Tommy the Clown: A Journey of Dance and Inspiration

Tommy the Clown, born Thomas Johnson on January 9, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan, is a renowned American dancer and the creator of the “clowning” style of dance, which later evolved into krumping. Raised in South Central Los Angeles, California, Tommy’s early life was marked by challenges and encounters with trouble.

Birth and Early Life

Tommy the Clown, whose real name is Thomas Johnson, was born on January 9, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised in South Central Los Angeles, California. Growing up, he often found himself falling in and out of trouble.

Career Beginnings

After spending five years in jail, Tommy realized the need for a significant change in his lifestyle. In 1992, he received his first opportunity to perform as a clown at a co-worker’s child’s birthday celebration. This event became the catalyst for the creation of his alter ego, Tommy the Clown. Tommy developed the dance style known as “clowning” as a means to enhance his clown acts. The intention behind this style was to engage children and steer them away from drugs and gang activity.

Dance Movement and Influence

Tommy the Clown’s performances seamlessly incorporated the prevailing music and dance trends of the time. Through his captivating style, he quickly gained a loyal following throughout Los Angeles. Tommy also established a dance crew called the Hip Hop Clowns, with whom he performed at various events and parties.

By the year 2000, Los Angeles boasted over 60 clown crews. To prevent clashes between these different groups, Tommy took the initiative to organize weekly dance battles at his former Tommy the Clown Academy. These battles allowed community dancers to showcase their talents and were judged by enthusiastic audiences. The popularity of these contests grew, leading Tommy to create and host the Battle Zone event—an official dance battle featuring both community dancers and celebrity guests.

Tommy the Clown’s dance phenomenon caught the attention of renowned director and photographer, David LaChapelle. In 2005, LaChapelle directed the documentary “Rize,” which prominently featured Tommy the Clown and his unique dance style. The film brought international recognition to Tommy and his contributions to the dance community.

Today, Tommy the Clown continues to travel around the globe, performing and making appearances to spread the movement. He has also collaborated with numerous schools and colleges across the United States, providing workshops and youth programs based on the California Education Standards.

Sources

FAQs

When and where was Tommy the Clown born?

Tommy the Clown, whose real name is Thomas Johnson, was born on January 9, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan.

What is the dance style created by Tommy the Clown?

Tommy the Clown is the creator of the dance style known as “clowning,” which later evolved into krumping.

How did Tommy the Clown’s career begin?

After spending five years in jail, Tommy received his first opportunity to perform as a clown at a co-worker’s child’s birthday celebration in 1992. This event led to the creation of his Tommy the Clown persona.

What was the purpose behind Tommy the Clown’s dance style?

Tommy developed the dance style of “clowning” to enhance his clown acts and engage children, providing them with an alternative to drugs and gang activity.

What impact did Tommy the Clown have on the dance community?

Tommy the Clown gained a loyal following throughout Los Angeles and established a dance crew called the Hip Hop Clowns. He also organized weekly dance battles to avoid conflicts between different clown crews in the city.

What documentary featured Tommy the Clown?

Tommy the Clown was prominently featured in the 2005 documentary “Rize,” directed by David LaChapelle, which brought international recognition to his dance style and contributions.

How has Tommy the Clown continued to contribute to the dance community?

Tommy the Clown continues to travel and perform worldwide, spreading his dance movement. He has collaborated with schools and colleges, offering workshops and youth programs based on the California Education Standards.

What is Tommy the Clown’s real name?

Tommy the Clown’s real name is Thomas Johnson.