Search form

Scroll To Top
dance

'So You Think You Can Dance's Danny Tidwell Has Died

So You Think You Can Dance's Danny Tidwell.

His brother Travis Wall announced the news on Instagram.

MikelleStreet

On Friday, March 7, accomplished dancer and choreographer Danny Tidwell died according to an Instagram post by his brother Travis Wall. Both dancers first came to fame through the well known show So You Think You Can Dance. In that competition's third season, Tidwell finished as the runner-up. This came one season after Wall had competed, where he also ended as the runner-up. *According to E!, Tidwell died from injuries sustained in a car crash. He was 35.

"My heart is broken," Wall wrote to Instagram Saturday. "Yesterday I lost a brother. And we all lost a gift. I'm not ready. But I never think I will be. Because I can't believe this is real. I can't believe you're gone."

Tidwell is survived by his brother Wall, his husband David Benaym, two sisters, another brother, his mother, and other extended family.

In addition to SYTYCD, Tidwell had accumulated multiple accolades. He began training at the age of eight, eventually going to the Kirov Academy of Ballet. He went on to perform Debbie Allen productions, and win a silver medal in the USA International Ballet Competition. He would later perform with the American Ballet Theatre and became the artistic director of movmnt Magazine.

"You were more than my brother," Wall, who is also known for having choreographed on RuPaul's Drag Race, wrote. "You were my inspiration. I idolized you growing up. Wanted to dance just like you. Wanted to be you! I wish I could jump in your arms again like we used to when we were kids and onstage dancing. We will all remember the joy and passion you brought to everyone you came in contact with through out your journey. A journey cut to short. You are a legend. And I love you so much Danny. Rest In Peace my brother. I can't believe I'm even typing this . Please pray for my mom and my family during this difficult time."

Tidwell was adopted by Wall's mother at age 12.

*This story was updated with manner of death.

RELATED | More History: 'Dancing With the Stars Ireland' Has First Same-Sex Pair

The Advocates with Sonia BaghdadyOut / Advocate Magazine - Jonathan Groff and Wayne Brady

From our Sponsors

Most Popular

Latest Stories

Mikelle Street

Mikelle is the former editorial director of digital for PrideMedia, guiding digital editorial and social across Out, The Advocate, Pride.com, Out Traveler, and Plus. After starting as a freelancer for Out in 2013, he joined the staff as Senior Editor working across print and digital in 2018. In early 2021 he became Out's digital director, marking a pivot to content that centered queer and trans stories and figures, exclusively. In September 2021, he was promoted to editorial director of PrideMedia. He has written cover stories on Ricky Martin, Miss Fame, Nyle DiMarco, Jeremy O. Harris, Law Roach, and Symone.

Mikelle is the former editorial director of digital for PrideMedia, guiding digital editorial and social across Out, The Advocate, Pride.com, Out Traveler, and Plus. After starting as a freelancer for Out in 2013, he joined the staff as Senior Editor working across print and digital in 2018. In early 2021 he became Out's digital director, marking a pivot to content that centered queer and trans stories and figures, exclusively. In September 2021, he was promoted to editorial director of PrideMedia. He has written cover stories on Ricky Martin, Miss Fame, Nyle DiMarco, Jeremy O. Harris, Law Roach, and Symone.