Brena Kashun Thomas (Chicago, IL) started her dance training at the Sammy Dyer Dance Theatre in 2005 before her formal training at Chicago High School for the Arts under the direction of Lisa Johnson Willingham. Upon graduation from “Chi-Arts”, Brena received a full scholarship to study at Alonzo King Lines Ballet and Ballet Austin. Relocating to New York City, she continued her training at Dance Theatre of Harlem and was a recipient of the Joan Weill Scholarship at The Ailey School. In 2019, Brena joined Ailey Il where she toured extensively before working under the leadership of Francesca Harper. While touring with Ailey II, Ms Thomas was invited to perform with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre during their 2022 US Tour and NY Lincoln Center Season. As a professional artist Bren has performed nationally and internationally works by Alvin Ailey, William Forsythe, Robert Battle, Francesca Harper, Andrea Miller, Ray Mercer, and Kirven Douthit-Boyd. Throughout her career, Ms
Thomas can be seen on stage, videos, and television, including FX hit series Pose. Recently,
she has worked with FHP Project performed at Guggenheim Museum Works & Process before becoming a member of Philadanco.