The TV Chick

Bunheads premieres tonight and it is pretty fantastic. It seems like just yesterday (it was so long ago!) that I was losing myself in the fast-talking world of Rory and Lorelai, and wishing I lived in Stars Hollow. Of course, I’m talking about Gilmore Girls, and now Amy Sherman-Palladino is back with a new offering. Bunheads is about the world of dance mixed in with a displaced Vegas showgirl (who is trained in ballet, of course). It has all the fast-talking you love with a ton of heart. Sutton Foster stars as Michelle (the aforementioned showgirl) alongside Kelly Bishop (who plays Fanny, her new mother in law) and you will quickly fall in love with this new (albeit maybe a little familiar) mother/daughter story. But it’s about so much more! Michelle also finds herself involved with the “bunheads,” the girls who train at Fanny’s dance studio. Kaitlyn Jenkins plays Boo, who had a stand out performance in the premiere. Boo is sort of the odd girl out but bonds with Michelle in a great way. I recently had the chance to talk to Kaitlyn about her new role, dance training and why you should tune in to the show.

What originally drew you to Bunheads?
Well, my mom saw it on one of the casing websites and immediately called my manager and agent who had already submitted my for the role. As soon as I heard about it I thought… this is the one I’ve been waiting for!

You have an extensive background in dance, what kind of training have you had to prepare you for the role?
I have been dancing since I was three, but it was my extensive training in classical ballet that clinched the role for me. I started taking ballet when I was five, training with my mother. When I was twelve I transitioned to a
career track ballet school where I studied, competed, and performed until I graduated from high school. During the summer months I attended intensive ballet training programs at American Ballet Theatre in New York, Boston Ballet School, and in New Mexico and Southern California. I also studied with some of the great ballet masters at Steps in NYC and broadened my range with contemporary and jazz styles at The Edge in Los Angeles.

Boo is kind of the odd girl out, but she really bonds with Michelle. What can we expect to see with this relationship?
I think Michelle sees a lot of herself in Boo, as well as all of the “Bunhead girls.” Boo sometimes allows herself to be taken advantage of and I think Michelle sees that and is hoping to help her over come it. Viewers can expect to see a tender caring relationship build between the two, but not without a few bumps in the road!

Are you similar to Boo (or totally different)?
Funny you should ask! Boo and I are so much alike when I was sixteen that it is scary at times! In every episode I find myself relating to her in some way through my own personal experiences. We are both passionate about dance,
work hard, are determined to succeed, and tend to be “people pleasers.” I’ve grown and changed somewhat since my teen dancing years but everything I learned and went through helped me bring her character to life.

A big part of the pilot is auditions coming up for Joffrey. I know you can’t spoil a lot, but what can we expect from the auditions. How will Boo and the other Bunheads perform?
Well, I can’t give away too much but let’s jut say that the turn of events will bring some fun surprises, a lot of laughter, and a few tears.

Do you have a favorite scene that you’ve shot so far?
Wow, hard question! There have been so many fun as well as emotional scenes that it is hard to choose. I guess the second episode during the dance scene has been one of my favorites. It was a beautiful piece of choreography, touching music, and allowed me to use my artistry and emotion to tell the story. All of the things I love best, doesn’t get better than that!

Gilmore Girls is one of my favorite shows. What has it been like working with Amy Sherman‐Palladino?
Anyone that gets the privilege of working with her should count themselves blessed! Actors wait for years to get the opportunity that I have and there is not one day that I go to the set and don’t count my lucky stars! Amy is so wonderful, she has a way of getting right to the core of the work and bringing out the best in you. She is super supportive and has an amazing way of keeping everything professional but light hearted at the same time.

Are we going to see your character get a love interest?
Again, can’t give away too much. You may see something develop along those lines but you’ll have to tune in to find out.

What can you tease about what’s coming up this season?
Viewers will be surprised at some of the twists and turns this first season will take. For the “Bunheads,” besides great dance scenes, we experience the good and challenging sides of friendship, family issues, a little bit of mischief, and the kind of things that many teens deal with on a daily basis. There is a lot of fun and diversity in all of the shows characters and I know that viewers of all ages will find something that they can relate to.

Why should viewers tune in to Bunheads?
The amazing chemistry between Sutton Foster and Kelly Bishop, along with the wonderful writing, are reason enough for anyone to want to tune in! This is really as show that appeals to all age groups and the story line is unpredictable and infectious. I really believe people are going to get hooked on this show!

Be sure to tune in tonight for the Bunheads series premiere at 9 PM on ABC Family!