Work samples

  • Praise! Project (2021-present)
    Praise! Project (2021-present)

    Praise! Project opens the door into a conversation around sacred bodies, queerness, and coming in-to ourselves. As the performers crisscross memories and fantasies of divine encounters, the piece asks how we reconcile past experiences to make new meaning for the present.

    Photo: Vincent E Thomas and Gabriel Thom Pasculli, performing an excerpt of Praise! Project

    Co-Created and performed by Vincent E Thomas and Gabriel Thom Pasculli in collaboration with Desiré Graham and Malia’Kekia Nicolini | Created with the support of NPN Creation Fund, co-commissioned by Bethany Arts Community, Sandglass Theater, and The Baltimore Theater Project. Presented by Wender Collective and VTDance.

  • Praise! Project (2021-present)

    Praise! Project opens the door into a conversation around sacred bodies, queerness, and coming in-to ourselves. As the performers crisscross memories and fantasies of divine encounters, the piece asks how we reconcile past experiences to make new meaning for the present.

    Praise! as a project is co-created, immersive, and always evolving. At times during the performance, the audience will be welcomed into call and response movement, song, and facilitated dialogue.

    Co-Created and performed by Vincent E Thomas and Gabriel Thom Pasculli in collaboration with Desiré Graham and Malia’Kekia Nicolini | Created with the support of NPN Creation Fund, co-commissioned by Bethany Arts Community, Sandglass Theater, and The Baltimore Theater Project. Presented by Wender Collective and VTDance.

  • Mama Said... Mugshots Project (2020-present)
    Mama Said... Mugshots Project (2020-present)

    Vincent inhales the aromas of light and hope from a tall white mug...reflecting on the positive messages and warnings from his Mama. This photo is part of the Mugshots Project. Collaborating photographer is Sujan Shrestha.

  • "Spillage" from Mugshots Project, Vincent E Thomas (2020-present)

    The Mugshots Project is a highly collaborative artistic project, engaging a photographer, videographer, and poet. I was invited to participate in a virtual artist residency in Singapore during the pandemic. This project opened up portals of my artistic work that I had not seen or anticipated and heightened my work as a collaborator.

    During the pandemic, I searched for light, positive energy, hope, and inspiration during the challenging and stressful times. With Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter Movement sweeping the world- anger, frustration, protests (peaceful and chaotic)- I turned inward to find moments and sources of grace and light. One morning while having tea and meditating, I noticed and focused on my mug in hand. I took in the vessel that held my sipping tea. Gratitude in the vessel…a mug- a container of gratitude. I inhaled the aromas of positivity. It was a metaphor for me…

     

Share:

Facebook Twitter Share

About Vincent

Baltimore County   2025 Finalists  

As an artist, I value the art of collaboration and have found throughout my career, collaborations have been a vital thread to my work. My work builds on the use of contemporary dance, improvisation, text/ movement, a variety of sound sources, and collaborations with other artists, including dancers, musicians, poets, visual artists, and others [to be discovered]. These ideas coupled with witty, poignant, athletic and gestural movement are the rich palette for VTDance. Thematically, I am… more

See $2,500 Baker Artist Award Winning Portfolio
View Vincent's Resume
Jump to a project:

Collaborative Works of VTDance

Over the years, I have collaborated with several artists- musicians, composers, poets, animators, and performance artists. These are rich opportunities and are grounded in the mission and vision of VTDance/Vincent E. Thomas. These collaborative efforts continue to feed and broaden the range of artistic work. Here is a sampling of projects over the past years that continue to develop.

Praise! Project (premiering in 2025)

Praise! Project opens the door into a conversation around sacred bodies, queerness, and coming in-to ourselves. As the performers crisscross memories and fantasies of divine encounters, the piece asks how we reconcile past experiences to make new meaning for the present.

Praise! as a project is co-created, immersive, and always evolving. At times during the performance, the audience will be welcomed into call and response movement, song, and facilitated dialogue.

Co-Created and performed by Vincent E Thomas and Gabriel Thom Pasculli in collaboration with Desiré Graham and Malia’Kekia Nicolini | Created with the support of NPN Creation Fund, co-commissioned by Bethany Arts Community, Sandglass Theater, and The Baltimore Theater Project. Presented by Wender Collective and VTDance.

Detritus Suite (premiering in 2025)

This is a new collaboration project with Dave Ballou and his jazz trio. Plans for this project will include 3 musicians and 3 dancers. We are in a research and developmental stage and will premier in May 2025.

Gardens of Clay (premiering in 2026)

This project brings to life- lessons learned, stories heard and unheard, antidotes tried and true, and impeccable moments of a life lived as an artist - a human being whose legacy is in the soil of our souls and in the wings and marley of the grand stage. Looking at the expansive ways of mentoring (personally and generationally) artists, teachers, leaders, and organizers of dance. His efforts were part of shifting the American dance landscape at a pivotable time of black consciousness. Mr. Clay Taliaferro is a living legacy. 

Collaborators:
Vincent E. Thomas, (Artistic Director, VTDance)  
Clay Taliaferro, (Dance Legend)
Dr. Gaynell Sherrod, (Project Researcher/Documenter & Educational Developer)
Dr. John Perpena, (Dance Historian)
Toby Twining, (Composer)
Interns: Chelsea Patten (stage manager), Christiana Wozniak (archives), Mikayla Young (movement archives)

Drifting  Into Consciousness (2021)

"Drifting Into Consciousness" is a collaboration my VTDance artist & former company member Thomas Tyger Moore, Jr. This work examines states of consciousness and being in and through dreams. The work was commissioned by Dance Exchange for a "Dance On" virtual festival in May 2021.


What's Going On (The Marvin Gaye Project) 
(2016-2019)
&
What's Going On Suite
(Presently ongoing)
Vincent E. Thomas looks through the lens of Marvin Gaye’s transcendent music and finds a reflection of the world today. Taking inspiration from 1971’s inimitable What’s Going On, Marvin Gaye’s insights into life, love and social justice are given fresh perspectives with new choreography by Vincent E. Thomas (Artistic Director), and co-choreographers Ralph Glenmore and Sylvia Soumah. This evening-length work features Modern, Jazz and West African dance. What’s Going On seeks to provoke thoughtfulness and spark conversations to ignite change in each community it touches. The work premiered at Dance Place in Washington, DC in November 2016. The work has been performed in Virginia, South Carolina, Montana, Ohio, Delaware with SOLD OUT shows in most venues.

Currently, Vincent is setting the What's Going On Suite on dance companies and university/college dancers. The collaboration includes a process of unearthing celebrations and concerns in the community. Dancers bring their celebrations and concerns into the physical body to enhance the structure of the work, becoming deeply personal yet unified.

