Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Feel the Beat’s Shiloh Nelson

Shiloh Nelson has audiences on their feet for her performance in Netflix’s latest comedy, Feel the Beat. The film follows April (Sofia Carson), a failed Broadway performer who returns to her hometown and reluctantly agrees to train a misfit group of young dancers for a big competition. Shiloh’s character, Ruby, is one of the girls in the troupe. As the story progresses, Ruby comes to the realization that she isn’t the greatest dancer and is trying to find her place on the team. Pop Culturalist caught up with the brilliant actress who’s bringing that journey to life!

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Shiloh: My brother, Elijah, was an actor. I was always his shadow. I wanted to do everything that he did! My first real acting credit was in an NBC movie that he was in. They needed a young toddler who was comfortable on set and with their main actor, which I was, having spent so much time with my brother. I’ve always loved telling stories, and I feel so lucky to be able to do just that.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Shiloh: My siblings have been very influential. They were the ones that taught me how to act, and they inspire me every day. When my brothers first watched Feel the Beat, I was so nervous to see their thoughts on it! I respect their opinion so much.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Shiloh: I was at the Universal City Walk and there was a school field trip of kids from Mexico that recognized me and they all wanted pictures and video. Most of them didn’t even speak English! That’s when it hit me that people all over the world have seen me. It all became real then.

Feel the Beat

PC: Tell us about Feel the Beat, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Shiloh: Feel the Beat is a dance movie starring Sofia Carson, who plays April, a disgraced Broadway dancer that trains a group of misfit girls to win a big competition to get back on Broadway. I play Ruby, one of the dancers. I’ve always wanted to be on a Netflix movie, and this one was perfect with the heart, comedy, and inspiring female characters.

PC: How similar or different are you to Ruby? What can you tease about her arc in the film?
Shiloh: I’m definitely more outgoing than Ruby, but she rolls with the punches more, which I really respect. I don’t know if I’d bounce back so well with what she goes through! She isn’t a very good dancer and ends up having to find a different role on the team.

PC: You underwent a month-long dance boot camp to get ready for this role. How was that experience? What did you learn about yourself?
Shiloh: I’ve never physically had to train for a role like that before! Like you mentioned, Netflix brought in professionals to train us for a month before filming. The first ASL that I learned from my costar Shaylee [Mansfield] was the signs for “hot” and “tired” because that’s what I was! But by the end, I actually ended up being too good for my character, and the choreographer, Mia Michaels, added mistakes back in for me, which made me so happy! I learned that I actually can dance and do something like that, which is amazing because I can be a clumsy giraffe in real life.

PC: With Feel the Beat out now on Netflix, what do you hope audiences take away from seeing the film?
Shiloh: I hope this film makes them smile and hop off the couch and dance!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Shiloh: Avatar: The Last Airbender. I’ve seen it all the way through twice and I’m still in love with it.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Shiloh: Feel the Beat! [laughs] Other than that, I’d say Jumanji with Dwayne Johnson.

PC: Favorite book?
Shiloh: A Night Divided. It’s about a girl whose family has been separated by the Berlin Wall, and it’s so good.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Shiloh: I saw Come from Away while filming Feel the Beat in Toronto and it was incredible. The Canadian actors did such a good job, and it’s an amazing piece of history.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Shiloh: Not many people know I love Irish music, so probably the High Kings.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Shiloh: I think Jennifer Lawrence. She’s actually hilarious and could pull off the comedy so well, which I think is important for the telling of my life. There’s always lots of joking and laughter.

To keep up with Shiloh, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Feel the Beat on Netflix today.