Norman Santos, a former Universal Motion Dancers (UMD) member, passed away on Monday, February 3, due to kidney failure. He was 52.
The news of the former UMD dancer’s passing was confirmed by his partner Chato Maria, in a statement on Facebook the following day.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Norman Santos on February 3, 2025, after a prolonged fight against kidney failure, necessitating dialysis for over 12 years,” her statement read.
Santos’ wake and viewing are tentatively scheduled for February 12 to 16 at the St. Peter Memorial Chapel in Tabacuhan, Olongapo City (Del Rosario St.).
Meanwhile, the late dancer’s fellow member, actor-dancer Wowie de Guzman paid tribute to the former’s death through a Facebook post.
“UTOL....mahal na mahal ka namin. Hindi man naging maayos ang pagsasama ng grupo sa huli..at the end of the day magkakapatid tayo,” he wrote.
“Wala akong ibang hangad kundi kabutihan nating lahat..pasensya ka na sa mga pagkukulang ko sayo Man..mahal na mahal ka namin...hindi ko mararating ang kinalalagyan ko ngayon kung hindi dahil sayo...we love you Norman Santos UMD for Life...kitakits tayo nila Gerald sa finals ng buhay ko,” he added.
The Gerald de Guzman mentioned was the former UMD member, Gerard Fiasan, who died in 1997 at 23.
Meanwhile, fellow UMD member Jim Salas also expressed sadness about Santos’ passing. In a social media post, he wrote in the caption that the late dancer was “gone too soon but never forgotten.”
“Rest in Paradise tol Norman Santos #gonetoosoonbutneverforgotten #UMD4Life mahal ka namin tol,” he wrote in his caption.
Jim’s twin brother, James Salas, also paid tribute to his fellow member in a Facebook post.
“Paalam tol Norman Santos #umdforlife,” he wrote.
The UMD emerged in the 1990s when dance music and street dance were at the forefront of Philippine media. They soon became a household name in the industry, allowing street dance to be seen as a cultural movement.
Apart from the influential “butterfly dance,” UMD is also known for their unique take on popular songs like “Always” by Erasure, “Dying Inside to Hold You” by Timmy Thomas, and “Close To You” by Whigfield, blending electrifying performances with innovative choreography.
