He’s a young ICON of the next generation. We met him at the Knicks City Dancers event last year and we couldn’t keep our eyes off him. This young man’s energy will make your heart smile. He’s a trip. Follow along with his journey, his advice and his positive words for being a male dancer. We give you… Mr. Thomas Miceli.

You’re so young and such a good freestyler! Any advice on how to do it?
Thank you for your love. Free styling is sooo much fun! Just don’t think about it too much, feel the music and do what comes to you. You’ll be happy you did it.

You’re so lucky to dance at Icon Dance Complex. Tell us about learning from Beth and GEO.
I know… I love ICON! Beth and Geo are awesome! They make learning to dance fun and I know they make me want to dance better.

Which professional dancers do you look up to and why?
I think I like every dancer I met or have danced with so far, but some of my favorites are:

1) GEO- I love his choreography. It’s always different and lots of fun. He encourages me every day and works really hard even when he is sick.

2) The Spellman Sisters- They have so much energy, they are always funny and really happy.

3) Nick Gonzalez- Every time he teaches he makes us laugh so much; but we better bring it! His choreography is really different and exciting, too.

4) The Jabbawockeez- They are so perfect all the time.

We’re certainly a Nets Kids fan. Are they your favorite team?
The NJ Nets is definitely my favorite team in the NBA. Dancing for them is great. It’s hard work but so exciting to dance for thousands of fans that cheer you on. My parents let me stay to watch the end of each game after I’m done dancing. Sometimes you get to meet some well-known people like the Nets players, Jay-Z, Nate Robinson, Dwight Howard, Tony Battie, Rashard Lewis and Courtney Lee. We also perform at some really fun charity events and on TV. I really love being a Nets Kid!!

We heard you ride dirt bikes. Isn’t that kinda dangerous?
Yes, I love riding dirt bikes. We went to the race track just this weekend. I used to race motocross before I became a dancer. I guess it can be dangerous but I have lots of gear to help protect me. I’m also a safe rider. But my mom still worries.

As a boy, you’re in the minority in the dance world. What are the pros and cons about being a male dancer? 
The worst thing about being a male dancer is we never get the good dressing rooms, if we even get one! Haha… Also, it’s easy for girls to take hip hop classes but it’s not that easy for boys to take ballet or lyrical. I guess the best thing is having hip hop available to us, so more boys will dance. Plus, because of dance, I have a lot of (girl) friends that I am comfortable with, which is really cool.

What’s your best advice for other young dancers?
My advice for young dancers is try not to be shy, have fun when you dance, and make it as funky as possible.

What’s your wish for the next generation? 
I hope that everyone can do what they love the most. Everyone should dance.

What’s your favorite thing to wear to dance class?
My favorite things to wear to my classes are my newest ICON gear.

Besides dance, you love…
I love my family, my friends, pizza, my iPod Touch, playing basketball, mixing music and shopping for cool clothes.

Well, there you have it. Straight from the next gen to your inbox. Give this boy some love for putting himself out there and sharing his thoughts. Thomas… we salute YOU!