By Carol S. Rothchild
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How are you like Gloria, from Bring It On: Fight to the Finish?
Well, we are both pretty feisty. And I definitely love to dance and cheer!
How are you different?
I was a total nerdo in high school, so she is way more confident than I was, for sure. She is also more outspoken than me. I love her!
What is your favorite memory from making this movie?
My favorite memory is hanging out with all the girls in our downtime. We would camp out in one of our trailers — watching movies and eating.
How old were you when you started dancing?
I was five years old, and it was tap dancing!
When did your family fall on hard times? Were you afraid you would have to stop dancing?
I was in sixth grade, and luckily the owner of our dance studio, Kim Reckers, put me on scholarship. I'll always remember her kindness; and so will my parents, because I was definitely not going to stop. Everyone has their highs and lows, but I'm built with resilience. I don't know why, but quitting isn't an option for me.
What was it like being a part of the Sacramento Kings Pro NBA Dance Team?
It was one of the best times of my life! The NBA taught me a lot about beating insurmountable odds and learning that a loss is a win, if you learn from it. It was also just fun to dance in front of a HUGE crowd!
What types of dance do you do?
Tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, salsa, and modern.
Which do you like best?
Tap — you never forget your first love.
What TV shows have we seen you on?
Hannah Montana, CSI NY, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Nick Cannon's Short Circuitz, and more...
Can you share any funny behind-the-scenes stories?
Yes! I played a lot of practical jokes. We had many birthdays on set, so I decided to make them interesting. I made up a fake wardrobe fitting for Meagan Holder on her birthday, and when she came in we surprised her. But the worst one was on Holland Roden's birthday! I gave each and every member on the set a can of silly string, and on the last take of the day, we put her on her mark and just blasted her! I think it might have even made the DVD extras. Hehehe!
How are you involved with Read To Achieve — the program that encourages everyone to read?
Well, during my time in the NBA, the whole organization was involved with Read to Achieve. I was fortunate enough to be chosen as an in-school public speaker. I worked vigorously at it, and I loved it!
Why is it such an important program to you?
Well, for the first couple of years in school I wasn't able to read. I struggled a lot, and it was my first big challenge. Now it's all I do!
Do you have pets?
Yes, a cat named Kitty. I know — original.
What is something that you've learned from your family?
That there is always a solution to any problem — and everything does work out, if you let it.
Are you into sports?
Since I've been living in LA, I'm actually getting into baseball! I love basketball and volleyball (I was a setter).
Do you play any musical instruments?
Yes, I play the drums and am very awful at guitar. But I still try.
What makes a day perfect?
Sunshine, kindness, and music.
What do you most want for the future?
To get more involved with service and volunteering. It's actually easier than you might think. Yesterday, I took out my neighbor's trash on my way out the door. I saw it sitting on her back porch, so I nabbed it! (Is that creepy?)
What's the best advice you can share with our SIX7*8th readers?
Don't ever be a bully! Bullies grow up mean — and usually end up sad. If you find yourself going along with a bully, but not being the bully, that's just as bad. It takes a lot of courage to stand up for yourself and the people around you, but it's so awesome when you do! Try it — it's exhilarating!
Corbin Bleu
By Carol S. Rothchild
He's the new national spokesperson for Starlight Children's Foundation, and CEO Paula Van Ness says, "I've seen him interact with our children, and he has a way of making each child feel like he or she is the only person in the room. That innate ability to connect heart-to-heart is Corbin's greatest gift to our cause." With his recently released studio album, "Speed of Light," it's not surprising that Corbin is nonstop action. We caught up with Corbin and learned more about his recent projects, passions, and personality.
What is your favorite type of dance?
I have a strong love for tap. The rhythms are always flowing through my feet, and I'm constantly tapping around everywhere I go.
Which dance type is the most demanding?
I've always found ballet to be the most demanding. It is the root of all dance and the most technical of all the forms.
What dance moves are hard or challenging for you?
I'm currently working a bit more on the gymnastics side of dance. The challenge is building up the courage to just let yourself fly — and not be afraid of falling on your face.
Are you close to your family?
We are a very close family. My family is the most important thing in my life.
Ever play pranks on your sisters growing up?
Constantly — whether it was scaring them from around the corner or setting up an elaborate sink watering gag. They would get me back though...
What do you love to talk about — what topics really intrigue you?
I've always been into the supernatural — like watching ghost shows or hearing about some strange haunting.
What's going on now?
My involvement with Starlight — their work is truly inspiring. It is a privilege to represent an organization whose work has changed the lives of so many kids. I am proud to be representing them and their mission — but especially to participate in their amazing programs.
And music — my new album is "Speed of Light." I worked with some outstanding producers who helped me find a more personal sound. I was really involved — from the creation of the tracks to the song concepts and lyrics. The music I like to listen to varies from rock and pop, to hip hop and R&B, to jazz and classical. So I try to sprinkle bits from here and there into my music. But the main line of the album is R&B; and it consists of personal stories from either my life, or simply fantasies.
Corbin Bleu has set up a fundraising page where his fans can help him support Starlight in its mission to lift the spirits of children and families coping with childhood illnesses: firstgiving.com/corbinbleu.
