Biography Tony knew early on in life that he was destined to be involved in the entertainment field. At age 7, he was already singing in the church choir and would soon begin extensive study in vocal technique, modern dance, classical piano, and ballet. Not surprisingly, he received his first professional job offer at age 16. Tony credits his mother, Lucile, for being the strongest support system that gave him the courage to take the leap into the crazy and unpredictable world of show business. After graduation from High School, Tony moved to New York City to train with the prestigious Dance Theater of Harlem. Once he returned home to his native Miami, Florida, he began an incredibly varied performance career that has literally spanned the world. He has been involved in a number of production and theatrical shows, as well as numerous commercial industrial projects. Illustrious choreographers such as Jackie Sleight, Kenny Ortega, Geoffrey Holder, Tiger Martina, Arlene Phillips, Bill Guske, Fred Bratcher, and Patricia Strauss have all directed Tony in shows such as M.A.G.I.C. International, Pepsi-Cola (with Gloria Estefan and The Miami Sound Machine), The New World Festival of the Arts, and Penn & Teller’s “Sin City Spectacular”, just to name a few. Tony has been sought after to choreograph Broadway Reviews for several major cruise lines such as Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Cunard, Royal Olympia, and NYK Asuka-Japan. He has also been involved in a wide variety of projects, choreographing for Disney, Gallo Wine, SKI International Association, the Las Vegas City Ballet, Sony Insurance - Japan, and the Holiday Inn Corporation. His work has appeared on both television and stage in such cities as Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Louisville, Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, Cincinnati and Minneapolis. Well known for his unique hip-hop style of dance, Tony is always in demand to teach master classes around the U.S., most recently in the Miami area, when his schedule allows. Shortly after arriving in Las Vegas, Tony’s considerable talents were displayed, first as principal singer/dancer in the Stardust Hotel’s long-running “Enter The Night”, and later as the memorably flamboyant featured character of Electra in “Starlight Express”, written by internationally known playwright Andrew Lloyd Webber. During the past ten years, Tony has been the creative mind, exclusive choreographer, director, and co-leader of the highly respected Las Vegas-based group “Soul Desire”. This group, with their long-standing reputation for choreographic precision and vocal excellence, is in the process of completing an extended contract with the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, where they have been drawing standing-room-only crowds for the past several years. People often ask Tony, “Where do you get so much energy?” The former football athlete credits his father, James, for a never-say-die attitude that he has brought into his current work ethic. With the decision to take things in a different direction, Tony now has the opportunity of going solo after spending some ten years in an extremely rewarding partnership with Tezz Yancey. 2006 will find Tony as the featured artist in his newly formed group, “Perry”, appearing at a major Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. As involved as he is in the musical and choreographic scene, Tony has a special place in his heart for the creative art of cooking. He has been attending school, majoring in the field of Culinary Arts for the past two years, and expects to be graduating in mid-2006. He then plans to continue his education at the University level, all the while maintaining his current status within the Las Vegas musical community. He dreams one day of opening an establishment as unique as he is…..a venue that will combine his love of music and entertainment with his already demonstrated incredible culinary skills. Besides doing vocal session work in Miami, Cincinnati, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Tony released a single in the late 80’s, a dance tune entitled “Don’t Say Goodbye ”, which was recorded for Next Plateau Records. Another of his original songs, “She’s Bangin’”, written during his time with Soul Desire, was featured on the popular daytime TV show, “The Young and The Restless”. Eager to continue in that vein, Tony plans to focus on his solo recordings which he hopes will capture and convey the true essence of who he really is at heart…..a hopeless romantic. Inspired by his musical influences such as Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Marvin Gaye, Tony’s music promises to be an intimate and personal expression, straight from the heart. Information regarding this project will be featured on this website. Tony’s extensive experience in theater, television, live performance, dance, and direction has won him tremendous respect and admiration from both his peers and his enthusiastic and loyal audience. Now, it seems, Tony knows there are even more new worlds to conquer. Anyone who is aware of Tony’s unwaivering pursuit of excellence can look forward with anticipation to ALL of his newest creations. “Sing Luther baby….the brother is so smooth.
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