Washington Post Review Quotes:
‘a beautifully realized dance production’

‘comfort… was abundantly on offer in this show, as well as defiance and a gloom-lifting spiritual boost’

‘a soaring vision of collective harmony’

‘a sweeping, circular finale… offered the sweetest solace possible: people coming together’

 

Dis' Land
This is a duet collaboration with Michelle "Love the Poet" Nelson. We interrogated the song and meaning of "This Land is Your Land".

Collaboration- Love the Poet & Vincent E Thomas

 

Soul/Sole Brothers
Soul/Sole Brothers is a collaboration with theater artist Michael Sakamoto. After an engaging workshop at a conference about walking in another person's shoes, the profoundness of the experience led us to explore deeper what was surfacing within us and the stories that emerged from our lived experiences.

Collaboration- Michael Sakamoto & Vincent E. Thomas
Music Collaboration- Juan Soto Bown

 

F.E.A.R. - scherzo #2 (2016-present)
F.E.A.R. is a work-in-progress and an international collaboration between the dance artists Annika B. Lewis – based in Copenhagen/Denmark and Vincent E. Thomas – based in Baltimore/U.S.
The performance explores the political, social, cultural, economic, emotional, physical, medical, healing and even comical aspects of fear, and the similarities and differences of the embedded nature of fear in Denmark and the United States.

This multi-year collaboration was initiated in 2015 with support from The DIVA program/ The Danish Arts Foundation, Kassandra Production and DanseHallerne in Copenhagen. The work premiered in Copenhagen, Denmark in January 2016 at DanseHallerne and in the Baltimore, MD in February 2016 at Baltimore Theatre Project. Given the social climate in our global society, the artists are planning upcoming tour dates.

Prelude/Frustration Revisioned (2017)
​This project was a re-imagining of the award winning solo "Prelude/Frustration". This collaboration was with Elizabeth Richter (harpist) from Ball State in Muncie, Indiana and Andre Gaskins from Indianapolis Symphony in Indianapolis, Indiana (cellist). The work premiered for the opening ceremony of the 2017 Music for All Summer Symposium at Ball State University. I continue to revision the solo with a range of musical artists and instrumentations.


"Bow" (2017-2019)

This solo "Bow" is part of a larger evening length work called "Same Stories-Different Countries". The premise of the work looks at hunting and gathering as a seed and jumping off place. During my research I ran across an article about the Botswana Bushmen seeking help to overturn new laws threatening their tribal culture in and near the Kalahari Desert. These laws would move them from their ancestral land because of their survival practices (hunting and gathering). The Bushmen said: "If you deny us the right to hunt, you are killing us." I was so moved by this impact on a community- a culture. I began to reflect on my past experiences and within the performance process pose questions to the audiences about when in their personal culture and community do they hunt and gather. 

The solo begins and research continues (as part of the performance)- considering definitions, asking questions, 'hunting and gathering' personal stories from the audience, and then folding these findings into the performance. Though seventy-five percent of the solo is defined and choreographed, the other twenty-five percent is gathered from the audience and incorporated on the spot. Each performance is different based on what is gathered. I have found this to be a rich experience for the audience and it gives them insight on the choreographic and research process by including their stories and taking them on the journey.

"Bow" Project background:

Same Story – Different Countries

A multidisciplinary, global engagement production with original music, artwork, poetry and choreography, will reveal similarities and differences between South African Culture and United States Culture. The long-range plan for this and previous projects involves the development of interconnected multidisciplinary performances that includes literature and the arts. We engage audiences who attend and view the production and promote the development of knowledge and skills in students who are involved in the creation of the production and in the follow-up educational activities. As a truly multidisciplinary/transdisciplinary research project, it engages archival historical and literary research, creative writing by scholars and poets, original music created in collaboration with other team members and the creation of performance pieces that incorporate visual artists and the production of media work that circulates in digital and academic spaces. An important goal of this project is to enable researchers, artists, and participants to transform and synthesize knowledge in ways that illuminate the consequences of historical, social and cultural practices of racial discrimination through an artistic lens.

 

  • Praise! Project Promotional Video

    Praise! Project opens the door into a conversation around sacred bodies, queerness, and coming in-to ourselves. As the performers crisscross memories and fantasies of divine encounters, the piece asks how we reconcile past experiences to make new meaning for the present.

    Praise! as a project is co-created, immersive, and always evolving. At times during the performance, the audience will be welcomed into call and response movement, song, and facilitated dialogue.

    Co-Created and performed by Vincent E Thomas and Gabriel Thom Pasculli in collaboration with Desiré Graham and Malia’Kekia Nicolini | Created with the support of NPN Creation Fund, co-commissioned by Bethany Arts Community, Sandglass Theater, and The Baltimore Theater Project. Presented by Wender Collective and VTDance.

  • Gardens of Clay, Part I excerpt

    Gardens of Clay will premiere in 2026. This duet excerpt is the first exploration and investigation examining the meaning of 'being free'. Performers are: Mr. Clay Taliaferro and Vincent E Thomas

    This project brings to life- lessons learned, stories heard and unheard, antidotes tried and true, and impeccable moments of a life lived as an artist - a human being whose legacy is in the soil of our souls and in the wings and marley of the grand stage. Looking at the expansive ways of mentoring (personally and generationally) artists, teachers, leaders, and organizers of dance. His efforts were part of shifting the American dance landscape at a pivotable time of black consciousness. Mr. Clay Taliaferro is a living legacy. 

  • Drifting Into Consciousness 2021
    "Drifting Into Consciousness" is a collaboration my VTDance artist & former company member Thomas Tyger Moore, Jr. This work examines states of consciousness and being in and through dreams. The work was commissioned by Dance Exchange for a virtual festival in May 2021. Dreaming- Dreamer- Dreamt-…I dreamed of dreaming dreams that …. Sung: I’m dreaming of a … (pause) Dreams that my great-great grandfather dreamed Of happy days to finally come, Never once seen on this land. This land that dreams of recognized footprints On the lips and tongues of everyday thought. Hum: I’m dreaming of a … Dreams of my mother tongue Dreams of my father arms And still I dream of dreamed urges, Surges… Cries… Church-chuckles And loves. Hum very softly-almost a disappearing pizzicato: I’m dreaming of a … My feet sinks in the sand of warm footprints, Eyes of the toes navigating the next landing pillow, Familiar… Faint… Fresh… Awake… Sankofa dream.
  • What's Going On (finale)
    What's Going On (finale)
    Final section of What's Going On-Life, Love, Social Justice Music of Marvin Gaye Photo credit: Jonathan Hsu
  • What's Going On Suite- Reminiscin' Marvin solo rehearsal

    This is an excerpt from the What's Going On Suite that I set on dance companies and university/college dancers. The poem is a result of a collaboration with a poet, around the challenges and concerns in our community. This was from a rehearsal in fall of 2024 at Towson University.

