A Star Is Born
Britney Spears came into the world energized! According to her mom, Lynne, Britney was a very sweet and lovable baby. She started talking early and she also started showing her talent! Lynne says that as soon as Britney got to her feet for her first toddling steps, she became interested in music. Little Britney learned to dance as soon as she was steady on her feet, and her love of music helped her learn her steps.
Britney started dance lessons very early in her life. She was a little ballerina and a tiny tapper and also took a basic tumbling class. As she showed proficiency in tumbling, she was quickly enrolled at a gym in Covington, an hour's drive away from her home in Kentwood, Louisiana for gymnastics classes. She excelled in the sport and won several state titlesat her level. Britney's favorite events in gymnastics were floor exercise (she could really use her dance skills there) and the uneven bars. Britney's schedule was grueling. She had three hours of practice everyday, with that long drive on top of it, but the little girl's determination motivated her to stay with gymnastics until she was about nine years old.
At nine, Britney returned to her first love, dancing. This time she added singing to the mix. She joined a dance company and began traveling around the state competing in group and solo dance competitions. Britney's specialty became jazz lyrical dancing. She also sang at the events. She didn't win every competition, but did very well! Her mom says Britney never wanted to enter the same competition twice, telling her "Oh mom, if I did that, it'd be so tacky."
It was then, as Britney was competing, that she traveled down to Atlanta for an audition. She was a finalist, but eventually disqualified because of her age. However, she was seen by a producer on the Disney Channel's "Mickey Mouse Club," who, enchanted by the young girl's talent, suggested that her mom fly to NYC and get the little dynamo an agent!
Britney spent the next three summers of her life in New York City. She studied at the prestigious Off-Broadway Dance Center and at the Professional Performing Arts School. During this time in her life, Britney's face became familiar to the public, even if her name wasn't. She appeared in several national commercials. She also was a part of some Off-Broadway productions including 1991's Ruthless, based on the 1956 thriller The Bad Seed. Britney says she enjoyed playing an evil child...that it was a lot of fun!
When Britney turned 11, she was finally old enough to don a pair of ears and become part of the "Mickey Mouse Club." She was part of the club for the next two years; singing, dancing and acting with the troupe on the popular TV Show. After the program folded, Britney returned to her hometown to go to school for a year like any high school freshman. But she quickly tired of that, and missed traveling and performing.
At fifteen, Britney got the opportunity to audition for an all-girl singing group. While she enjoyed the experience, she decided she was better suited to being a solo performer. She put together an audition tape, and went back to New York! Her visit went great ...and she was signed to a recording contract with Jive Records. Her days of being a regular high school student were quickly over!
Britney's magic began to spread. Even before her album came out, legions of people were becoming her fans on the strength of her performances at local malls and her sensational turn as the opening act for the popular group 'NSync. She cast a spell on everyone who had the chance to catch her bouncy and upbeat song and dance. When "...Baby, One More Time" was released, she garnered even more fans and worldwide admiration.
Now, Britney is poised to strengthen her position as a pop singer and successful, well-oved performer. After visiting many parts of the world during her tour in Summer 1999, Britney will return to the studio to record another album. On her second release, even more of Britney's unique talent and personality will be evident. She'll write some of the songs that appear on the album. She says her music will mature as she does, and this upcoming album will show her growth.
Britney attributes her wonderful success to her family and her faith in God. Her mom says Britney's focus and determination have also helped her achieve all that she has. As Britney comes of age, expect even more great things from this girl who has already wowed the entire world!
-www.britneyspears.com
