Robert Roldan Former Thousand Oaks residents Melinda Sullivan and Robert Roldan were chosen to compete as two of the final 11 contestants on the seventh season of the FOX television show “So You Think You Can Dance?”

Although both dancers now live in the Los Angeles area, Roldan, 19, graduated from Westlake High School in 2008, and Melinda Sullivan, 22, attended Thousand Oaks High School. They both call Thousand Oaks their hometown.

Roldan specializes in contemporary dance and said he received almost all of his training at a studio in Newbury Park.

He says he is passionate about contemporary dance because it “comes from a place where nothing else comes from. It can reach so many different levels.”

Sullivan, who took several dance classes in Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills and Westlake Village, is a tap dancer.

“I started dancing when I was 4,” Sullivan said. “I really loved the tap dancing part. I love making noise with my feet.”

Melinda Sullivan The two contestants say being on the show has been a rewarding experience so far.

“It’s been really exciting and really intense,” Sullivan said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had so many hours of rehearsal. (It’s) physically and mentally exhausting.”

Roldan said the experience has been “a blessing in every way. I would never ever forget anything.”

Sullivan and Roldan said that although they’d known of each other before the show, they did not meet until recently. Not only did they discover that their houses are only 15 minutes away from each other, they have also become good friends.

“If we have to leave the first week, I already feel like I’ve won in a way,” Sullivan said. “I’m getting to share the stage with such brilliant artists.”

“We’re like a family,” Roldan said. “Every person that will support Melinda and I, I will appreciate you so much.”