We know he can dance: Welcome home Brandon Bryant!

MDC to Host Welcome Home Celebration for Former Student and Fox TV’s ‘Dance’ Runner-Up

Brandon Bryant will perform and answer audience questions at MDC’s Kendall Campus this Friday, Aug. 14

 

Miami, Aug. 12, 2009 – Brandon Bryant, a former Miami Dade College (MDC) dance student and season five runner-up on Fox Television’s “So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD),” will return to the Kendall Campus on Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, for a welcome home celebration, a question-and-answer segment,  and dance performance. The 19-year old Miami native will be introduced in ceremonious fashion by his former dance instructor and mentor Michelle Grant-Murray, college officials, and others.

Bryant placed second behind Miami resident Jeanine Mason during the season five finale of the popular televised dance show. A favorite of the judges throughout the competition, the experienced dancer remained confident yet humble moments before the final results were announced. "I did for a split second think that I could have a chance," said Brandon. "But I knew [Jeanine] was strong, and I knew that I was strong. This time was for her reach, not mine."

After auditioning in 2008 (season four) for a coveted spot on SYTYCD,” Bryant was eliminated just before making it to the Top 20 round – it was his second attempt. Undeterred yet determined to continuing dancing, he soon joined a professional dance troupe in Salt Lake City, Utah then auditioned when season five auditions for the show were held in the western U.S. city earlier this year.

During the show’s taping in May, he discussed the rigors of performing live before millions of television viewers every week: “It is very overwhelming for someone not use to it,” he says. “But if its something you love it’s a very rewarding and growing experience.” Bryant currently resides in Salt Lake City where he is a member of the professional dance company Odyssey Dance Theatre. He began dancing ballet at age 10, and has performed professionally ever since; including a stint with the college’s own Jubilation Dance Ensemble.

 

He recalled one of his more memorable dancing moments was performing for Madonna at her daughter’s birthday party. However, it was his time at MDC, attending classes, performing and choreographing for Jubilee, and mentoring other students that served as the perfect foundation for his time on SYTYCD. “I enjoyed my time at MDC and it worked with my schedule because I was able to space out the time during the day,” Bryant said. “Being a part of the dance program here really helped me and [my instructor] Ms. Michelle Grant-Murray is the most amazing technician because of the different styles of dance she would bring in. It really opened my eyes to the world with international and spiritual dance styles.”

For aspiring dancers, particularly those willing to brave the rigors of national television, Bryant offers this sage advice: “Do not give up and don’t take no as your final answer. Being on television is hard because you’re being criticized often, especially since it is national television. So you just have to make sure this is something you really want to do because the world of television is a crazy, hectic world. If you can stand in front of a group of judges and take what they say to you, still move forward with what you want to do and show the world your talent, then you’ll be fine.”

During the show’s taping, Bryant was surrounded by a bevy of local talent including New World School of the Arts at MDC graduate Vitolio Jeune who made it to the Top 14 before being eliminated during week five of the competition.  

Don't miss the Welcome Home Celebration for “So You Think You Can Dance” Runner-Up Brandon Bryant, Friday, August 14, 2009, 10 - 11 a.m., Miami Dade College Kendall Campus, McCarthy Auditorium, 11011 S.W. 104^th St., Miami, 33176

 

Comments

[Travis Givens]

Brandon was robbed. Jeannie was a good dancer but she sure wasn't the better dancer. It's ok though because good things will still happen for him. He took it in stride and kept his head up. Good job lil brother. You made us proud!

[Suzy Stone, President Hip Hop Kidz Inc.]

Congratulations, love, and success to our former student Brandon Bryant of "So You Think You Can Dance"

Before Miami Dade, and before his BALLET training HIP HOP KIDZ was Brandon's dance family from age 7 to 13 years old. He performed at Madonna's house with the HIP HOP KIDZ PRODUCTION TROUPE .

Brandon's many accomplishments with Hip Hop Kidz include apprearances on Good Morning America,"Jenny Jones", BET's "Hits From The Street" and he was a member of the gold medal Hip Hop Kidz team in the world Hip Hop championships. He was an exceptional student and amazing hip hop dancer. We are delighted we were part of his growth. He has an amzing future ahead of him

[Vanessa Woodard Byers]

Thanks for the kinds words for Brandon. By all accounts, he is an awesome young man. Best wishes for an awesome future in dance or whatever he so desires!

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