  • "Dis' Land"

    This is a duet collaboration with Michelle "Love the Poet" Nelson. We interrogated the song and meaning of "This Land is Your Land".

  • Soul/Sole Brothers

    Soul/Sole Brothers is a collaboration with theater artist Michael Sakamoto. After an engaging workshop at a conference about walking in another person's shoes, the profoundness of the experience led us to explore deeper what was surfacing within us and the stories that emerged from our lived experiences.

    Collaboration- Michael Sakamoto & Vincent E. Thomas

    Music Collaboration- Juan Soto Bown

  • F.E.A.R. Project
    F.E.A.R. Project
    F.E.A.R. Project (2016-present) A collaboration with Annika B. Lewis (Denmark) and Vincent E. Thomas (U.S.)
  • Prelude/Frustration Re-visioned
    Prelude/Frustration Re-visioned
    Prelude/Frustration re-visioned (2017) Vincent E. Thomas (dancer) and Elizabeth Richter (harpist)
  • "Bow" (a working process solo)
    •

    • VTDance 20th Anniversary Celebration (2023)

    “I am struck by the number of artists and collaborators that has journeyed with VTDance/Vincent E Thomas from the very start. The many threads of the quilt holds each patch together…and I am deeply grateful. In this event, in this space, the art continues to deepen for me, revealing the many seeds that has allowed art to strive, thrive, and yes, be alive. These walls are speaking, these walls are whispering, these walls are moving…these walls hold stories of VTDance from past, present, and what’s to come. So throughout the experience, lean in a little closer to see, smell, hear, taste, and feel the rich journey – 20 years of VTDance.”

    • Contemplations on Legacy
      "Contemplations on Legacy"

      A group of dancers in rich earth tone costumes in dynamic physical movements in space.

      Contemplations on Legacy honors the past, present, and future of our imprints.

    • Man's World
      "Man's World"

      Two male dancers, one on his back with feet supporting the other in an outstretched position. Heart exposed to the world.

      This powerful and physical duet is to the musical strains of It's a Man's, Man's World by James Brown.

    • Excerpt from Praise
      Excerpt from "Praise"

      Two male dancers in blue shirts and khaiki, white pants, one male perched on the shoulders of another male.

    • Solo- 20th Anniversary Celebration
      Solo- 20th Anniversary Celebration

      A male dancer with simple poignant gesture of hands, facing upwards with eyes softly closed

    • "Still Planting..." finale

      "Still Planting..."

      Finale for 20th Anniversary Celebration

      Performers: Vincent E Thomas, Thomas Tyger, Gabriel, Baylee, Elias, Sade, Mikhail, Kendall, Armani

      Musicians: Quinn Ketteringham and Marco Hague

      April 22, 2023 Baltimore Theatre Project

    • "Man's World" & Montage Universal

      Choreography: Vincent E. Thomas
      Music:       James Brown
      Performance: Elias Brzezinski, Mikhail Gordon

    • "Contemplations on Legacy"

      VTDance II in this moving work honoring individual and collective legacy.

      Choreography: Vincent E. Thomas & in collaboration with dancers
      Performance: Elias Brzezinski, Armani Colon, Mikhail Gordon, Sadé Morgan, Kendall Willis, Baylee Wong
      Music: Toumani
      Poet: Cathy L. Draine
      Costumes: Hannah Brill
      Rehearsal Assistant: Elias Brzezinski

    • "drifting into consciousness"

      "What do dreams/dreaming reveal to us...what's real and what's a nightmare?" Collaboration with former VTDance company member Thomas Tyger Moore. 20th Anniversary Celebration, Baltimore Theatre Project, April 2023.

      Collaborative Choreography and Design: Vincent E. Thomas and Thomas Tyger Moore
      Performance: Vincent E. Thomas and Thomas Tyger Moore
      Music Creation: Young Denzel
      Soundscape: Rain, Water
      Text: Vincent E. Thomas and Thomas Tyger Moore
      Videography/Editing: Orange Grove Dance- Colette Krogol & Matt Reeves

       

       

    • Excerpt from "Praise"

      Collaboration & Performance: Gabriel Thom Pasculli and Vincent E. Thomas
      Workshop Director: Desiré Graham
      Soundscore: Cooper Forsman

      Brief Project Summary:

      Vincent Thomas and Gabriel Thom Pasculli are creating Praise!, an investigation of self and spirit through a child's experience of CHURCH. Through dance, song, and religious fantasy, the two performers criss cross their own memories as well as the queer, creative, and erotic Heavenly spheres as they attempt to reconcile the mixed messages of coming-of-age within the modern mythos of Christ.

    • Solo- 20th Anniversary Celebration

      A reflection of 20 years of moving... Vincent's newest solo with an original composition by Jason A Baker. Premiered on the 20th Anniversary Celebration, Baltimore Theatre Project, April 2023.

    •

    • Moving Dialogues REDUX 2022

    Vincent E Thomas/VTDance new season concert features an ecclectic array of powerful and poignant works. Works include a birthday gift to Baltimore Theatre Project (celebrating 50 years), a new solo about finding self in the midst of social boxes, a new excerpt from a new project about the life, lessons, and legacy of the dance legend- Clay Taliaferro, and the premier of the new ensemble VTDance II. The work continues to be universal, tangible, and essential.

