Jared Murillo

Jared Makaio Murillo (born August 6, 1988) is an American professional dancer, choreographer, actor, and musician, known for his work as a dancer in the High School Musical series, and he was also the lead singer in a boy band called V Factory.

Jared Murillo
Born	Jared Makaio Murillo (1988-08-06) August 6, 1988 (age 36) Honolulu, Hawaii
Occupation(s)	Dancer, choreographer, singer, guitarist, and actor
Website	jaredmurillo.com

Early life

Murillo was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is the eldest of seven children. At age 5, he began to sing in church. By the time he was 8, he performed with Donny Osmond, in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He was the youngest cast member of the show. Three years later, at age 11, he was chosen to perform at the famous Suzuka Race Circuit in Nagoya, Japan.^[1] He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Murillo began his training at Center Stage Performing Arts in Orem, Utah. Murillo's parents are the owners. This is the same studio that has produced Julianne Hough, Derek Hough, Ashly DelGrosso-Costa, Chelsie Hightower, Jaymz Tuialeva, and Hefa Tuita.

Career

In 1994, Murillo competed in ballroom dancing and became a national champion. He soon achieved success on the dance floor and started to win various events around the country. This caught the eye and the attention of world-class coach and choreographer, Buddy Schwimmer. At age 14, he went to live for three years in Southern California. He achieved his goal of winning world and national titles when he captured the World Swing, the United States Swing, the United States Youth Latin Ballroom Championships and the AAU National DanceSport Championships with his partner.^[1]

In 2002, the Winter Olympics came to Salt Lake City where Murillo performed as part of the Opening Ceremonies. It was there he met Kenny Ortega, who choreographed the show. Although he didn't realize this at the time, just three years later they would meet up again as principal dancers in Disney Channel's High School Musical production.^[1] In January 2003, Murillo was paired with Lacey Schwimmer, and the two began competing at a junior level.

In 2006, he appeared in the High School Musical series and in 2007 he was a member of the background dancers of the High School Musical: The Concert for United States, Canada and Latin America. He also appears in the Ashley Tisdale music videos "Be Good to Me", "He Said She Said", and "Not Like That".^[1] He has also made an appearance on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, appearing in the episode "Loosely Ballroom" as a competitor in the dance competition. However, he was not credited for the role. He has also played in one episode of Big Time Rush.^{[citation needed]}

Murillo took part in series 8 of the BBC Television series Strictly Come Dancing, his professional partner was Aliona Vilani and his celebrity partner was Tina O'Brien. They did not dance in the third week, as Tina had chickenpox. However, he did not return for season 9. Murillo also took part in Glee: The Tour as a member of Vocal Adrenaline.

V Factory

Main article: V Factory

In 2006, Murillo became a member of American pop/R&B/urban boy band V Factory. The band began in September 2006 when Tommy Page discovered him performing in the High School Musical concert. Page then formed the group around Murillo and his fellow bandmates. Their first single, Love Struck, was released on January 27, 2009, on iTunes.

V Factory signed a Warner Bros. Records deal later that year and was under the management of Tommy Page^[2] until the group disbanded in 2011.