Danny Nguyen, (aka Atomic Goofball) is a breaker in Maryland trying to make it as a dancer (while having as much fun as possible). I had the chance to talk with him after being amazed by him dance. I’ve learned that life wasn’t always fun for this goofball.
Well now that I know your actual name is Danny Nguyen, how did you come up with the name Atomic Goofball ?
Well, growing up in school I was always the goofy kid. I was always like a BIG KID, I didn’t have very many friends, in fact while in high school my best friends were in middle school. So always hanging out with a younger crowd fed my goofiness, calling me a goofball. I added the “Atomic” because I thought it sounded cool!
Why did you start dancing and when?
I didn’t purposely try to start dancing, I sort of fell into it. I was on a journey to break out of my shell and seek acceptance from the kids at school (get into some cool activities and groups so that way I had some friends and some things to talk about). I tried to learn aggressive skating because at the time, that was a really “COOL” thing to do. With many failed attempts I gave up and sitting there I heard music and found a group of breakdancers dancing and having fun! They accepted me for who I was and I felt it in my heart that “this is for me”. I started between 98-99 technically. I had to take a lot of time off (almost quit) because of my chest surgery.
Tell me about the exciting dance gigs you’ve done in the past and/or present.
WOW! So many gigs! One of my favorite had to have been So You Think You Can Dance. I’m definitely gonna try out again sometime. I’ve danced for the Washington Wizards, the Nationals, and the Capitals, was flown out to California to battle Rockadile of ABDC’s Supercrew, and participated in a huge battle called “Who can roast the most” where I was pitted in a 10 round battle with no judges against another bboy (danger dat) from California. And the biggest gig yet, landing a role on the upcoming Step up 3:D dance movie!
What is your biggest strength?
I would have to say my character and personality. I don’t know what it is, or how I do it, but when I’m dancing or not I can put on my goofball face and bring everyone else into my world. I don’t have the best moves out there, but I know that I can show the world I am having fun and to let the world in on this fun!
What had been your biggest obstacle?
My biggest obstacle had to be my chest surgery. I grew up with a chest deformity that kids in my school made fun of me for. They called me bird chest, and picked on me. During gym class, I waited for everyone to leave the locker room, or hide in the corner to change out of my gym clothes. Once I was old enough my parents had me undergo the surgery to correct my chest. It was a very very painful recovery and I had some complications where I was in and out of the hospital for weeks. I had to have a drainer plugged into my chest to drain the over flowing blood etc. While recovering, I lost all strength and in crucial pain. My parents and Doctor told me that I could not breakdance anymore. My friends/crew continued to train and the breakdance scene around me improved greatly while I was stuck in a hole. The idea of never being able to dance again hurt me alot let alone knowing that everyone was getting good without me. Breakin is super competitive so if you take a break, your opponents get better. I became depressed and suicidal. I lost motivation and hated everything. I sat in my room, closed my eyes, and promised myself, “Goofball, you will dance again, you will be the best, and people will remember you”.
What are your goals for your future dance career?
I would love to keep dancing forever! I hope to land more gigs on commercials, tv, and of course movies! I plan on moving out to California to hopefully pursue more gigs. I want to teach more!
Do you have any advice for fellow dancers who are trying to make it in the industry?
YES!! It is very important to be YOU! If you are a dancer and you want to shine, you gotta be unique! What other way to be unique than to be yourself! There is only one YOU, show the world why that is! Keep positive and stay strong! Opportunities are everywhere! If you want something bad enough you can get it!!! The only person that can stop you from achieving your dreams is yourself.
Anything else you’d like to say..?
Shouts to my crew Lionz of Zion and Battle snakes! Respect and love!
Check him out at :Twitter, YouTube, Facebook.
Don’t forget to look for his crazy moves in Step Up 3:D next August.
