Age: 21

Hometown: Baltimore, Md.

How did you end up performing on the 2006 season of So You Think You Can Dance?
During my freshman year, my best friend and I went to New York for the open call auditions. We ended up having to sleep in the line. When we finally got inside, the choreographers gave each dancer 20 seconds to perform to a random song. I ended up making the first cut and I was selected to be among 22 dancers chosen to advance to the second stage, which was filmed for television.

What was the experience like?

It was amazing. It was the first time I’ve ever been on a plane and it gave me an opportunity to be with other extraordinary dancers. I didn’t make the final cut, but gained a lot of experience and the exposure that a young dancer needs to really build a career.

Where else have you performed?
I performed on MTV and toured with R&B songstress Ashanti during her Declaration of Independence album tour. The experience has been amazing; I’ve been across the county and met a lot of talented dancers.

Why did you choose Temple for your dance education?
Aside from being close to my home in Baltimore, Temple’s dance program has a strong academic focus. I learned so much while I was here by taking classes outside of my discipline to help me become a better-rounded student. And, I also had an opportunity to dance with Kariamu & Company, the dance ensemble directed by Kariamu Welsh, chair of the dance department.

What are your post-graduation plans?
I have an agent in New York and a lot of auditions, so that will keep me busy this summer. At some point I plan to go back to school to become a dentist. My friends tease me and call me the “dancing dentist.” I’m not sure why, but I am really attracted to the idea of going into the dental profession.