The Promise of Rest
Created to honor all those bullied for their sexual orientation.
choreography: Sasha Spielvogel
dancer: Michael Leon Thomas
Performed June 20th, 2014, at Jacob’s Pillow as part of American Dance Guild.
Isabel Castelvi: composer, cello
Tim MCarthy: french horn
Shawn Barnett: violin
premiere
Sunday, November 10th, 2013
American Dance Guild Festival 2013
and 92nd Street Y
Co-production @
The 92nd Street Y
92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Center
David Moss, composer, cello
Tim McCarthy french horn
Michael Leon Thomas made his professional debut with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1991, where he received praise for his performances in Alvin Ailey’s Love Songs, Billy Wilson’s Winter in Lisbon, Jawole Zollar’s Shelter and Dwight Rhoden’s Frames. Mr. Thomas was also featured in Judith Jamison’s Emmy Award-winning PBS special A Hymn for Alvin Ailey, performing a solo to his own words as interpreted by actress/playwright Anna Deavere-Smith.
Mr. Thomas has performed principal roles with companies including the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Zvi Gotheiner & Dancers, Dance Brazil, and with Donald Byrd/The Group. Mr. Thomas has a BFA in Dance from the North Carolina School of the Arts, where he was a recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.
“Michael Thomas scorched the stage with his quiet intensity during his years with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.” –Jennifer Dunning, The New York Times
“In even the briefest passages, he evinces prodigal virtues – control, suppleness, speed and unfailing elegance of line.” – Charles Jurrist, The Daily News
“Mr. Thomas is unquestionably charismatic in anything he dances.” – Anna Kisselgoff, The New York Times
The Promise Of Rest
