Brandon Dumlao was brought into the competition at the last minute to partner Pauline Mata in the smooth waltz. Adam said that Brandon "did a good job at a difficult task."
Recement - 10/ 26 / 09
Brandon joins the Top 20, replacing dancer Billy Bell, who left the competition due to illness.
Are you in school? If so, which one and how long? Did you graduate?
Currently going to Diablo Valley College for 3 years studying accounting, and planning to transfer to CSU Northridge next Fall. I haven't graduated yet.
Are you married?
No
Do you have any children?
No
Do you have a job?
Not at the moment
How old were you when you started dancing?
I got a taste of dancing at 8 years for 6 months, but I really started taking hip hop dance seriously at 17 years old.
Do you have any formal dance training? If so, when and where?
I do not have any formal training. I just take classes and try to learn technique through the combos.
Have you worked professionally? If so, please detail where.
No
If you had to categorize your dance style, what would it be?
I'd say hip hop with a little contemporary fluidity thrown into it. So, contemphop.
What other talents/hobbies do you have?
I've been bowling since I was 8 years old and I've bowled a 297 game, 3 short of a perfect 300 game. I've also been playing violin for 10 years and piano for 6.
Who is your favorite professional dancer?
My favorite professional dancer is Jillian Meyers. Her concepts in her dances are always fresh and she has such an interesting, unique, intricate hip hop style that I love.
Does anyone in your family dance professionally?
No
Have you performed in musical theater or in public functions as a dancer?
No
What has been your most memorable dance experience?
My most memorable dance experience is being asked to come back and be able to compete on the Top 20 performance show of Season 6 SYTYCD. It's been a whirlwind and I've never worked so hard in my life, but every minute of it was amazing and it's just a once in a lifetime opportunity.
What have you learned so far in going through the audition process for this show?
I've learned that persistence and determination pays off along with personal growth, improvement and knowledge. Every time I've come back to audition, I've noticed myself becoming a better dancer and person and that's what will push me in my career paths in my future.
What are your favorite dance moments from movies, TV and/or stage?
My favorite dance moment is being able to be on that stage with the Top 20 and do the intros in front of a screaming crowd. It's been a dream come true to be standing up there in front of America and showing what I can do.
Which choreographers would you like to work with?
I'd love to work with Wade Robson, Brian Friedman, Jillian Meyers, Jason Gilkinson, Tyce Diorio, Mia Michaels, Travis Wall, Stacey Tookey, Napoleon and Tabitha D'umo, and the list goes on... I'd love to work with everyone! I'm thankful for whoever I meet in my life.
Have you worked with any notable choreographers? If so, who?
No
What does making it to the Top 20 mean to you?
It means so much to make Top 20 because Season 6 had been my 5th audition for the show. The first three times I auditioned, I never made it to the judges to perform my solo. Then, I made to the Green Mile (Top 32) in Season 5 and 6 and was cut before the Top 20. Getting called after being cut for Season 6 to come back and be on the show was the biggest surprise that's ever happened to me and it's been one of the most amazing experiences to share with this amazing cast and amazing producers and everyone that makes the show such a big success.
What would you like America to know about you?
I'd love America to know that if I can do this, I encourage them to try anything they want to. It just takes determination and the openness to learn because I've spent four good years dancing and I made it to the Top 20. It's never too late to start something you love doing, and do it for yourself.
Brandon Dumlao, 21 years old, was born and raised in Concord, California. He got his first taste of dancing at the age of 8 but was forced to quit to go out for sports. At the age of 17, he attended Kyle Hanagami's hip hop class in San Francisco and fell in love with hip hop dance. He currently trains with NeverLand, a dance company under the direction of Kyle Hanagami & Ellen Kim from The Lost Kids. He is very thankful for all of the opportunities he has been given in the short amount of time he has been dancing. He strives to create his own style of hip hop which combines hard-hitting movements with contemporary-esque fluidity. Brandon hopes to be dancing for years to come.
