre, open to the public

Performances

• May 18-19, 7 p.m., Brayton Hall