How did you get started with dancing?
>> I was always an outgoing kid who would perform for strangers in the department store while my grandmother shopped. It seemed only natural that my parents would enroll me in a dance academy. I started at age 3 and instantly fell in love.
Tell us about your experience on So You Think You Can Dance.
>> It’s nearly impossible to sum up the impact that experience had on me not only as a performer but also as a person. After all the dust settled, I was a new individual: confident, inspired, mature, and better equipped to manage my life and career. It was an incredible blessing.
How different is a competition show like SYTYCD than other dance competition reality shows?
>> There is a different level of performance and athleticism expected.
You are now on ABC Family’s Bunheads. Was it difficult to go from being yourself to playing someone else?
>> Acting is actually very familiar territory for me. I started at age 9 with Disney channel commercials and theatre productions in my hometown. I believe storytelling is my absolute purpose. It’s what originally attracted me to dance and what I still consider most impressive about movement; how expressive it can be. That being said, dance and acting are two very different instruments for conveying stories.
Jeanine MasonOn Bunheads, what do you like most about your character, Cozette?
>> I hope she rubs off on me! She’s a free spirit who is completely unaffected by the actions and opinions of others. I think we could all use some of that in our lives.
Do you get to hang out with your other cast mates when you’re not shooting?
>> During production we spent nearly every moment together. We’d shoot during the week and then have these incredible 8-hour rehearsals on the weekend preparing for the following week of shooting. I’m an avid believer that real friendships spawn from the delirium that sets in after hour 6 of an exhausting dance rehearsal.
Let’s chat fashion, what cool designers and statement pieces would we find in your closet?
>> I love bags! It’s a sick obsession. Right now I’m completely invested in a love affair with Celine. Their pieces are so modern, classy, chic, and feminine. I love a statement bag with a simple pant, fitted blazer, and a pointed pump.
Jeanine MasonWhat’s your guilty pleasure?
>> Oh boy, there are quite a few but I’ll go with online shopping on One Kings Lane…it’s a dangerous place!
What do you like most about connecting with your fans on social media?
>> Seeing their responses and excitement. It’s incredibly inspiring. It hard to imagine you have “fans”…it’s a weird word for me to even use. Social Media makes it a little less weird because it introduces me to these wonderful people who are rooting for me.
What other projects can look forward to seeing from you?
>> I just shot a pilot for MTV called ‘Hot Mess’ that I’m incredibly excited about. The creator of the show, Lauren Lungerich, is a genius. My fingers are crossed that this show gets the chance it deserves. I also have a guest star on The Secret Life of the American Teenager airing soon.
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