Thomas Edwards
Soloist
he/him
Joined Scottish Ballet: 2013
Training: Harlequin Stage School, Central School of Ballet
Accolades: Finalist Prix de Lausanne, Finalist Young British Dancer of the Year
I was laughing so much I could barely breathe.
What career moment are you most proud of?
When I was promoted to Soloist in 2018. Throughout my whole training, if someone had asked me what my dream was when I graduated, it was to be a Soloist in a national dance company, and I was very thankful to Christopher for making those dreams a reality.
What’s your dream role to perform?
Cacti by Ekman. It’s a piece I have wanted to dance since I first saw a clip of it. The movement, the music, the boxes is just everything I love in a dance work. I would find it hard to hear that someone watched the piece and didn’t come away smiling
What’s something people might not know about you?
That I am currently the technical lead of ballet for Scottish Gymnastics. I work closely with their Rhythmic, Acro and Artistic gymnastics developing their ballet technique and refining their artistry. I’m also a twin.
What does ‘home’ mean to you?
I have two meanings for home… First is my family in Worcester, where I grew up, that will always be home in my heart. But I’ve also spent nearly ten years in Glasgow and have my own flat here, so home is also the life I have made with my friends up in Glasgow.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
To relax, enjoy the moments and not to take it too seriously, it’s just dance.
What makes you smile?
My family, my wee nephew and my friends
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened on stage?
During a performance of Highland Fling, I split my trousers in the middle of the show and the rip was so big that my whole bottom was on display for the entire audience. I knew something was wrong when I could feel a breeze in between my legs. I was laughing so much I could barely breathe.
What’s the best thing about going on tour with the company?
Making memories with everyone in different countries, exploring different cities and cultures.
Repertoire Highlights: A Streetcar Named Desire, Emergence, Coppélia, 5 Tangos, Elsa Canasta.
‘Thomas Edwards as Mitch, the man who could have saved Blanche from her self destruction, also showed off an immaculate and occasionally daring technique. However it was the warmth of his personality that was most persuasive. His awkward attempts at wooing Blanche could have been cringeworthy, but instead further endeared him towards us’
A Streetcar Named Desire, Bachtrack, May 2024
‘At this performance, a supremely confident soloist Thomas Edwards pretty nearly stole the show in the two party scenes, showing off a bouncy technique and coping effortlessly with Dawson’s signature (and rather alarming) backward slides.’
Swan Lake, Bachtrack, April 2024
‘Thomas Edwards’s English Dance – this isn’t a “divert” you’ll see at Covent Garden, and he delivers it with show-stopping ease and musicality.’
The Nutcracker, The Telegraph, December 2021
‘Victor Zarallo and Thomas Edwards excel in their core duet, a powerful representation of So in Love.’
Elsa Canasta, The Stage, September 2015
‘Thomas Edwards’ English Hornpipe, rarely performed, is a joyously acrobatic showstopper.’
The Nutcracker, Dance Europe, February 2015