INTERVIEW WITH ASIA MONET RAY
Glitter recently sat down with Asia Monet Ray to talk about what it was like being on Dance Moms, how old she was when she first started dancing, her debut album, Asia Monet, who she plays in the upcoming movie, Sister Code, and what to expect on Raising Asia. Read on to find out more about this extremely talented triple threat!
Photo Credits:
Photographer-Araya Diaz
Makeup- Nicole Ray
Stylist-Ali Levine
GLITTER: How old were you when you first started dancing?
ASIA: I was two-years-old. At that time, I was already busy with ice skating and gymnastics, but my mom enrolled me in dancing because I had so much energy and I was constantly performing at home for everyone.
GLITTER: Do you still hold the title for youngest winner of the StarPower National Championship?
ASIA: As far as I know I still hold the youngest National Miss Petite Title at five years old. That was such an amazing time and so much fun. I look back at that video of P.Y.T. by Michael Jackson and it just makes me laugh, I was so small. Haha!
GLITTER: What was it like being on Dance Moms?
ASIA: Dance Moms was a great growing and learning experience. I joined the ALDC when I was six years old. When I turned seven I took on the challenge of dancing for Abby Lee Miller’s Elite Team and as the youngest member of the team it taught me a lot about reality television as well as to be strong, focused, be the best I could be and block out any negativity around me. I was blessed to have an undefeated run at ALDC with 9 first place solos. I proved to myself that it was possible to overcome being the underdog and the outsider by staying focused, hungry and dancing with passion.
GLITTER: What can you tell us about your show, Raising Asia?
ASIA: Lifetime offered me Raising Asia for a second time when I departed from Dance Moms after season 3. I wanted to purse my other passions and opportunities in music and acting. The show follows my journey with my family and team as I pursue my love for singing and acting. It also shows that we juggle everything from dancing, singing, acting, performing, traveling and making time for family and friends.
GLITTER: Tell us about your debut album, Asia Monet. What’s your favorite song on the album?
ASIA: My first self-titled album was released in 2014 and it was cool singing original music. My favorite and some fan favorites are, “Go Back” and ”1Wish4U”. With a new team, vocal coach and great writers, I have grown so much from my first album. It’s been a growing experience with my music. At nine years old I’m learning to be patient and stay focused on my training. I can’t wait to share more new music this year.
GLITTER: Tell us more about Sister Code. Who do you play in the upcoming movie?
ASIA: Sister Code hits theaters May 8th. It’s a great story about three foster sisters as they navigate through adulthood. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry, there’s nothing like the bond between sisters. I play Lexi the youngest sister, and Amber Rose plays the adult version. Lexi is a free spirit and has a love for fashion. I’m so happy to be a part of this movie and play the role of Lexi.
GLITTER: Who do you look up to?
ASIA: That’s a tough question. I have always looked up to very strong women that are doing positive work in the entertainment industry. Someone that always comes to my mind is Beyoncé! She doesn’t change for the world, whether people like her or not she always stays true to herself. I love that she’s a triple threat in the entertainment industry as well. I also look up to my mom, she has been my rock since day one and she is very strong.
GLITTER: What do you like doing in your free time?
ASIA: I love to chill and hangout with my family and friends. I also love drawing, riding my bike, attending concerts and writing about dogs.
GLITTER: What is your favorite book that you’ve read this year?
ASIA: I absolutely love dogs so it would have to be, The Dog Whisperer by Cesar Millan. I love learning about all the different breeds of dogs, their history and how to train them. I have stacks and stacks of dog books. Haha!
GLITTER: What do you have planned for the upcoming year? Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
ASIA: I am looking forward to a very busy year. I’m blessed to have a couple projects in the works including new music and I will soon be announcing two upcoming performances coming this summer.
GLITTER: How can your fans follow you?
ASIA: My fans can follow me on Twitter at @AsiaMonetRay, Instagram at @AsiamonetRay, Facebook at AsiamonetRay and can subscribe to my YouTube chancel at Asiamonetray. My fans can also check out my website, IamAsiaMonet.com.
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Editorial Director | Writer | Tweet me @heatherriccio
