She Ditched the Pageant Walk for Hip-Hop — and the Internet Loved It
In a competition where poise and polish typically rule, one contestant decided to just be herself — and the internet couldn’t get enough.
Darathorn (“Dada”) Yoothong, representing Kalasin province at the Miss Grand Thailand pageant, has become an online sensation after performing a high-energy dance routine during the competition’s swimsuit segment. While other contestants struck traditional poses, Yoothong was filmed dancing to “Nobody” by Wonder Girls as the production cut to commercial — and the moment has since taken on a life of its own.
The ‘Kalasin Strut’ Takes Over Social Media
The routine, featuring fast-paced, hip-hop-inspired movements, has been widely shared on social media and earned the affectionate nickname the “Kalasin Strut.” Footage from the event shows Yoothong moving across the stage with expressive gestures and facial expressions, differing from the more traditional posing style typically seen during swimsuit segments.
It was a moment that stood out in a field of 77 contestants. The Miss Grand Thailand competition places emphasis on stage presence and entertainment value alongside standard judging criteria — but Yoothong pushed that philosophy to a whole new level.
Videos of her performance have been reposted across platforms including TikTok, where clips have surpassed one million views. Online discussions have focused on her confidence and individuality, with commenters practically tripping over themselves to celebrate her energy.
“Lol she genuinely looks fun to be with~ She is the partyyy!” one commenter wrote. Another said, “tbh she’d be so fun to hang with at the club lol.” A Reddit user added, “She’s the most confident one there, icon.”
A Professional Dancer on a Pageant Stage
The performance wasn’t a spontaneous moment of pageant rebellion. Yoothong is a professional dancer who regularly shares choreography on social media and prepared a dance routine specifically for the competition. She has since reposted parody videos of her performance following its viral spread — leaning into the attention with the same playfulness that made her a global talking point.
In a TikTok posted April 1, she introduced herself to her wave of new followers, saying she goes by “Dada,” is 26 years old and works as a professional dancer.
“Thank you again for sending me love from all around the world, I can touch it, I can feel it,” she said.
She Didn’t Win the Crown, but She Won the Internet
Despite the massive online attention, Yoothong placed in the Top 20. The winner of Miss Grand Thailand 2026 was Pattama Jitsawat of Chonburi, who will represent the country internationally.
But if the internet has anything to say about it, Dada walked away with something just as valuable: a global fanbase and a viral moment people won’t soon forget.
Following the competition, Yoothong addressed the response on Instagram.
“I just truly be myself but this is honestly unbelievable than I ever imagined,” she wrote. “Thank you so much for the love from everyone all around the world. I promise I’ll be back stronger and even more fun.”
That line — “I just truly be myself” — might be the whole story in five words. In a space that can reward conformity, Yoothong’s decision to show up as exactly who she is resonated far beyond the pageant stage. Her joy was infectious, her confidence unmistakable and the world noticed.
So if you haven’t seen the Kalasin Strut yet, do yourself a favor. Then text the link to a friend — because this is the kind of clip that’s meant to be shared.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
