To Your Health
August, 2007 (Vol. 01, Issue 08) |
|
|
Can you give us an idea of some of the other things you've done in your career? I've done a lot of television and a couple films. I have an independent feature called "Duck" that came out May 11 in selected theaters in Los Angeles and New York.
The feature before that, with Vanessa Williams, is called "Contradictions of the Heart." In terms of theater, I was in "Play On!" which aired on PBS. I also was in "Class Act" at the Pasadena Playhouse. I did some theater in Orange County, California, and had my own show at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
You're an exceptional singer and an accomplished actress. What does it take to do what you do? Perseverance. I have a strong belief in God and I believe this career is the Lord's will for my life. My religious beliefs have kept me focused and prevented me from getting caught up in the craziness in the business, low self-esteem, and the things that often are associated with this business.
A lot of people turn to drugs and alcohol after getting knocked down. It doesn't happen overnight; it's something that chips away at you year after year, rejection after rejection. Remembering that this is God's will for my life has kept me on the straight and narrow. I'm starting to see the fruits of that now more so than ever.
What would you say to anyone who wants to be a singer/actress? I would say study. My generation, and the generation that's coming up, are now seeing overnight success with American Idol and get-rich-quick shows. It's so important to understand your craft, but also the business side. To this day, I still take acting classes. I have a vocal coach here in Las Vegas, and I will continue to study.
I'll never get to the point that I say, "I'm good enough." It'll never happen. It's vitally important for them to study and truly understand the craft. It's like studying to be a doctor.
How do you keep yourself healthy with such a demanding schedule? Since I've been here in Las Vegas, my sleeping schedule has shifted because this is a nocturnal town. Last night, I went to bed at 4 a.m. and I got up in the afternoon. I have two shows, the last at 10 p.m., and I don't get out 'till midnight. I get 10-12 hours of sleep every night because of my environment.
I work out five times a week. After the two shows, I'll go swim laps at the gym or I'll take [exercise] classes. I eat a lot of vegetables and drink a ton of water and Gatorade.
What else do you do to stay healthy and fit? I hold a gigantic grail in the show during the Holy Grail number, and I was having problems with my back and neck. My chiropractor here in Las Vegas helped me tremendously by aligning my back and adjusting me. I do eight shows a week, and it's such a rigorous schedule. It's easy for my body to get out of whack. If I don't get adjusted, I get headaches and I won't sleep well.
Are the costumes heavy? They're all hand-beaded. One costume weighs 25 pounds, which affects how I support myself. I have to stay strong. I'm singing in the stratosphere in the show and then holding on to these costumes on top of it, so it's important for me to be strong and fit.
How often are you adjusted? In general, I go once a week. Right now, I'm seeing my chiropractor once a month.
