Photographer Jaylyn Todd
Tiny Pretty Things follows the world of an elite ballet academy and charts the rise and fall of young adults who live far from their homes, each standing on the verge of greatness or ruin. Nicole's character Paige is a corps dancer at The Archer School of Ballet whose job at the Michi Beach Club takes a dark turn, leading to a chilling revelation about ASB.
Can you tell us more about Tiny Pretty Things?
Tiny Pretty Things is a dance drama that follows the lives of young ballet students at The Archer School of Ballet in Chicago. It’s exciting, suspenseful, full of drama and the dancing in the show is stunning. It also includes a diverse cast of talented Dancers and Actors.
Can you tell me what your character is in the show?
I play Paige Aquino who is a fun, sassy, and charismatic girl. She’s also one of the students at the Archer, and she goes through challenges during her time there. She’s strong and a fighter. One of my favorite lines she says is, “We sing what can’t be spoken, and we dance what can’t be sung.” It fits who I am because I’m also a Singer, Songwriter, and Dancer.
How did you prepare for this role? Do you have tips for new actors?
I made sure I understood every aspect of the project and bought the book that is based on it. I also made sure that I understood this girl and her role in the series as a whole. I brought aspects of myself that I saw fit. In tougher scenes, I did a lot of research about my character’s general storyline. I got a feel for the character during wardrobe fittings when I found out the colors and materials she wears. Even with hairstyles, I find out more about the character that I adapt to. I always commit fully in whatever way that means for every role. My tips would be to learn about the project you’re auditioning for and do any research you may need to. Practice always and stay present during your scene. Have fun.
How do you stay grounded as a young actress?
I know that I’m a normal person, just like people who have other jobs. I remind myself that I’m in this industry because I love telling stories, entertaining people and everyone on set makes the movie and show come together. You can’t have a show without the Directors, Editors, Actors, Writers, Hair and Makeup Artists, etc. I also grew up with a very grounded family.
Who are your role models?
My mom is my biggest role model. She has always achieved her dream. When she has a vision, she somehow makes it real ever since she was a little girl. I also love Angelina Jolie and Leonardo DiCaprio as phenomenal actors. I love Jlo, Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, and Demi Lovato as incredible entertainers and artists.
What's it like on set? Who's the funny one?
Being on set is a blast. I love creative people and working with them. We’re all here with the same goal of telling a story. I also love traveling to cool places. On the set of Tiny Pretty Things, I got to witness the dancers rehearse their scenes and the actors going through scenes. Seeing such talent and getting to take part is quite the experience. Ashley who plays Gwen is hilarious.
What's your beauty routine day today? How do you stay looking so healthy?
I make sure I always hydrate. I try to eat healthily. I eat a lot of vegetables and greens. I also love eating sushi, nuts, and nut bars. I also wash my face in the morning and at night I do my skincare routine always. I love wearing no makeup, but I also love getting dolled up with makeup and cute outfits. I try to take good care of myself because you only get one body, and it’s important you treat it with love and care.
What's your beauty routine day today? How do you stay looking so healthy?
I make sure I always hydrate. I try to eat healthily. I eat a lot of vegetables and greens. I also love eating sushi, nuts, and nut bars. I also wash my face in the morning and at night I do my skincare routine always. I love wearing no makeup, but I also love getting dolled up with makeup and cute outfits. I try to take good care of myself because you only get one body, and it’s important you treat it with love and care.
You are a busy girl. Let us know about Pretty Hard Cases. What's your role?
Pretty Hard Cases is a comedy that follows two detectives Sam and Kelly on their journey. It’s funny and full of action. There’s also drama. The show has amazing actors. I play Alina Taylor, who went through her parents’ divorce. She struggled with that and started acting out, so she was interrogated by Sam, the main character.
Do you have any other projects we should watch out for in 2021-2022?
I will be releasing my pop EP music so listen out for it. I’m working with a talented producer who also worked with Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, NSYNC, and Justin Timberlake to name a few. I’m also excited to now have my LA Agents and Managers after I landed Tiny Pretty Things which is a dream come true. I’m continuing to audition, so hopefully other great projects come my way.
How can fans reach out to you via social media?
My Instagram is @nicolesamanthahuff, my Twitter is @nicoleshuff and, my Facebook is Nicole Huff.
