A Journey from Imagination to Reality: The Beginnings of Brian Thomas
The summer of 1978 in Zilwaukee, Michigan, was like many others—hot and humid, with no air conditioning or the comforts of modern technology. My home, a typical small-town house, often echoed with the sounds of my parents arguing. To escape, my mother would send me and my sister outside. Our front porch wasn’t just a porch to me; it was a magical stage, the size of Radio City Music Hall, complete with white metal railings that felt like they led to a grand balcony full of adoring fans. This humble setting became the birthplace of my love for entertainment. Alongside my best friend, Dawn Brady, we would rehearse tirelessly for our big performances, like “The Donny and Marie Show,” with my grandfather and our younger siblings as the captive audience. That porch, just 3x3 in size, transformed into a world of creativity where our imaginations ran wild—an early glimpse of my future in the entertainment industry.
Growing up, I was always a bit different—"annoying" is the word most people used. I had a natural inclination to challenge those around me, though my ultimate goal was simply to make people happy. Like many others, I faced my share of adversity, particularly due to my feminine nature and overwhelming fears, which made me a target for bullying. To cope, I created my own world, using entertainment as an escape from the struggles of daily life. My journey into dance began unexpectedly at the age of 8 when my Grandma Brown asked if I wanted to join Taekwondo. Although terrified, I agreed on the condition that my older sister Karen would join me—everyone knew I did nothing without her, and that remains true to this day.
Taekwondo quickly became a cornerstone of my life, providing discipline and confidence as I earned my black belt by the age of 11 and my second degree in my teens. Competing in tournaments every weekend, I built not only my skills but also my self-assurance. This early training laid the foundation for my future in dance and entertainment, proving that with dedication and resilience, even the most unexpected paths can lead to a fulfilling career. My journey from that small porch in Zilwaukee to the stages and sets of the entertainment world is a testament to the power of imagination and perseverance.
At around 18 years old, I was struck by what I like to call "the dance bug." Influenced by icons like Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Madonna, and the nonstop stream of MTV, dance became an obsession that took over my body and soul. The turning point came when I saw Paula Abdul in her music video "Straight Up." From that moment on, I knew dance was not just a passion but a calling. However, my journey was not without challenges. During this time, my life was marked by a series of tragic events—my parents' divorce, my older sister moving away, my family's discovery that I was gay, an unexpected pregnancy, and the devastating loss of my father, who took his own life after battling PTSD from the Vietnam War. These events could have easily derailed me, and for a time, they did.
A few years later, during one of my therapy sessions—a practice I highly recommend—my therapist asked me what truly brought me joy. Initially, I was at a loss, suggesting careers like Occupational Therapy because they made good money. But she pressed further, asking, "No, what do you LOVE? What makes you happy for no reason?" Without hesitation, I blurted out, "DANCE!" That moment was a turning point for me. With nothing to lose and the fiery determination of an Aries, I decided to move to New York City just two weeks later. I had no formal dance training, $900 in my pocket, and a dream—to one day share the stage with my idol, Michael Jackson.
Despite the odds, I believed I had as much of a chance as anyone else, embracing the philosophy I learned from Taekwondo: competing against yourself to become the best version of who you can be, while respecting the competition. I sought out teachers who shared that mindset, training rigorously with Cecilia Marta and A.C. Ciulla. In 1995, that dedication paid off when I booked a gig dancing beside Michael Jackson at the MTV Music Awards for one of his greatest performances, "Dangerous," choreographed by the incredible Travis Payne and Lavelle Smith.
Fast forward to 2001, after years of touring, teaching, and choreographing, I was asked to choreograph not only for a major CBS event featuring multiple celebrities but also for Michael Jackson himself. The 30th Anniversary Special in 2001 became one of the most-watched television events in history. That year marked one of the pinnacles of my career in dance, choreography, and teaching. But as an Aries, I knew it was time to evolve and explore new creative avenues. And so, I began the next chapter of my journey, always driven by the passion that first ignited on that small front porch in Zilwaukee.
"Amy’s Victory Dance" is a documentary that tells the remarkable story of Amy Jordan, a former professional dancer based in New York City. On a seemingly beautiful day, May 1, 2009, Amy's life took a dramatic turn when she was struck and run over by a 15-ton NYC Express bus. The accident left her pinned under the wheel, unconscious, and with her right leg completely crushed. As she regained consciousness, Amy's first thought was, "Am I ever going to dance again?" Her second thought, remarkably, was, "If I survive the night, there will be a Victory Dance." This powerful declaration became the driving force behind her incredible journey of recovery and resilience.
The path of an artist is rarely easy, and Amy's journey is a testament to the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing one's passion. As a filmmaker, I’ve always believed in following my gut instinct, even when the road ahead is uncertain. Despite the financial struggles often associated with a career in the arts, I find immense fulfillment in choosing this profession. My head may have told me to pursue a more conventional path like Occupational Therapy, but my heart—and my passion for storytelling—led me in a different direction. Yes, I can be dramatic and relentless in my pursuit of dreams, but at the end of the day, I am fulfilled, proud, and joyful.
"Amy’s Victory Dance" is my feature film directorial debut and serves as a powerful example of what can happen when you listen to your intuition and follow your true calling. The film was an official selection at the ReelAbilities Film Festival in New York and had its virtual premiere on April 5. This project not only marks a significant milestone in my career but also reinforces my belief that each of us has a purpose, and when you find it, you will experience happiness for no reason. For more information on the film and how to watch it, you can visit the ReelAbilities Film Festival website.
