In the world of ballet, it’s the ballerinas who shine the brightest, with an occasional break-out male lead such as Baryshnikov or Godunov. Female dancers with their spirited, emotional, and graceful movements are the ones to watch. The men are the ones who lift and twirl the women.

Not any more.

The Bad Boys of Dance emerged on the scene with a roar in 2007 at Jacob’s Pillow. The troupe is founded by the classically-trained dancer, Rasta Thomas, a self-described bad boy who wanted to step out of the shadows. His pedigree is impressive: he’s danced with the American Ballet Theater, the Joffrey and Kirov Ballet companies, the Dance Theater of Harlem, and more.

The company’s choreography taps into modern, ballet, jazz, and hip hop for inspiration. In 2008, Rasta Thomas created Rock the Ballet with his wife and award-winning dancer, Adrienne Canterna. The show has sold out worldwide.

The power, agility, and sheer talent of these dancers is astonishing. The ferocity, passion, and athleticism of the men has wowed audiences across the globe. Take a look: