After a year hiatus, Fox's hit dance phenomenon, So You Think You Can Dance, returned with a new group of passionate hopefuls vying for the title of America's Favorite Dancer. With only eight contestants remaining the competition is heating up and both Pilipino dancers, Marko Germar and Tadd Gadduang, are pushing to make it to the finale.
Marko Germar, orginally from Guam and now residing in California, underwent nine years of training in Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Ballroom and gymnastics. His training was rather inconsistent while in Guam due to the lack of instructors and funds, however, persistent in his passion, Marko would clean desks for his dance teacher as part of a work-study program; in order further his career in dance.
In his first interview during the audition stage, Marko detailed his encounter at gunpoint, where while working at a bank, he was robbed and shot in the arm, near his shoulder. The bullet, still lodged in his arm, serves as a reminder that life is too short to give up on your dreams.
Prior to entering the competition, he was a dancer in the film "No Strings Attached"as well as on Disney's "Shake It Up". In addition, he has been a dancer in "Aladdin" the Musical Spectacularin Disneyland for two years.
While competing in the show, he has already become a fan favorite, as well as a judge favorite. Mary Murphyand Neil Patrick Harris both mentioned that they wouldn't be surprised to see him in the finale, following a sexy samba piece with former SYTYCD contestant, Chelsea Hightower. In his most recent contemporary routine performance with Allison Holker, whom he told Fox would be his dream partner, he recieved a standing ovation and tears from Lady Gaga saying, "Im just so proud of you." Congratulations. Whether, you know, number one number three number ten, who cares, you got it."
One would only hope for a couple routine featuring Tadd Gadduang and Marko Germar, choreographed byNapoleon D'umo, fellow Pilipino choreographer and half of the NappyTabs experience.
He follows in the footsteps of former Pilipinos to grace the same So You Think You Can Dance stage such as D Trix, Ryan Conferido, Pauline Mata, Ellenore Scott, Nathan Trasoras, Melody Lacayanga, Karla Garcia, Brandon Dumlao and Alexie Agdeppa.
In the end, Mary Murphy said it best when describing Marko, "You are something else kid."
Tune into Fox on Wednesdays and Thursdays nights to watch both Marko and Tadd perform and continue to vote and promote our Filipino prescence in media.
*Photo courtesy of Fox
