TEEN LIFE
By Zenia Marshall
Zenia performing as a mime for the PALS Autism Society Gala.
I was born in Burnaby. I’ve grown up in bunny and sheep costumes from ballet which I’ve been dancing since I was 4. Eleven years in dance from ballet to contemporary, modern, hip hop, and all that “jazz”. I also play the piano and as Homer Simpson likes to call it — the Alto “Saxamaphone” (which I creatively named Lisa). Now that I am in high school, I joined the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz, and Senior Band. I do other stuff as well like filming make-up tutorials and beauty videos for my mom’s TV show and YouTube channel.
As we are on the topic of experiences, some of the most memorable moments I had took place on my first gig in Bermuda and recently at a performance in India. However, my favorite experience so far was getting hired as a dancer on the pilot episode of YTV show called Some Assembly Required.
I got to eat all the food, wear a beautiful white, sparkly swan tutu, see all the different kinds of crazy TV production sets, and watch what goes on behind the scenes. Although I was on set for the first time, the feeling it gave me — to be in that environment and to watch everything happen while being a part of what was happening — made me realize that it’s all I want to do in my life.
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- Zenia on stage for the World Premiere of Hansel and Gretel ballet.
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- Zenia singing with a band at a 2014 corporate event.
I already knew that I wanted to be a singer because it is something that I truly love. I’ve always been so inspired by my mom to sing since she is herself a singer. I can’t stand the idea of being behind a desk every day or having the same old work routine, inside a cubicle. This is definitely not supposed to offend anyone but that’s just not where my interests lie. I want to be an actress, singer and songwriter. To perform, bring stories and characters to life, get to live in their world, and express myself through music.
I’ve just begun pursuing all of these dreams and I have so much hope I can accomplish them no matter how hard and unrealistic it sounds. This is such a tough industry to be successful in. If I can at least make a living out of doing what I love I’ll be happy. I have a lot to work on to get to where I want to be.
