We received so much love from Peanut Pollino’s monologue in Issue 3, so we did what any righteous newsletter would do-give our audience what they want.  In this case, it’s more Peanut!  Listen in, as this seasoned convention and Broadway star keeps rising, yet manages to stay young at heart.

So…how did you get the name Peanut?
I get this question a lot. When I was eight, I joined a dance company. My dance teacher called all the little ones "Peanut" but the nickname stuck with me. Now, pretty much every choreographer I know calls me Peanut. They don't even know my real name! :)

We know you have tons, but name your top 2 greatest memories.
Opening Night, Hot Feet, Broadway, 2006. I was 1st to walk out on stage. Although I had done this for weeks during previews, that night, the lights were shining brighter and my energy was flowing. I had the best time of my life with celebrities and friends dancing at the after party. Oh, and there was a chocolate fountain. That can't be beat.

Hmm, another? When I was 7, I attended LADF. Napoleon was there, and of course all the ladies were like “hottie!” I got a scholarship, and when I went up to hug the faculty, Napoleon picked me up and carried me off the stage. Haha! My mom took a picture, and I've been taking class from him ever since!

What's your favorite convention?
It’s a tie! Pulse and Monsters of Hip Hop. I feel like a member of a family when I'm at both. We're all friends, and it's not about who's the best...it's about shining together.

What's the best award you've won at a convention?
“PROTÉGÉ”. I wanted it so bad, and I knew Brian wasn't gonna cut me any slack, so I was like "Maaaaan, here I go". When Mia called my name, I was so happy. Even though I didn't get “Elite”, I had a great time with the other Protégés and the faculty.

We hear that you're an assistant choreographer. Do tell.
I've assisted quite a few (not to be cocky though). Luam, Brian Friedman, Cris Judd, Dave Scott, Shane Sparks, Rhapsody, Chio, Joe Lanteri, Nick Florez, Paul Becker & Tyce Diorio!

WOW. What do you think about when you're on stage with them?
Depends on the choreographer. With Cris Judd, I'm always thinking of another comeback to spit at him. We're always playing around. With someone like Brian Friedman, however, I'm thinking "Pleeeease don't mess up Peanut!" I always wanna impress him. He's a big idol of mine.

Any other idols?
Absolutely! Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Brian Friedman, Luam, Rhapsody, Tyce Diorio, and one of my best friends, Kayla Radomski. She's Brian’s assistant, and one of the best dancers ever.

Your mom travels with you. Give her a shout out and tell gendance how AWESOME she is.
MAMA LI! She’s amazing and supportive of me no matter what. She has a MySpace, Facebook, and a screen name. A lot of my dance friends say that she's like their 2nd mom.

What's the last song you listened to?
“Mirror” by Ne-Yo. Marty Kudelka did some sick choreography to it.

What choreography has recently revved you up?Hmm. Rhapsody did "Got Money" by Lil Wayne and T-Pain at Monsters of Hip Hop. I love Lil Wayne and I love Rhapsody, so there ya go.

What brand of dance clothes is your fav? (Hint hint companies...potential sponsor here!)
You're asking me for 1? I can’t pick just 1, so I’ll give you a few. NAPPYTABS, WILD CHILD and KATRINAWEAR!

There you have it. Straight from the Peanut gallery, young stars are new school.