I use my platform for more than just myself. Art is a reflection of human emotions. To neglect the political is to neglect what essentially is your job of storytelling. I would rather be known for the content of my character than for the project that I did.

If you don't try things and take risks, you don't really grow and figure out what you want.

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.

I think that I get to represent different types of beauty that [are] not just my own.

I want to show that you don’t have to be older to live your dreams; you can do it at any age

I am scared of spiders! And I still get a little afraid every time I have to do something new or have to get out in front of a big crowd. The first time I sang "Swag It Out" live, I was really scared.

I still like to save up and splurge. That's an important thing to do.