By: Ashmar Mandou

Atlanta-native Ziah Colon knows a thing or two about letting loose. “Every since I was little I was always performing. I was always laughing and dancing and doing skits for the family,” laughed Ziah Colon, who is of Puerto Rican decent. As Colon got older she decided to pursue an acting career studying under Lisina Stoneburner at The Company Acting Studio. For several years, Colon steadily worked in commercials as well as roles in Lifetime’s Army Wives and Drop Dead Diva.

Her hard work paid off in 2010, when she landed her biggest role to date as Rusty Rodriguez in the remake of the 1984 classic Footloose. “I was so excited and nervous to be around professional dancers,” said Colon. “It was an amazing experience to work on this film. It actually did not hit me until the final scene where we all break out and dance to the iconic song. That’s when I finally realized, ‘oh my gosh, I was just in Footloose.” Colon plays Rusty Rodriguez, who is best friends with Ariel, played by Julianne Hough, an ambitious girl who knows what she wants. “I identified with my character in many ways because like her, I’m very careful minded and I always knew what I wanted,” said Colon.

Footloose, which will be released in theaters Friday, Oct. 14, underwent minor changes to appeal to a new generation. This time, the film is set in the South and integrates various genres of music and culture and ethnicities. “Not only is this film fun, but I think every person who sees it will relate to it on some level,” said Colon. To watch a trailer, visit www.footloosemovie.com.