Scrolling through Dan Delgado’s Instagram feed would instantly give you a glimpse of what he’s passionate about.
Filled with motion, quick snippets of his dance rehearsals are squeezed in between lifestyle and travel shots.
The 23-year old BidaMan grand finalist on It’s Showtime is deeply in love with dancing. “Noong bata pa ako, ang pangarap ko talaga ay maging isang professional dancer dahil gusto kong mag-share ng learnings at maginginternational choreographer,” Dan said in his introduction video for the noontime show’s search for the next leading man.
“Iba talaga ‘yung pitik!” That was one of the striking comments on Dan’s dancing clips with his dance group, Alliance PH.
In every video, you’ll find him dropping complicated moves with such ease, smoothness, and quiet confidence. Well, this should not come as a surprise as dancing runs in the blood.
Dan said he got the dancing genes from his supportive mom. He said, “She supports me all the way. Whatever it may be — competition, show, or concert, she would be there.”
During a Bidaman segment in 2019, the bedimpled charmer boosted his pogi points by openly paying ode to his mother who was part of the live audience. He said, “Sa mom ko po (Deana Aquino), siya ‘yung inspiration ko, kasi siya po ‘yung dancer talaga. Dun po ako nagmana. Pero ‘yung style niya po is different because ‘yung sa ‘kin hiphop, siya po more of jazz. Original Hotlegs po siya.”
Hotlegs is a premier dance ensemble formed in the 80s that It’s Showtime host Vice Ganda couldn’t help but express amazement. The sought-after comedian said, “Hotlegs?! ‘Yan ‘yung parang mga G-force dati. Ang bongga nung Hotlegs!”
The passion for dance he inherited is something Dan also extends to others beyond the TV screen.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the model-actor-dancer added being an instructor to his title. He used to teach street children how to dance for free.
The selflessness comes again as no surprise as Dan takes the initiative even at home to do what he can when given the chance.
He once shared, “[The] greatest sacrifice I’ve made is not finishing my studies due to financial problems. I’m working talaga with what I have everyday. I guess I sacrificed studies for work talaga. And now I get to pay naman with the work na nakukuha ko.”
Dan maximizes whatever he is given to slowly find his place in the industry as a dancer and actor.
Who knows, he may be just one big break away from having the same fate as his favorite actors Jericho Rosales and James Reid.
Just like other entertainers, Dan’s livelihood was also affected by the current health crisis.
Luckily, he was able to find ways to cope. He said, “I think I’ve handled the pandemic quite well naman and I’m quite thankful din that my family stays healthy. I have really learned about adapting to the circumstances. I was battling the closing of ABS-CBN din po noon so I had no means of income. The pandemic led me to searching and thinking to myself, ‘Hanggang saan pa ba ang kaya natin puntahan?’ So, I earned a job sa Sun Life as a Financial Advisor and I am also a teacher of hip hop for kids.”
Prior to these, Dan used to perform for an events company with a group, dressed up as different characters for kiddie parties.
He was also training with Alliance PH for a competition abroad before the lockdown happened.
“Siguro ang na-miss ko the most is traveling to beaches and spending time with friends out of town. I also miss doing out of town shows or events na dati kong nagagawa at ngayon hindi na po,” Dan said about what he longs for during this pandemic.
But being constantly on the move literally and figuratively, he is able to channel his strength toward productivity and self-love.
He finds time to work out and play online games (In case you’re wondering, he’s into Call of Duty Warzone!) in between newfound responsibilities.
He was thrilled to share, “I’ve been feeling so positive lately. It’s best to share the good energy!”