                                                                                                                                                      Speak Space

    Performers: Kristin Putchinski and Vincent E Thomas

    InBox…

    Performers: Julian Peterson, Vincent E Thomas

    Text: Vincent E Thomas

    Pursuit of Hope

    Choreography and Direction: Vincent E Thomas with Additional Choreography by Company

    Music: Christian Cherry

    VTDance II Performers: Elias Brzezinski, Mikhail Gordon, Yasir, Jones, Brandon Palmer

    Projection Design: Steven Burrall

    Gardens of Clay: A work-in-process 

    Performers: Mr. Clay Taliaferro and Vincent E Thomas

    Documentarian: Dr. Gaynell Sherrod

    Music: Giuseppe Verdi, Leontyne Price

    Step…

    Performers: Julian Peterson, Vincent E Thomas, VTDance II

    Creative juice from a walking meditation lead by Nancy Romita

    • VT Bliss.jpg
      VT Bliss.jpg
      "InBox..." solo, Moving Dialogues REDUX 2022
    • Speak Space
      "Speak Space"
      Collaboration with Kristin Puchinski celebrating the 50th birthday of Baltimore Theatre Project 2022
    • "Speak Space"
      A special birthday gift to honor the 50th Birthday of Baltimore Theatre Project, this piece speaks to the history, present, and future hopes for BTP. Collaboration with Kristin Putchinski (aka ellen cherry).
    • "InBox..."
      InBox… Performers: Julian Peterson, Vincent E Thomas Text: Vincent E Thomas 2022
    • 20220310_200406.jpg
      20220310_200406.jpg
      "InBox..." Moving Dialogues REDUX 2022
    • "Pursuit of Hope"
      Vincent E Thomas presents his new ensemble VTDance II. This amazing group of young male pre-professionals set the stage for continuing the powerful and important work of VTDance. "Pursuit of Hope" Choreography and Direction: Vincent E Thomas with Additional Choreography by Company Music: Christian Cherry VTDance II Performers: Elias Brzezinski, Mikhail Gordon, Yasir, Jones, Brandon Palmer Projection Design: Steven Burrall 2022
    • VTD2.jpg
      VTD2.jpg
      Vincent presents the new ensemble of pre-professional dance artists- VTDance II. "Pursuit of Hope" 2022
    • "Gardens of Clay", Part 1 (2022)
      "Gardens of Clay" is a multi-year project that looks at the life, lessons, and legacy of the dance legend Mr. Clay Taliaferro. "Gardens of Clay": A work-in-process Performers: Mr. Clay Taliaferro and Vincent E Thomas Documentarian: Dr. Gaynell Sherrod Music: Giuseppe Verdi, Leontyne Price 2022
    • Gardens of Clay, Part 1 (2022)
      "Gardens of Clay", Part 1 (2022)
      "Gardens of Clay" Clay Taliaferro & Vincent E Thomas 2022
    • "Step...."
      "Step…" Performers: Julian Peterson (guitar), Vincent E Thomas, Kristin Putchinski, Clay Taliaferro, VTDance II Creative juice/inspiration for this work was from a walking meditation lead by Nancy Romita "A moment to walk…" Audience is invited to take a walk-in the labyrinth
    •

    • The Coronavirus Chonicles 2020-2021

    The pandemic (Covid-19) has been a major disruption to life as we know it or knew it. Aspects of our lives have been in crisis, some to devastating ends. The arts were hit hard. Theaters and performance venues still have the 'ghostlight' on. In a moment of stillness, I considered my 'ghostlight' as an artist. What, where, and how would I move forward and continue to move a needle forward in the field. This gave me energy/gas to charge ahead with creative justice and inquiry to be productive and still do the important work and engage with communties and organizations with and through art.
    The coronavirus pandemic was like a vehicle slamming on breaks in a Nascar race of life. The vehicle stops and the mugshot is taken. From many sides, the view (mugshot) of our society and the world was being examined and scrutinized. The images/mugshots of this pandemic will document this moment in history. Even the mugshots/images of the Black Lives Matter Movement are profound in scope in how they capture black and brown people in inspiring, powerful, authentic, emotional, rallying, and innocent ways. Here are two major examples of artistic projects that flourished out of the pandemic- "Mugshots" and "Hands of Power".

    "Mugshots" Project- 2020 DANZINC International Virtual Residency- Singapore
    These mugshots photos were taken during the pandemics as I searched for light, positive energy, hope, and inspiration during the challenging and stressful times. With Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter Movement sweeping the world- anger, frustration, protests (peaceful and chaotic)- I turned inward to find moments and sources of grace and light. One morning while having tea and meditating, I noticed and focused on my mug in hand. I took in the vessel that held my sipping tea. Gratitude in the vessel…a container of gratitude. I inhaled the aromas of positivity. It was a metaphor for me…so I took a selfie- a mugshot. The result of this artistic process was a photographic series. As part of my morning meditation, I added an improvisational movement meditation for each mugshot taken. I brought into the process my spoken word collaborator, Michelle “Love the poet” Nelson, to create one stanza poems for each mug. From her poems, I then selected one line from each that resonated with each mug’s essence to create a collage poem- Spillage. This poem will be used as inspiration and motivation for a physical solo.

