BSCkids was thrilled recently to get the chance to chat with actress, dancer, and singer Asia Monet. She is best known for her standout role on Season 3 of “Dance Moms” and can be seen as the subject of her own show Raising Asia. The series follows the young performer along with her mom, dad and little sister on her journey towards becoming a star. But you can also see her right now in the highly-anticipated “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson,” as Sydney Simpson!
Monet is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment world right now. She began by making a name for herself as an Internet sensation and her fan base continues to grow with over 1,000,000 Instagram followers and 164,000 Twitter followers.She gains over 1,000 Instagram followers per day and has over 7 million views on her wildly popular YouTube videos.
Monet is an incredibly talented dancer and performer. She first took interest in gymnastics when she was just a toddler. Quickly realizing she had a natural athleticism and a love for movement, her parents enrolled her in dance lessons. At the young age of five, she made history by becoming the youngest StarPower National Championship winner to ever take the title. She made her television debut at only six years old when she entered the first season of Lifetime’s “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition.” Despite being the youngest in the competition, she beat dancers up to twice her age to make it to the finale. After the competition, Asia joined Abby Lee Miller’s elite junior competition team on season 3 of “Dance Moms.” Asia won virtually every competition she entered while on the show, blowing her opponents away with her talent.
She then made the transition to acting, working on films and television series. She appeared in the indie film Sister Code. She starred as “Lexi,” the youngest of three foster sisters. The role of Lexi in her older years was played by Amber Rose. This tale of love and tragedy follows the death of their mother and how the sisters fight for their individual dreams and each other.
But she continues to blow everyone away. She ventured into the world of music with her debut album titled “Asia Monet”, features 5 original songs inspired by her family, friends, and fans. The full LP is available for purchase or download on Amazon, iTunes, and Spotify as well as on Asia’s website. Asia also released a Christmas single, “Christmas Time”, which received over 4 million views on VEVO. She has also performed live at large venues including Planet Hollywood Las Vegas and Universal CityWalk.
BSCKIDS: Asia Monet
Sports, dancing, and performing have been a huge part of your life, what draws you to this form of expression?
I’ve always gravitated to high energy activities and things that continue to challenge me to be stronger and better. These outlets along with singing have also been a huge way to express myself in different ways and this is important to me, that I still get such a great feeling and love what I do.
Well, back then, when I was 6 years old on AUDC it was so exciting for me to do what I loved and to be able to perform every week live, that I think I was too young to even realize the pressure that the older girls felt and the stress of it all. At 6 I was just happy that people liked me and believed in me. So, to answer the question.. Lol I didn’t feel that way I just didn’t want to be the one going home. I was so excited that I made it to the Top 3 Finale, in my eyes that was winning for me.
The hardest part was being away in Pittsburgh from my family and coaches at that time. And of course being an outsider coming in, I knew I had to always be on my A’ Game.
I think when people see the performance on TV, they see the end product and some times don’t realize the short time you have to learn a routine and be able to perfect and detail it so quickly before performing. And sometimes you just want a little more time to make it perfect and you just don’t have that kind of time when your filming.
What have you learned from being on “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition” and “Dance Moms?”
Well, I’ve learned at a young age the craziness of reality TV! At the end of the day you really have no control of how you will be edited or shown on national TV and all you can do is hope it’s good.. Lol. I just had to focus on being the best that I could be and to stay strong. I grew up fast on both shows and it has made me realize now at 10 years old looking back, that I look at things much differently now and I love where I’m at in my life. I’m so happy with my acting, singing and dancing and I am continuing to grow more and more everyday. I believe you grow and learn from every experience in life.
Yes and no, it was crazy but I liked it much better with my family’s support and help. I’m so use to all the camera now that they don’t phase me. The hard part is wanting to give my best performance under pressure with little time.
Yes, my mom was worried. We were on reality TV since I was 6 and she is very protective of me and my family . She just didn’t want the drama, so it was pretty hard to get her on board with all of it. Also being in the privacy of our home and life was a challenge.
I will always dance, it’s always been natural in me to perform. But I have also always loved music and acting. People just didn’t know because I was known for dance, due to all the dance shows.
You also have a role on the highly anticipated series “American Crime Story.” What is like working with such high profile actors?
I’m still so excited and feel so blessed to be part of the cast of such a highly anticipated series and to have met Ryan Murphy and the other amazing actors. Although my role of Sydney Simpson is 3-4 episodes, I’m so grateful. It has been the most amazing experience and everyone was so nice and welcoming.
Star Struck.. Hmmm.. Well, maybe a tiny bit with a few…Lol The talent is just so amazing and such an inspiration to me.
There’s time if you are good at making schedules like my mom.. Lol she is great at making sure it all fits in. My mom home schools me and we fit friend time in with fun girls day out and shopping 🙂