The Bad Boys of Dance combine ballet training with martial arts, hip-hop, gymnastics, jazz and modern dance.
The Maryland-based group, which has been featured on the Fox TV show "So You Think You Can Dance," will show off its talents Tuesday at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto.
The 90-minute show features six men and one woman performing to pop hits by Michael Jackson, Queen, Prince, the Black Eyed Peas and more.
"This show is about fun," said Brandon Perry, a founding company member and operations director. "We want the audience to have a great time and be transported."
The troupe was founded in 2007 by award-winning dancer Rasta Thomas. Born in San Francisco, Thomas, 31, grew up in Washington, D.C., and won numerous dance contests. He has performed as a guest with such companies as the Kirov Ballet, the Imperial Russian Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet and the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
In an interview on the Bad Boys' Web site, Thomas explained the reason for the company name. "That's what I was labeled and it stuck," he said. "So when someone gives you lemons make lemonade. It is now who we are and I can't imagine it any other way."
He said he founded the company to show how entertaining dance could be. "They are the dancers of tomorrow," he said. "Hybrids that can do it all ... from ballet to hip-hop, it makes no difference. They're hot, young and fresh to death. They have an unparalleled ability to morph from one style to another and are entertaining and exciting to watch."
"Bad Boys" company member Joey Arrigo said he enjoys being part of the group because it has allowed him to travel the world.
"We've see so many corners of the earth that so many people wouldn't be able to see with other jobs," he said.
The show is designed to appeal to all ages and all backgrounds. Women enjoy the show because of the handsome male dancers while men appreciate the athleticism, Perry said.
"We want everybody to have a great time with great music and great dancing," Perry said.
Before their Gallo Center performance, the Bad Boys will give a master class in contemporary dance and jazz on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at Cabaret West Dance Theatre on Modesto Junior College's west campus. For more information, contact Lori Bryhni at bryhnil@mjc.edu or (209) 575-6496.WHAT: Bad Boys of Dance
WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
WHEN: Rogers Theater, Gallo Center, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $15-$45
CALL: (209) 338-2100
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
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