Thommie Retter

In 2008, Thommie made the move from Los Angeles to New York to make his Broadway debut originating the character of Mr. Braithwaite in Billy Elliot The Musical. He was cast after being discovered at Debbie Reynolds Studio doing what he loves, teaching dance. He so impressed Lee Proud, the resident choreographer of the London production of Billy Elliot The Musical, that he approached him to audition. The rest is history!

In addition to his Broadway experience, he is a successful teacher and choreographer. Thommie has choreographed for the hit Disney series Cory In The House and was a featured performer on an Emmy-nominated episode of Malcolm in the Middle. Thommie has been featured in the national publications The Wall Street Journal, Dance Spirit, Dance.com, Dancer Magazine, Dance Teacher, and Dance Biz. He directed and choreographed the live, all tap show, Caution: Men at Work-TAP, which had a 40 city international tour.

Thommie has enjoyed success working with a variety of dance organizations including Dance Makers Inc, Tremaine Dance Conventions, Dance Masters of America, Dupree Dance Expo, MusicWorks Teacher Training Seminars, Al Gilbert Teacher Training Seminars and countless independent schools across the United States. Internationally, he teaches dance and theater throughout Canada, as well as El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Japan.

Before leaving his hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, he taught twelve semesters of tap for the accredited dance program at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He has choreographed for Pepsi International on their World Cup advertising campaign and has performed in industrial shows for Compaq, Schick and GM.

Thommie is also involved in the music industry, having ownership in Moho Productions, LLC, a music production company specializing in young artist development. He is a songwriter to Ashley Argota from Nickelodeon’s True Jackson VP and Bucket and Skinners Epic Adventures, as well as a list of talented up and coming recording artists. He has a loving wife, Becca and beautiful daughters Liza and Bella and they reside in New York City.

Thommie has a keen sense for locating the finest talent available, a heart overflowing with joy and a passion for the entertainment business like no other.