As many of you have seen on TV, Tadd Gadduang is on the show So You Think You Can Dance. Since he placed 4th in the finals on Thursday, August 11, 2011, and one of my closest friends I thought it appropriate to write a little bit about him.
At age 15, Tadd would follow his older sister to her dance class; a hip hop class, to be precise. After watching and maybe learning some steps in the back or to the side of the class, he would go home shut his door and practice. Knowing that Tadd has a little OCD in him, he would work on the same set or routine for hours perfecting his movement.
Tadd Just Doing What He Loves
Growing up, Tadd practiced Philipino Martial Arts and quickly learned he was a natural at performing. Doing high school performances as well as shows around SLC; like the Utah Blaze half time. Choreographers quickly realized that Tadd’s talented abilities were genuine and started casting him movies filmed here in SLC: American Mall, High School Musical, and Vanessa Hudgens music video.
Tadd is not only a good dancer but also supports the local Hip Hop and Dance scene by entering battles and teaching workshops. Tadd has always been very supportive of new or beginner dancers and because of this, Tadd has created himself a large support system. Everyone who has had the pleasure of talking with Tadd, knows what a big heart he has.
Although Tadd is known best for his Bboy talent on air, he has never considered himself as just a Bboy. He will even correct you by saying he is a dancer. Tadd has competed in local battles ranging from locking, bboying and popping and as this season on So You Think You Can Dance has shown, he can adapt to almost any style of dance. Tadd’s dancing is always fun and playful. It could easily be said, he’s not just a dancer he’s a entertainer. Watching him is not only enchanting but leaves you with a good and happy feeling.
Taddpole vs. Lockstatic at X-Series 4, 2010
Aside from dancing, Tadd is also known for his funny T-Shirts, mohawked hair and making weird faces for pictures. Although everyone loves Tadd’s smile, as Cat Daeely pointed out “cutest smile,” Tadd always seems to have an extreme expression on his face for pictures. Tadd’s personality is addicting, people just want to be around him. He is positive and motivating and always willing to listen and provide support.
Getting to watch Tadd this season, proved to be exciting and rewarding. He demonstrated his versatility by pushing his limits with all different forms of dance, and excelling at all of them. Listening to what the judges have to say week after week, positive or negative, he stood there strong. Even when America’s love wasn’t strong enough to keep him from the bottom 3, he proved he was worthy to be in the final four.
All of his friends have been thrilled beyond expectations and they have loved watching him succeed week after week. His family couldn’t be more proud watching him reach finals. Knowing this is only the beginning for him, we wish him luck and strength for his future adventures. Yet, I have a feeling no matter what he does, he will succeed.
In closing this post, I share a quote, not because I know Tadd loves quotes, but because this quote by Tony Robbins fits so well.“It’s not knowing what to do, it’s doing what you know.” And after watching So You Think You Can Dance all season, I believe we have all learned that Tadd KNOWS how to dance.
Make sure not to miss out on a chance to see him live here in Salt Lake City when the So You Think You Can Dance tour comes to town in October.
