TWOP poster Nanners994 came across this ArtsJournal profile of Danny Tidwell from 2003. He was 18 then, yet he already commanded attention. We learn that his experience on SYTYCD wasn't the first time competition renewed his love of dance:
The lure of competing saved a career that might have been over before it had even began. Tidwell decided to whip himself into shape "for Jackson" [the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi—these things have fancy names] and copped the silver.
We also learn who his role models were back then:
Meanwhile, he's still young enough in his career to be looking for role models. His choices, keen-eyed and intuitive, suit the kind of dancer he promises to become. "First, Jose Manuel Carreño. He's beautiful. It's the way his muscles work and the way he makes everything look effortless. His dancing is so clean and clear, and yet it's not finished, ever. When he's offstage, you want him to come back, because you don't want him to finish. And he never does; he never stops. When he performs, he's not showing off his talent; no, it's a conversation with the audience. He seems to be saying, 'I'm dancing for you.' This is so comforting and inspiring.
"Then Carlos Acosta. He's a freak of nature. He's so tall and his movement is so huge. He's such a story. When he runs—well, he's just this big, massive man just running and turning and jumping. He defies gravity and he turns more than you'd ever think possible—and he still holds his fifth position perfect. Amazing.
"And Desmond Richardson, especially in his contemporary dancing, which is absolutely brilliant. You should see him in hip-hop class—moving and isolating and just living."
"But the one is Jose Manuel."
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