Thang Dao was born in Danang, Vietnam and is currently director of the Thang Dao Dance Company. Dao received his formal dance education from The Juilliard School and The Boston Conservatory. He holds a B.F.A. in dance from The Boston Conservatory and an M.A. from New York University. Dao danced with the Stephen Petronio Company from 2001-2006, leaving to focus on his choreographic career. He has worked for the Metropolitan Opera and Little People Orchestra, and in 2006, his ballet Stepping Ground, choreographed for Ballet Austin for the 1st Biannual New American Dance Talent event, received the Audience Choice Award all four nights. Dao has received a two Princess Grace Awards, one for Choreography Fellowship in 2008 and a Special Project Grant in 2009.