    "Hands of Power" I wanted to consider the meaning of silver lining? Traced back to the writings of John Milton about a cloud’s silver lining, I admit I had no real knowledge of him nor his writing. But I did have a memory of my grandmother teaching me the power of making the best out of the ‘not so best’. In other words, ‘making a way out of no way’, as they would often say in the southern baptist church. Big Ma (the late Mariah Brown) was a spiritual soul from the south, who always saw good in others. I am reminded of Big Ma and me making lemonade and sweet tea in the cosy kitchen. This memory of (as a child) taking sour lemons and making something sweet and delicious out of it, is what has stayed with me during these times. This pandemic has been, truthfully, troubling and challenging on so many levels. Since March 13th, the pivot dance has been my Electric Slide, my Cupid Shuffle, and my Wobble. And this dance continued into the fall semester, as we pivoted into all online/virtual classes (teaching and learning). So in true Big Ma fashion, I decided to make some lemonade. A huge pitcher of lemonade has been the Modern Repertory class. In early August, I decided to create a piece inspired by the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, Women’s Suffrage Movement, March on Washington 1963/2020, and Voting. It has been a thirst-quenching journey. The virtual platform challenges, the diminished individual moving spaces, the lack of in-person physical community and tactile connections were the lemons, and the research, creative processes, personal investigations of subject matter, new ways to connect with a larger university community, and the students were the cups of sugar. The result is the dance piece  “Hands of Power”. The work has five sections: My first vote…, I am…, In my hands…, In my feet…, and In our Rights. For the section In my feet…, I reached across and within the university community to engage collaborative partnerships with others in an organized “artful” march. I work in the pageantry marching arts so I am very familiar with aspects of marching, but I wanted to bridge and fold social justice and social movement marches into this creative process for art. It was really important to share with the dancers, in practice, how life and art reflects each other. One of my favorite quotes is “Life imitates art far more than art imitates life” by Oscar Wilde.  What initially was going to be 9 dancers ended up being over 30 participants, two videographers, and one photographer. The participants were asked to create signage for the march and to consider what would be a platform they would march about. What would/do they stand up for? What cause do they value and want to add their voice? What issues would/do they vote for? It was an amazing gathering of folks across a spectrum, coming together for a common goal of common good. In my feet… is performed by Modern Repertory, TU Dance Company, Assistant Professor Alison Seidenstricker (Dept. of Dance), Assistant Professor Michelle Humphreys (Dept. of Music), Bria Bennett (Athletic Dept.- Community Partners Coordinator), Luis Sierra (Office of Civic Engagement), three members of the Women’s Track & Field, members of Towson AIDE, and several  other Towson University students. Videographers: Rebecca Wolf (Dept. of Dance- Production Coordinator) and Ben Rosenbaum (Athletic Dept.- Director of Digital Media), and Alex Wright (TU Photographer). At the beginning of the semester, I had no idea it would turn out this way. Throughout the creative process, I continued to listen to the art and allow it to blossom, stir, and evolve into a tall pitcher of lemonade. Storyboard Draft:     My first vote… (Voting Booth)…maybe 4 solos     I am… (Profile Solo)…maybe 4 or 5     In our hands… (Hands)…maybe 9 frames…Text: The New Colossus poem     In our feet… (Marching)….Drumming- Michelle Humphreys     In our Rights… (Finale)….Drumming- Michelle Humphreys
    • Mugshot- Love....jpg
      Mugshot- Love....jpg
      Mugshot- a photograph of a person’s face, especially taken for police records. Since the late 1800’s, photographs were taken of every arrested suspect, including a front and side view. I remember as a kid, the term ‘mug’ was a term used for face in casual conversation. So the word was used quite casually (like slang) and without much negative associations. As I think about the associations with criminals, those guilty and innocent, racial profilings of black and brown folks, and the ever popular selfies for social media, I am intrigued by the desire to be seen…wanted and unwanted. Artistic Process: These mugshots photos were taken during the pandemics as I searched for light, positive energy, hope, and inspiration during the challenging and stressful times. With Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter Movement sweeping the world- anger, frustration, protests (peaceful and chaotic)- I turned inward to find moments and sources of grace and light. One morning while having tea and meditating, I noticed and focused on my mug in hand. I took in the vessel that held my sipping tea. Gratitude in the vessel…a container of gratitude. I inhaled the aromas of positivity. It was a metaphor for me…so I took a selfie- a mugshot. The result of this artistic process was a photographic series. As part of my morning meditation, I added an improvisational movement meditation for each mugshot taken. I brought into the process my spoken word collaborator, Michelle “Love the poet” Nelson, to create one stanza poems for each mug. I will create a physical solo as a culmination of the photos and poems.
    • MamaSaid Mug.JPG
      MamaSaid Mug.JPG
      Mugshots- "Mama said..." 2020, Photographer: Sujan Shreestha
    • "Spillage" from Mugshots Project, Vincent E Thomas
      During the pandemic, I searched for light, positive energy, hope, and inspiration during the challenging and stressful times. With Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter Movement sweeping the world- anger, frustration, protests (peaceful and chaotic)- I turned inward to find moments and sources of grace and light. One morning while having tea and meditating, I noticed and focused on my mug in hand. I took in the vessel that held my sipping tea. Gratitude in the vessel…a mug- a container of gratitude. I inhaled the aromas of positivity. It was a metaphor for me…
    • Mugshots - What you like...
      Mugshots - What you like...
      These mugshots photos were taken during the pandemics as I searched for light, positive energy, hope, and inspiration during the challenging and stressful times. With Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter Movement sweeping the world- anger, frustration, protests (peaceful and chaotic)- I turned inward to find moments and sources of grace and light. One morning while having tea and meditating, I noticed and focused on my mug in hand. I took in the vessel that held my sipping tea. Gratitude in the vessel…a container of gratitude. I inhaled the aromas of positivity. It was a metaphor for me…so I took a selfie- a mugshot. The result of this artistic process was a photographic series. As part of my morning meditation, I added an improvisational movement meditation for each mugshot taken. I brought into the process my spoken word collaborator, Michelle “Love the poet” Nelson, to create one stanza poems for each mug.
    • MugCircle.JPG
      MugCircle.JPG
      Mugshots Project- MugCircle Vincent E Thomas, concept, director Photographer: Sujan Shreestha
    • Mugshots - One person...
      Mugshots - One person...
      These mugshots photos were taken during the pandemics as I searched for light, positive energy, hope, and inspiration during the challenging and stressful times. With Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter Movement sweeping the world- anger, frustration, protests (peaceful and chaotic)- I turned inward to find moments and sources of grace and light. One morning while having tea and meditating, I noticed and focused on my mug in hand. I took in the vessel that held my sipping tea. Gratitude in the vessel…a container of gratitude. I inhaled the aromas of positivity. It was a metaphor for me…so I took a selfie- a mugshot. The result of this artistic process was a photographic series. As part of my morning meditation, I added an improvisational movement meditation for each mugshot taken. I brought into the process my spoken word collaborator, Michelle “Love the poet” Nelson, to create one stanza poems for each mug.
    • "Hands of Power" Excerpts 2020
      What initially was going to be 9 dancers ended up being over 30 participants, two videographers, and one photographer. The participants were asked to create signage for the march and to consider what would be a platform they would march about. What would/do they stand up for? What cause do they value and want to add their voice? What issues would/do they vote for? It was an amazing gathering of folks across a spectrum, coming together for a common goal of common good. In my feet… is performed by Modern Repertory, TU Dance Company, Assistant Professor Alison Seidenstricker (Dept. of Dance), Assistant Professor Michelle Humphreys (Dept. of Music), Bria Bennett (Athletic Dept.- Community Partners Coordinator), Luis Sierra (Office of Civic Engagement), three members of the Women’s Track & Field, members of Towson AIDE, and several other Towson University students. Videographers: Rebecca Wolf (Dept.
    •

    • In the Company of... Moving Dialogues (2019)

    VTDance/Vincent E. Thomas presents an exciting evening of new works and collaborations with a stellar cast of moving artists. In the Company of…Moving Dialogues will surprise you, entice you, and satisfy your artistic thirst. The works will stimulate conversations from a wide range of topics. Collaboration is key in the work of VTDance and the three premiers bring to the stage seasoned artists for artistic inquiry. "Dis' Land" examines the role of patriotic verses and the truth of those verses which goes unsung. Love the Poet (spoken word) and Vincent brings to the stage the familiar and the un-noticed familiar of gesture, song, and spoken words. "Invisible Presence" honors the fathers and grandfathers and the spoken and silent lessons taught, which show up in one's lives still. Runqiao Du (ballet dancer) and Vincent created a nostalgic and contemporary duet that rbings the essences of lineage in the space. "Sole Brothers" began with two movement artists walking in each others' shoes. This profound experience yielded personal insights about humanity that are learned and experienced in shoes from childhood to adulthood. Michael Sakamoto (Butoh artist) and Vincent bring culture, stories, and movement to a wonderful stew for the audience to feast. 

