Stomp is a non-traditional dance troupe (originating in Brighton, UK) that uses the body and ordinary objects to create a physical theatre performance.

The term may also refer to a distinct sub-genre of physical theatre where the body is incorporated with other objects as a means of producing percussion and movement that has echoes of tribal dance.

History and performances

The dance troupe developed from the London Records band The Yes/No People, who were known for "Mr. Johnson" and "Some Things Are True" on the Giant compilation. Since becoming Stomp, they have released music and starred in television commercials. HBO also produced the DVD Stomp Out Loud, which features the group members producing percussion out of normal household items, even in a junk yard.

Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, STOMP is currently (in 2008) playing in New York, London's West End, and on North American and European tours. An expanded production, STOMP OUT LOUD, opened at Las Vegas’ Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in 2007.

STOMP co-creator/directors Cresswell and McNicholas, have received an Academy Award nomination for their short film, "Brooms," four Emmy nominations and one Emmy Award for their HBO special Stomp Out Loud. STOMP’s international engagements have included Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, South Africa, Israel, Palestine, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Germany, Poland, Bahrain, and The Acropolis in Athens, Greece. STOMP has also made its presence known on cuts on Quincy Jones’ CD Q’s Jook Joint (receiving a Grammy nomination) and on the Latin Grammys in November 2007 in a collaboration with Calle 13.

Creators Cresswell and McNicholas directed the IMAX film, Pulse: A Stomp Odyssey, a celebration of global rhythms that takes viewers on a journey to points including India, Africa, Spain, the US, the UK and Japan. STOMP was seen in movie theatres in a 30-second trailer for Dolby Laboratories that Cresswell and McNicholas directed, and in a series of New York City public service announcements encouraging people to STOMP OUT LITTER.

STOMP is the winner of an Olivier Award for Best Choreography (London’s Tony Award); an Obie Award; a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience, and a Special Citation from Best Plays.

In 1994 the band recorded a version of the Blue Peter theme which was used on the show between September 1994 and August 1999

Original UK cast: Luke Cresswell, Nick Dwyer, Sarah Eddy, Theseus Gerard, Fraser Morrison, David Olrod, Carl Smith and Fiona Wilkes.

 References in popular culture

They appeared on Space Ghost Coast to Coast, where Space Ghost thought the name to be "Artsy Fartsy". The New York cast of Stomp was also featured in the pilot episode of Cyberchase ("The Poddleville Case"), in show's Cyberchase: For Real live-action epilogue segment hosted by Kareem Blackwell. Early in their career, they performed the theme tune for Blue Peter. Stomp was parodied on an episode of Saturday Night Live through the false name of "Clappin'".

STOMP's other TV and video appearances include the Academy Awards, the Emmys, the Latin Grammys, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, General Hospital, Mad About You, Letterman, Leno, Conan, Ellen, Roseanne, and Sesame Street's Let's Make Music with the Muppets.

STOMP has been parodied on Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, Hey Arnold!, The Micallef Program, Whose Line Is It Anyway US, and has been an answer on Jeopardy!.