Thomas Lacey Dance Academy Interview

Cast: Xenia Goodwin, Alicia Banit, Dena Kaplan, Jordan Rodrigues, Tara Morice
Director: Samantha Strauss, Joanna Werner
Genre: Drama, Music
Running Time: 90 minutes

Synopsis: The feature film based on the incredibly successful two-time Emmy nominated Australian TV series, -Dance Academy', that saw a group of teenagers through the ups-and-downs of elite dance training at the National Academy of Dance.

Picking up eighteen months after the television series finale, the much-loved characters have moved on from the Academy and are living very different lives. Tara (Xenia Goodwin) was destined to become one of the top dancers of her generation but suffered a devastating injury that crippled her career… Can she make a comeback when she discovers what being defined by a dream really means?

With all the familiar favourites from the original series and some new faces, Dance Academy is a heartwarming story of ordinary people fighting to achieve their extraordinary dreams.

Dance Academy
Release Date: April 6th, 2017
http://www.danceacademymovie.com.au/

 

 

Interview with Thomas Lacey

Thomas was recently seen treading the boards as Scott Hastings in Baz Luhrmann's -Strictly Ballroom the Musical', a leading role that showcased him as an extraordinary triple threat. He has also just toured as featured vocalist with Hugh Jackman in -Broadway to Oz' and travelled to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to perform with -The Tap Pack'.

Thomas amassed a large fan base from his role as Ben Tickle in the ABC's hit teen series -Dance Academy'. This was his first ongoing television role, and his natural charm and presence saw him soon become a favourite with audiences. Thomas commenced professional work on stage in -The Magic Faraway Tree' for Garry Ginivan Productions. Other credits include -Singin' in the Rain' and the Melbourne and Singapore seasons of -Oliver!', -The Wizard of Oz' (GFO/SEL) and several appearances with The Production Company including -Music Man', -Bye Bye Birdie' and -Oklahoma!'

A career highlight was performing in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Having commenced dancing at the age of 2 at the May Downs School of Dance, Thomas trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary Dance and Acrobatics. He also trained at Danceworx in Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue and has undertaken further voice work at the David Butler Studios alongside acting classes with some of Melbourne's top drama coaches. Other screen work includes -Blue Heelers' and a recurring role in -Winners and Losers'. Thomas will soon be seen in the feature film -Dance Academy: The Movie'.


Question: How did it feel to step back into the character of Ben?

Thomas Lacey: It honestly felt like yesterday we were all on wharf shooting the hip hop battle in season 2 ep3. I feel like I share quite a few traits with Ben but some not. I couldnt dance full time ballet or join a company. But in terms of his eagerness, want to live life to the fullest and joy, I feel like I share those.


Question: What was difficult for you, when filming the character of Ben for Dance Academy: The Movie?

Thomas Lacey: I guess for the filming side was more to do the with physical appearance especially in the hospital scenes. Cancer touches everyone of us in some way, shape or form so to try and keep it as -real' a possible but also true to the story line was probably the difficult part.


Question: What was it like filming in New York?

Thomas Lacey: Incredible. To be able to say that I've shot a feature film in NewYork… I think is pretty special. I love the place because I have a big musical theatre background.


Question: Can you tell us about some of the highlights you experienced when filming Dance Academy: The Movie?

Thomas Lacey: Getting everyone back together and not just cast but also crew. The dance academy family is special to all of us and will be one to hold onto. Wherever we are, we always try to catch up but it does prove difficult when we all live around the world.

Question: Why is it important for Dance Academy: The Movie to address real life issues affecting teenagers?

Thomas Lacey: Its so important for kids, teenagers and tweens to be able to relate to something and if its Dance Academy that they can relax and do that with, then our job is done. We go into so many different aspects of death, sexuality and health so I feel privileged to be able to bring it to life on the Tv.


Question: What do you hope audiences take away from Dance Academy: The Movie?

Thomas Lacey: That even if theres an obstacle or if life takes a left turn, there's always another avenue you can take, even if its completely different.


Question: Are you still dancing, regularly?

Thomas Lacey: I haven't danced properly in a while but after shooting Dance Academy I travelled to Edinburgh to perform at the festival with the Tap Pack. Tapping of course haha.


Question: What originally inspired your passion for dance?

Thomas Lacey: My sister! Steph is 2 years older than me and she started when she was 2. Then when I was 2 I jumped up and wanted to do what she was doing and mum couldn't stop me.

Question: What advice do you have for aspiring dancers and actors?

Thomas Lacey: Everyone says it but don't give up. Its a struggle and always things get in the way but always believe in yourself and try to keep a clear mind. Try new things and go out of your comfort zone.


Question: What's next for Ben and Dance Academy?

Thomas Lacey: Who knows! Hopefully there's another movie or TV show! The fans are calling for it and I'm sure the cast would love to so who knows.


Question: What's next, for you?

Thomas Lacey: For me, I'm travelling quite a bit. Always auditioning as well but I'm on a plane a lot lately.