    In the Company of…Moving Dialogues
    Baltimore Theater Project
    March 30th, 2019 at 8pm
    March 31st, 2019 at 3pm


    • "Dis' Land"
      Collaboration/Performers- Vincent E. Thomas and Love the Poet (Michelle Antoinette Nelson) Premier- March 2019, Baltimore Theatre Project In the Company of... Moving Dialogues
    • "Invisible Presence" 2019
      Collaboration/Performers- Vincent E. Thomas and Runqiao Du Premier- March 2019 Baltimore Theatre Project In the Company of... Moving Dialogues
    • "Sole Brothers" 2019
      Collaboration/Performers- Vincent E. Thomas and Michael Sakumoto Premier- March 2019 Baltimore Theatre Project In the Company of... Moving Dialogues
    • In the Company Of...Moving Dialogues.JPG
      In the Company Of...Moving Dialogues.JPG
      In the Company of Moving Dialogues- Vincent E. Thomas, Love the Poet, Runqiao Du, Michael Sakumoto, Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell
    • Dis' Land
      "Dis' Land"
      Vincent E. Thomas and Love the Poet
    • Invisible Presence
      Invisible Presence
      Vincent E. Thomas and Runqiao Du Musician- Juan Soto Bown
    • Sole Brothers
      "Sole Brothers"
      Vincent E. Thomas and Michael Sakumoto
    • Sole Brothers(2)
      "Sole Brothers"(2)
      Vincent E. Thomas and Michael Sakumoto
    • Sole Brothers (3)
      "Sole Brothers" (3)
      Vincent E. Thomas and Michael Sakumoto Musician- Juan Soto Bown
    •

    • "In the Company of Men..."

    About the work:
    In the Company of Men...(2016) is an evening of dance art embracing themes of masculinity, life, love, social awareness, and human-ness. With a talented cast of all men, I brought to the stage many perspectives on life through the physical work of the male body. The artistic range of the works is bold and impressive, featuring excerpts from Same Stories, What’s Going On, On the Shoulders of Giants, and other new works.

    Personal view:
    With this concert (and subsequent concerts in this series), I am interested in showcasing and embracing the range of male-ness in our society, through movement, spoken word, music, and visual art. It was a powerful evening- men of all ages, backgrounds/cultures, physical levels, and expressions, coming together in a common effort. This concert series is connected to my masculinity workshops for 'Fathers, Sons, and Other Guys'. This workshop excavates the term masculinity, in an effort to define, re-define, shatter, and rebuild what this word means to ourselves and in our community. This work is crucial as men constantly find themselves under the radar and challenged in society. Through this effort we understand ourselves more deeply. 
    Part of the artist journey that informs the many ways of celebrating men and the range of masculinity, I conduct these 'Fathers, Sons, and Other Guys' workshops all over the country and internationally. Workshops have taken place in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Washington, DC, Seattle, WA, Copenhagen and Aarhus, Denmark, with continued and additional sites in the works.

    A participants view:
    A special thanks to you, and a Big thank you to everybody for a great experience, very nice to be able to let go in words and physical expression because we all gave room to everyone else to experience a different form of freedom! (Rene Sogaard Hvid- father in Denmark)

    Thank you to you Vincent and all of you at the course. I really enjoyed to be with you and to movements and words to thoughts. Love from Henrik. (Henrik Glahder- 9 year old son in Seattle)

    • Bow solo from Same Stories- Different Countries Project: U.S./South Africa
      "Bow" solo from Same Stories- Different Countries Project: U.S./South Africa
      "Bow" solo (2016) Same Stories-Different Countries Project: U.S./South Africa Choreographer/Performer: Vincent E. Thomas Photo credit: David Williams
    • In the Company of Men- "Bow" excerpt from Same Stories- Different Countires
      This solo "Bow" is part of a larger evening length work called "Same Stories-Different Countries". The premise of the work looks at hunting and gathering as a seed and jumping off place. During my research I ran across an article about the Botswana Bushmen seeking help to overturn new laws threatening their tribal culture in and near the Kalahari Desert. These laws would move them from their ancestral land because of their survival practices (hunting and gathering). The Bushmen said: "If you deny us the right to hunt, you are killing us." I was so moved by this impact on a community- a culture. I began to reflect on my past experiences and within the performance process pose questions to the audiences about when in their personal culture and community do they hunt and gather. The solo begins, as research continues- considering definitions, asking questions, 'hunting and gathering' personal stories from the audience, and then folding these findings into the performance.
    • In the Company of Men (trio)
      In the Company of Men (trio)
      "In the Company of Men" (2016) Cast: Tarik O'Meally, Vincent E. Thomas, Darnell Williams Photo credit: Andrew Pierre
    • In the Company of Men- "My Funny Valentine" from 'What's Going On'
      "My Funny Valentine" is an excerpt from a much larger evening work titled 'What's Going On', the Marvin Gaye Project. This work looks at life, love, and social justice through the musical lens of Marvin Gaye. After reading a great deal about the life of Marvin Gaye, Jr., I created this emotional and heart-felt solo and trio.
    • In the Company of Men- "Let Us Unite..."
      "Let Us Unite..." is a male ensemble work that grew out of a recent masculinity workshop with my male dancers. this empowering view and statement about men and our role in today's society is supported by the historic speech of Charlie Chaplan from the movie The Greatest Dictator. The words are relevant even still.
    • In the Company of Men- On the Shoulders of Men Estelle Dennis Program for Boys
      In the Company of Men- "On the Shoulders of Men" Estelle Dennis Program for Boys
      Prelude from "On the Shoulders of Men" (2016) Estelle Dennis Program for Boys, Peabody Conservatory Photo credit: David Williams
    • In the Company of Men- Excerpt from "On the Shoulders of Giants"
      "On the Shoulder of Giants" is a monumental work choreographed by the legend Mr. Clay Taliaferro (former principal dancer with Jose Limon). Mr. Taliaferro and I worked with the young boys of the Estelle Dennis Boys Dance Division at Peabody for an exciting residency in the fall of 2014. The inspiration for the work are dance legends and icons who have paved a path for men dancing today. After the initial residency, Mr. Taliaferro entrusted me to continue deepening the work with the boys through the completion of the performance timeline. Lisa Green-Cudek and I choreographed the opening section as a prelude to the full work.
    • In the Company of Men finale
      In the Company of Men finale
      "In the Company of Men..." finale (2016) Cast in full expression Photo credit: David Williams
    • "In the Company of Men..."- Finale
      This is the finale of the concert "In the Company of Men...". After a rich program of male dance and photographic art, I wanted to bring all the men into the space at the same time. Powerful! I created an improvisational structure with individual expressions of masculinity. This structure followed my ending solo "Seeds". Music created and performed by Shodekeh (beatboxer).
    •

    • "iWitness" - the Solo Project

    About the work:
    Vincent E. Thomas contemplates acts of humanity in a deeply moving, multi-layered solo work. "iWitness" explores simple truths in human behaviors and implied truths in human documents from the Pledge of Allegiance to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights . "iWitness" studies and challenges the ideals we seek and attempt to follow. The solo includes "Render and Proceed" which investigates the convolution of media and its effect on the human condition and society; and "Come Change" shuffles stories of the past and present for a hopeful tomorrow.

    Personal view:
    I am deeply interested in creating art that reflects and poses questions about humanity, our values- personally and communally, and our desire to live in a better place/world, while realizing our role/what it may take to exist in that place. Many of these questions surfaced over the many years of making art and heavily informed, shaped, and focused my artistic and life view.
    This work, which grew out of a much larger work, is the result of a persistent investigation of these questions. The initial seed of an idea was about questioning my reaction to an interaction with a homeless person. This interaction troubled me to my core. I began peeling back the onion layers and the excavation led me to questions about documents that govern us and how these are instilled from such an early age. If only I had these questions as a child instead of just learning to recite statements that had no deep or clear meaning and real application to my life. Through this journey of creating and performing this solo work (and the group work 'Witness'), I understand the world I live in and the role I have in creating a more human conscious space.

    "iWitness" is based from the larger group work "Witness" which was commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of 2008 Performing Arts for Everyone and the Millennium Stage.

    Press review from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Scotland 2014- BroadwayBaby): A thrilling double: your chance to see dancers from Scottish Ballet on the Fringe and an exclusive cut of a brilliant dance piece by Vincent E. Thomas/VTDance. Vincent E Thomas/VTDance contemplates acts of humanity in the deeply moving, multi-layered work, iWitness. This solo explores simple and implied truths in human behaviour, investigates the convolution of media on the human spirit and considers a hopeful tomorrow. Photo credit: Maria Falconer
    • iWitness solo
      iWitness solo
    • iWitness solo
      The full performance of "iWitness" at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. It was quite powerful to perform the work in a community that was going through many questions about their existence as a community and how to proceed with standing as a country. The work provoked many exciting and much needed conversations for the Scots.
    • iWitness
      "iWitness"
      Vincent Thomas Photo credit: Rich Riggins
    • "I Dream..."
      Vincent Thomas Poetry: Langston Hughes Music: Gorecki
    • Moving Dialogues REDUX- Vincent E Thomas
      Moving Dialogues REDUX- Vincent E Thomas
      Moving Dialogues REDUX , Vincent E Thomas- director/choreographer/performer, March 2022 Baltimore Theatre Project
    • "Render & Proceed"
      Performer: Vincent Thomas Music: Gordon Cyr
    • iWitness
      "iWitness"
      Vincent Thomas Photo credit: Rich Riggins
    • "Come Change"
      Performer: Vincent Thomas Music: Daniel Jose Older
    • Render and Proceed
      "Render and Proceed"
      Vincent Thomas Photo credit: John Addis
    • iWitness solo
      iWitness solo
      Vincent Thomas Photo credit: Rich Riggins
    •

    • Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement

    Inspired by the James Baldwin essay "The Artist's Struggle", this new evening length work brings to physical life the words of selected poets. The central question focuses on 'what is the role of art in your life/your community?" This is a highly engaging evening of dance, poetry, music, song, audience dialogue, and haiku. I am really interested in involving the audience on multiple levels and for them not to be a passive viewer. The audience is warmly embraced throughout the evening and they willingly engage on deeper levels. At the end, they are asked to consider one concrete action they can take to ensure art in their lives and community. About the residency: The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center partnering with Joe's Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier, Maryland to offer a new incubator series called NextLOOK for both locally-based and touring artists who want to develop new work with input from the community. Vincent E.Thomas/VTDance was one of the NextLOOK artists in the season’s inaugural series and we are thrilled to have been able to support the development of
    Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement (January 2015 residency).

    Program information
    Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement Choreography & Direction: Vincent E. Thomas  Lighting Design: Leigh A. Mumford Collaboration: Maria Bauman and Michelle Antoinette Nelson Music: George Gershwin, Alec Trumble, Margret Bonds Vocals: Adia Evans Scenic Prop: Joe's Movement Emporium Text: Maya Angelou, Joyce Kilmer, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Michelle Antoinette Nelson  The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center partnered with Joe's Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier, Maryland to offer a new incubator series called NextLOOK for both locally-based and touring artists who want to develop new work with input from the community. Vincent E.Thomas/VTDance was one of the NextLOOK artists in the season’s inaugural series and we were thrilled to have been able to support the development of Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement.
    • Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement (section 1)
      Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement, section 1 Choreography & Direction: Vincent E. Thomas Lighting Design: Leigh A. Mumford Collaboration: Maria Bauman and Michelle Antoinette Nelson Music: George Gershwin Vocals: Adia Evans Scenic Prop: Single Carrot Theater Text: Maya Angelou, Joyce Kilmer
    • Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement (Section 2)
      Choreography & Direction: Vincent E. Thomas Original Lighting Design: Leigh A. Mumford Music: Margret Bonds Vocals: Adia Evans Text: Langston Hughes
    • Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement
      Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement
      Photo credit: MichelleAntoinette Photography Photo: Vincent E. Thomas, Maria Bauman, Michelle Antoinette Nelson
    • Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement (Section 3)
      Choreography & Direction: Vincent E. Thomas Original Lighting Design: Leigh A. Mumford Collaboration: Maria Bauman and Michelle Antoinette Nelson Text:Michelle Antoinette Nelson
    • Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement (Section 4)
      Choreography & Direction: Vincent E. Thomas Original Lighting Design: Leigh A. Mumford Collaboration: Maria Bauman and Michelle Antoinette Nelson Music: Amazing Grace Vocals: Michelle Antoinette Nelson Text: Audre Lorde
    • Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement (solo)
      Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement (solo)
    • Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement (Section 5)
      Choreography & Direction: Vincent E. Thomas Original Lighting Design: Leigh A. Mumford Collaboration: Maria Bauman Music: Alec Trumble Text: James Baldwin
    • Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement (Section 6- Haiku)
      With this section of the work, I wanted to bring to life the poetic voices of selected audience members. During the interlude, the audience was engaged in a dialogic process and they ended by writing a haiku based on a early memory of the impact of an artistic event on their life. They were also asked to physicalize an idea from the haiku. Maria and I used an improvisational structure to bring to moving life their haiku incorporating their movement gesture. Choreography & Direction: Vincent E. Thomas Original Lighting Design: Leigh A. Mumford Collaboration: Maria Bauman and Michelle Antoinette Nelson Music: Michelle Antoinette Nelson Text: Participants/Audience
    • Flight- Vincent E Thomas photo
      Flight- Vincent E Thomas photo
      "Wicked Bodies" artist/performer, Liz Lerman director/choreographer, August- October 2022
    • Rhapsody: A Poetic Movement (Section 7- Ending)
      Choreography & Direction: Vincent E. Thomas Original Lighting Design: Leigh A. Mumford Collaboration: Maria Bauman and Michelle Antoinette Nelson Music: George Gershwin
    •

