INTERVIEW: Zendaya Coleman

Zendaya Coleman

Zendaya Coleman can do it all! She shows off her acting skills and wicked dance moves in the hit Disney show "Shake It Up", and is currently recording her debut album. Ever wondered how similar she is to her character Rocky, or the story behind her unique name? Read on to find out!

Name: Zendaya Coleman
Birthday: September 1st, 1996
Hometown: Oakland, California
Height: 5'8
Pet: Giant Schnauzer dog, Midnight
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite TV Show: "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit"
Favorite Dessert: Coffee Ice Cream
Favorite Singer: Michael Jackson
Dream Vacation Spot: Florence, Italy
Fun Fact: Zendaya was a backup dancer in a "Sears" ad with Selena Gomez!

CDescribe your "Shake It Up" character Rocky.
Zendaya: Rocky is such a sweet girl. She really cares for people and always wants to help her friends. She is a very good student who really works hard, and she is a dedicated friend to CeCe who often talks her into doing things they shouldn't. Rocky is a bit more shy and unsure of herself, and sometimes does more following than she should.

How are you and Rocky similar and different?
Zendaya: My character and I are a lot alike, we are both the goodie-two-shoes of the bunch. We love school and we love to excel in school and we are both trying to do the right things and just be good people. Rocky is definitely more shy than I am, she is a reserved girl. She won't do anything unless you push her. In ways I am the same but in other ways I'll just go for it and not be so shy. Just go for it!

What message do you want girls to receive from watching "Shake It Up"?
Zendaya: "Shake It Up" definitely teaches kids about the importance of reaching for your dreams and setting high goals. It also teaches great lessons about friendship and family.

What is your favorite style of dance that you perform on "Shake It Up"?
Zendaya: My favorite style of dance is hip hop. That's the first style of dance that I really took seriously and actually learned how to do.

How many days a week does it take you to learn a routine for "Shake It Up"?
Zendaya: It depends on the episode. If the episode involves heavy dancing material, then it may be everyday, or it may be only once a week.

How well do you get along with the rest of the cast?
Zendaya: We're like a big family. We hang out with each other all of the time on and off set. We're always going into each other's dressing rooms and turning up the music, and we dance with each other.

Are you surprised that "Shake It Up" is so successful?
Zendaya: I'm kind of still absorbing it all. It's just so weird seeing that people are taking the time to watch our show. It's a humbling feeling and it makes me feel proud to know that I made a kid smile by watching my television show. As long as I can do that, it's worth it.

What first got you into acting?
Zendaya: My mom started working at the California Shakespeare Theater in Oakland when I was two years old, so I've always grown up around theater.

What is the best thing about being an actress?
Zendaya: I think the best part, besides having gotten to meet so many new people and getting close with them, I also think the fact that there are kids around the world who are starting to see this, and they are getting off their couches, and families are getting off their couches and enjoying themselves. That's why I do what I do! People have something to escape to, and something to watch to lift their spirits. As long as it does that for someone, that's definitely the reason why I do this, plus the fact that I love it.

Which do you prefer, acting, singing or modeling?
Zendaya: Wow! I couldn't choose between all of those things! I looooove acting and dancing on Shake It Up, and I am currently in the recording studio working on my music. And one of my dreams is to walk down the runway during fashion week!

Can you give us any details on your debut album?
Zendaya: Well, I am not sure of when my album will be released but my music has a lot of different sounds. I‘m a hip-hop/R&B girl at heart, but I love pop music as well, and I even have an affinity for country music. So I would say my music might have something for everyone.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Zendaya: Sports! I was actually supposed to be a basketball player, not an actress. My parents had me playing basketball on competitive teams when I was in kindergarten. Even though my heart belongs to the arts, I'm a tomboy at heart, too.

Your name is so unique! Can you explain the story behind it?
Zendaya: It means "to give thanks" in the language of Shona, which is an African language. It was originally Chendaya or something like that, but my dad was really a fan of Z's at the time. All my brothers and sisters have Zs in their names. So he added that, plus the whole "Zen" factor. So it's kind of a creation, plus a little bit of the language, so it's really cool.

What advice do you have for girls trying to make it in show business?
Zendaya: A, surround yourself by positive people who will help you reach your goal and support you. And B, go for it!