LAS VEGAS — The Seahawks didn’t make it to the Super Bowl, but one Tacoma woman is representing Washington at the big game. Payton Thomas was selected to perform with Usher during the halftime show.
Payton said she started performing around age 8 at the Tacoma Boys and Girls Club. There, she fell in love with dance.
“I remember the first time learning choreography from a choreographer, and from then on, I'm like, 'Yeah, I love dancing.' This is me in my element, truly,” she said.
She later discovered her love of teaching, starting a dance team at her college, Eastern Washington University, after realizing there was no existing team. Simultaneously, she helped create a step team for the new Black Student Union at Cheney High School.
“This was kind of my first time actually being in front of a group of people and sharing my talents with them, so I feel like I was really vulnerable, but I’m so happy I did it because it got me to where I am now,” she said, reflecting on her teaching background.
She recently got a job teaching dance classes at the Tacoma YMCA, but before starting that new endeavor, she gets to fulfill a lifelong dream: perform in the Super Bowl.
“I remember last year when Rihanna performed; that was really my inspiration. I’m like, 'OK, next year I will be on that stage no matter what',” she said.
She sent an audition video and was chosen to perform with Usher. She flew out to Las Vegas before the game to rehearse, ready to accomplish a major life goal.
“To actually perform alongside him, it’s surreal. I can’t believe it myself, still. I’m still like, pinch me, is it real?” she said.
Payton's mom, Tinita Thomas, hosted a watch party with her whole family to cheer Payton on. They even made matching T-shirts!
Payton said she’s excited to see what’s next and pursue more performing opportunities, but no matter what happens, she always remembers what keeps her grounded.
“At the end of the day, as long as I’m still dancing, I’m okay, and if performing on big stages, if I’m teaching at the YMCA still, if I’m a Zumba instructor, I’ll be okay with it. At the end of the day, as long as I’m dancing, I’m good. That’s the dream,” she said.
She has to pay for her flight, hotel and food while in Las Vegas. She started this fundraiser to help gather financial support.
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