Michael Leon Thomas first danced with the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company in 2000. A performer, director, and choreographer, he made his professional debut with renowned dancer and artistic director Judith Jamison. The Daily News reporter Charles Jurrist wrote, "And Michael Thomas, who attracted notice in the original company, is now clearly a star waiting only for adequate recognition. In even the briefest of passges, he evinces prodigal virtues - control, suppleness, speed and unfailing elegance of line." Thomas continued his career with the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, featured in Ulysses Dove's Urban Folk Dance, Donald McKayle's Rainbow Round My Shoulder, and the beginning of an over decade long choreographic relationship with Dwight Rhoden in his ballet, Beyond a Cliff. In 1991, Thomas resumed his work with Ms. Jamison, joining world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where he gained instant recognition for his passionate performances of Alvin Ailey's Love Songs, Billy Wilson's Winter in Lisbon, Jawole Zollar's Shelther and Dwight Rhoden's Frames. Thomas was also featured in Judith Jamison's Emmy Award-winning PBS special, A Hymn for Alvin Ailey, performing a solo to his own words as interpreted by actress/playwright Anna Deavere-Smith. Jennifer Dunning of The New York Times wrote, "Michael Thomas scorched the stage with his quiet intensity during his years with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater."