Kendall Campus to host welcome-home celebration for former student and 'So You Think You Can Dance' runner-up on Friday

Brandon Bryant, a former Miami Dade College dance student and season five runner-up on Fox Television’s “So You Think You Can Dance" (SYTYCD), will return to Kendall Campus on Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, 10-11 a.m., in the McCarthy Auditorium, for a welcome-home celebration, 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 Professor 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 Bryant. "But I knew [Jeanine] was strong, and I knew that I was strong. This time was for her reach, not mine."

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.

It was Bryant’s time at MDC -- attending classes, performing and choreographing for Jubilee, and mentoring other students -- that served as the perfect foundation for 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 [Professor 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.”

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.