Rasta Thomas was born in San Francisco, California, and spent his childhood in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where his exceptional talent for the stage became evident from an early age. He would go on to study at the world-renowned Kirov Academy in Washington, DC, a prestigious institution that would help shape his future as a dancer.
As a teenager, Thomas made history in the world of dance competition, earning numerous honors including the Special Jury Prize at the 1994 Paris International Dance Competition, the Gold Medal in the Junior Men's Division of the 1996 Varna International Ballet Competition, and the Gold Medal in the Senior Men's Division of the Jackson, MS USA-IBC.
Thomas's professional career took off in 1995 when he became a member of Le Jeune Ballet de France, followed by an invitation to join the Hartford Ballet as a Principal Dancer in 1997. His impressive guest credits include performances with the Russian Imperial Ballet, National Ballet of China, Victor Ullate Ballet of Spain, Inoue Ballet of Japan, Ochi Ballet, Universal Ballet of Korea, Joffrey Ballet, Washington Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, CityDance, and Philadanco.
As a featured soloist, Thomas has performed at many galas, including Le Gala Des Etoiles, and has been a part of numerous television productions, including a Bravo documentary in 1997, CBS' Breakfast with the Arts in 1991, Sesame Street in 1969, and the 1999 Academy Awards. He has also appeared in a featured solo during the Spring 2000 international ad campaign for The GAP.
In addition to his impressive dance career, Thomas has also made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, starring in films such as One Last Dance in 2003, alongside Patrick Swayze, and Twyla Tharp's Broadway hit "Movin' Out." Critics have praised Thomas's unique dance style, which has been described as a mix of Mikhail Baryshnikov, Bruce Lee, and Michael Jackson, a true force of nature.
A multi-talented artist, Thomas spends his free time writing songs and scripts, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft.
