How do you think your dancing is portrayed in this film? Does it reflect your style?
The dancing in the film was a big part of the evolution of my character, Mona, and for me on some level personally. I had to learn Tango and Swing as Mona, but I also had to learn both of these styles as Nicole. I’ve danced since I was young, but have been out of formal training for years, so as an ex dancer and battling my lack of technique now, I was bit frustrated or hard on myself at times. This was fuel for playing Mona, who had to learn and go through the same feelings in the film. And when it came to Tango, Mona had to let go and let “Toni” lead her, probably for the first time… and so did I. Partner dancing was a wonderful lesson for me, physically and emotionally.

True or false: You are exactly like your character in real life.
Haha. A little true and a little false. Personality wise, Mona and I (or as Erika liked to call me, “MoMo”) are very similar. We’re both upbeat, fun, free-spirited girls who’ve had some relationship problems in the past, but still believe in love. But Nicole does prefer kissing boys over girls, for now at least…

Talk about your dance experience prior to Leading Ladies.
I grew up dancing since I was three. I would mimic MJ & Paula videos as a kid, choreograph in my driveway, battle with the neighborhood girls. I had no idea the impact it had on my life until I lost it. I went to college for dance, thought I'd go to NYC and be a Broadway girl or be in a modern company, but acting took over. I fell in love with a boy and my new form of expression and moved to LA. Dancing took a backseat to acting and the life lessons I learned in that relationship. Leading Ladies was a dream come true when I got it. I got to dance and act and get PAID. Yes please, sign me up!

Reality TV for dance: yay or nay?
I'm so not a reality TV fan. I think it gets America more addicted to drama and superficiality. It takes away from real acting jobs. But for the dance world to be acknowledged and appreciated, I think it’s been helpful. I know a lot of people who have never danced in their lives who are addicted to those shows. I never watch them; it depresses me that my legs don't do those things anymore! Haha. But I'll start watching SYTYCD to see Melanie on the days when I really miss her.

Speaking of Melanie, what was it like working with her?
That woman is an amazing, beautiful, humble, warm, nurturing, lovely creature. She will always have my heart! I wasn’t too privy on ballroom before I came into this project, so watching her videos was intimating. When she dances, she’s fierce. That red hair, those body lines, the strength and passion. One would assume you would walk into the room and find a super diva, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It was an honor and a blessing to spend time and learn from her, on and off screen.

How do you Let Love Lead?
Oooh, it took quite a few years to figure this one out. It started with loving me… that was the hardest lesson. Especially in LA, where you're surrounded by beautiful people and cosmetic perfection, (at least the idea of it) and learn to accept and love myself with my imperfections. Then learning to focus on what I love, and trust that I'm meant to follow it. (No matter the paycheck or lack there of at times.) It's all about finding your joy and fulfillment. My career is my passion in life, so my life is my artist's passion. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and in this industry you have a wonderful opportunity to give yourself to strangers, to connect to people on an intimate level through your character and story. The people you bond with while shooting is like having a new family every few months. I think this is the only “job” where those kind of bonds happen. I'm still playing with the idea of getting “Let Love Lead” tattooed on my "follow" forearm as a reminder.

What are most/least favorite dance trends?
Hmm. That I have to think about.  Oh no I don't… video hoes! Don't get me wrong, I like shakin’ my booty but I miss epic videos we used to get with real dancing and choreography. “Thriller” (RIP-MJ), “Rhythm Nation”, “Coldhearted Snake”… Come on, how long has it been since we've seen anything like that?!

What’s your advice for the next gen who want to get into film?
Trust yourself, love yourself, and read some books on manifestation. It will all happen for you a lot quicker, if you do. Also, be yourself. We all have our own uniqueness. No one can be you better than you. It's a very narcissistic industry as it is, we don't need more of those people in the way of the true artists.

If you weren’t a performer, you would be…
A waitress at a cafe in Paris. Or an Ad Executive; not sure what they do really but the title always sounded cool and they wear classy suits!