    • "Shadows"

    Vincent E. Thomas presents a most stunning work - "Shadows", exploring essences of masculinity/manhood through shadows of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The work includes a cast of 19 men of various ages in a fusion of dance, theater, music, video/animation, comedy, and dialogue, exposing multiple expressions of truths, myths, and mysteries of masculinity. 

    Process view:
    The development of this evening-length work was the springboard to my masculinity workshops for 'Fathers, Sons, and Other Guys'. Research for the work was through a process I developed called Table Talks, where participants discuss a "hot topic" through verbal dialogue, then is led through a process of physical dialogue. Participants discuss, listen, and speak their personal truths. The rich content is then filtered and shaped into the performance work.

    "Fathers, Sons, and Other Guys" workshop:
     This workshop excavates the term masculinity, in an effort to define, re-define, shatter, and rebuild what this word means to ourselves and in our community. This work is crucial as men constantly find themselves under the radar and challenged in society. Through this effort we understand ourselves more deeply. 

    Personal view:
    With this concert (and most of my work as a teacher), I am interested in showcasing and embracing the range of male-ness in our society, through movement, spoken word, music, and visual art. It was a powerful evening- men of all ages, backgrounds/cultures, physical levels, and expressions, coming together in a common effort. The development process was over two years, holding workshops/Table Talks, listening to stories of men from various cultures, finding similarities and differences of experience and perspective on masculinity and manhood.
    "Shadows" has led to my new performance series "In the Company of Men...", and has expanded my teaching research lens, focusing more on men dancing.

    *Note: The full performance of 'Shadows" can be seen in the online video archives for the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (Washington, DC). To view, please search on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage site for Vincent E. Thomas/VTDance, June 12th, 2013. I am unable to include the performance link here.
    • Duet
      Duet
      Performers: Vincent E. Thomas, Runqiao Du Photo credit: David Williams
    • "Shadows" Promo Video
      Choreographer/dancer Vincent E. Thomas describes his all male dance theater work "Shadows".
    • Duet
      Duet
      Performers: Runqiao Du, Vincent E. Thomas Photo credit: David Williams
    • Shadows: Fathers & Sons
      Shadows: Fathers & Sons
      Shadows: Fathers & Sons Photo credit: David Williams
    • Shadows: Sampson- Comedian
      Shadows: Sampson- Comedian
      "Shadows" Performers: Sampson, Vincent E. Thomas, Thomas L. Moore, Jr. Photo credit: David Williams
    • Exceprts from "Shadows"
      "Shadows" Solo- "I stand..." Duet- "Man's World" Performers: Vincent E. Thomas, Thomas L. Moore, Jr.
    • Shadows: Man Down
      Shadows: Man Down
      Shadows: Man Down (quartet) Photo credit: David Williams
    • Shadows: Drum Challenge
      Shadows: Drum Challenge
      Shadows: Drum Challenge Photo credit: David Williams
    • Shadows: I Stand... (solo)
      Shadows: I Stand... (solo)
      Shadows: I Stand... Photo credit: David Williams
    •

    • "Occupy"

    "Occupy" is a socio-political, daring and provocative work . This evening length work considers notions of how we inhabit or occupy space, what occupies our minds, what occupies our souls, and how these notions move us (a community/society) to make change…to move towards a revolution. This work was an extension of my initial questions for "Witness" and "iWitness".
    *This work was supported by the American Dance Institute (ADI) in 2013. I was an Incubator Artist for the first season of the award program.

    Personal view:
    Daily I ask questions about being in the world, what informs this existence, and how to exist with others in a shared space. Internally I know that the work really starts within. This is a theme of my work, what is it that informs our humanity and what are our actions to live in a more human society.

    Collaborator process:
    During the research of these questions I had extensive conversations with Cathy L. Draine, a dear friend, poet, and scholar. After many late night discussions with her, she birthed this amazing spoken word piece which was the centerpiece for the work- Occupy:

    Take off your shoes You occupy holy ground. Sanctified by infinite heart beats of  Sojourners, Pioneers, Natives, Immigrants Who learned to make a  Way out of no way, who ground out life Liberty and happiness in cotton fields,  Sweat shops and steel mills. Fresh off boats by free will or forced exile They consecrated space  Made ghettos and shanty towns,  The place where Dreams are born and culture is made. Take off your mask You occupy humbled ground. Worn down by man-made desecration Stumps where justice stood tall, Scarred earth flesh still yielding fruit  With no distinction of the beggar and the baron. Equality bound and partially gagged  Yet still cries out to be recognized and received  By the mentally manipulated masses worshipping  Technologically enhanced high definition westernized impotent idols.
    Take off your illusion You occupy sacred ground. We are the ones  We have been hiding from. Buried deep inside each soul A piece of the collective solution An elemental antidote to disillusionment Unbuckle the attachment to apathy Freedom still waits by the riverside Peace flows in the desert Truth still rides in the morning The dawn draws near The dawn draws near Take off your shoes The place you occupy The being that you are The world that is The universe that will be Is still holy ground.
    • Occupy Promo Video
      What occupies your mind, what occupies your soul, how you occupy space...how these notions lead to change, and sometimes a revolution. Vincent's breath-taking work- Occupy will stimulate all of your senses.
    • Occupy- Section 1
    • Occupy- Section 2
    • Occupy- Section 3
    • Occupy- Section 4
    • Occupy- Section 5
    • Occupy- Section 6
    • Solo from Occupy
      Solo from Occupy
      Occupy (solo) Photo credit: ADI Performer: Vincent E. Thomas
    • Occupy- Sections 7 & 8
    •