Who is Thomas Gannon?
Thomas is a Dancer with The Australian Ballet and nominee for the Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
To be honest I haven’t really given much thought into what I would do differently from what I do now, dance has always been the biggest part of my life and it’s really one of the only things I have ever enjoyed doing.
Who inspires you and why?
Both David Hallberg and Lucinda Dunn have always inspired me in my ballet life. Their presence on stage and the unique dancers they were in their careers really spoke to me and always drew me in wanting more. I am so thrilled that David is now my director and I get to learn from him and grow under his directorship.
In my main life I’ve always been inspired by the people around me who have shaped me into being the person I am today. Mariah Carey has also been a massive inspiration in my life especially coming out as gay in 2016, her music gave me the confidence in myself to feel comfortable to share who I was as a person.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would use my art to spread joy to Australian audiences as everyone responds differently to art. Within one performance there are thousands of different ways my art is interpreted and by taking them on a journey with my dancing, I hope they can leave with a joyous memory of the theatre.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My favourite holiday destination would be London. It is a massive city so there are so many things to do and see. My favourite things to do there are to visit museums, read up about the history, watch the Royal Ballet and visit famous movie settings.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would spend the day with them in Fitzroy browsing the many thrifts stores it has to offer. Then for dinner, I would take them to a bar on Brunswick St. Some of my favourites are Naked for Satan, Runner Up, Amarillo and Marquis on Lorne.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading the Red Pyramid Series, however during the famous Melbourne lockdown, I read Mariah Carey’s biography.
What are you currently listening to?
Currently I am listening to a variety of artists but a few favourites of mine are Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Taylor Swift, Euca, Jessica Mauboy and Doja Cat.
Happiness is?
Happiness to me is spending time with my family and friends. I love to play board games with them and just have a bit of a laugh. I also find happiness in watching my colleagues dance on stage and be transported by their story telling.
What does the future hold for you?
I hope the future for me holds less lockdowns and more opportunities on stage. I’d love to be able to grow in the ranks with The Australian Ballet as it’s a company I can call home. Settling down in London with my future partner is my ideal post ballet life.
Thomas is a Dancer with The Australian Ballet and nominee for the Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards – which will be announced on stage at Sydney Opera House in April. Vote now for your favourite Dancer at: www.telstra.com.au
Image: Thomas Gannon – courtesy of The Australian Ballet