Aliyah Turner is an actress, singer and professional dancer hailing from the Bay Area just outside of San Francisco. A former model, she began developing her craft at the age of 3 and is trained in competitive dance including tap, jazz and hip-hop. Additionally, having been performing in musical theatre from a young age and Acting at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television – making her a true triple threat.
Aliyah’s career has spanned plays, musicals, and short films and was most recently known for her role in Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. Currently, she can be seen opposite Patina Miller, Hailey Kilgore, Mekai Curtis and London Brown in the third season of STARZ’s Power Book III: Raising Kanan as Krystal, a primped and pompous queen bee from the Bronx who will do whatever it takes to steal the spotlight. As a professional dancer and singer who began developing her craft at the age of 3, Turner is poised to showcase her gifts in her role when she joins an all-girl group akin to TLC.
Outside of her blossoming career, Aliyah can be found focusing on both her physical and mental health. She loves doing yoga, lifting, martial arts – including Kung Fu, meditating, and journaling. When she is not working on personal wellness projects, Aliyah is heavily involved in philanthropic endeavors. With each job she books, Aliyah sets aside a portion of her pay to donate to a cause of her choice. Recently, these causes have included her local church community, victims of human trafficking, and homelessness.
Hi Aliyah, how are you? Welcome to OLC! Can you share your journey from starting dance at the age of 3 to now being a triple threat in acting, singing, and dancing, and what made you interested in the arts?
A: Hello! Thank you for the warm welcome. When it comes to my very first memories of life, dance is top of mind. Having the opportunity to grow up learning different techniques ranging from classical ballet to hip-hop helped me understand my passion for versatility in the arts at a young age. I thank dance for leading me to the stage and uncovering a means of self-expression that brought me so much joy at a young age. There came a point around 7 years old when I realized that joy could be brought to another level through acting in musical theater. I fell in love with the art of storytelling in my first-ever stage production of The Jungle Book. I was given a solo and ran with it. That solo made me realize how much I loved to sing, and I asked my parents to enroll me in lessons. My high school had a fantastic theater department where my drama teacher took me under her wing and helped me land top roles in our school’s productions. I would split my days spending 3 hours at drama rehearsal and head to the dance studio for the remainder of the night. In addition, I started taking film acting classes on the weekends. Before I knew it I was rehearsing for play after play, studying dance 12- 15 hours a week, singing in recitals, and acting in short films. I knew the arts was what I was meant to do and I was dedicated. After a rigorous audition season, I was accepted into the UCLA Theater, Film and Television program. Soon after, my film acting coach from home connected me with a casting director in LA who then connected me with my first manager. My manager then thought it would be best to get an agent on our team. That’s where my career really began and I started auditioning for professional projects. What truly engulfed me into the arts was the realization that there is nothing else I wanted to do more.
How did your background in competitive dance, including tap, jazz, and hip-hop, contribute to your versatility as a performer?
A: Competitive dance is no joke. Hair, full makeup, lashes, costumes, quick changes, and hours of hard work and dedication, all minimized to a two-minute routine onstage. Just like dancers, actors put in hours of hard work and preparation, only to let it all go and trust the work they’ve done when it’s time for a scene. In high school, my dance background absolutely helped me land the roles I received and also allowed me to share my knowledge with my fellow performers.
Additionally, As a dancer, I was stronger in certain genres than others, but when you’re on a competitive team, that doesn’t matter. Each person must show up and pull their weight in order to succeed. So, in acting, I knew I didn’t want to be good at only one thing. No boxes allowed. I put in the work to be confident in all cinematic genres. My background as a dancer has helped me become a performer who can play multifaceted characters such as Krystal.
Being part of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, what challenges did you face while portraying the character of Krystal, a queen bee from the Bronx, and how did you prepare for such a role?
A: I truly love Krystal. I feel she has many layers that have contributed to her being the way she is. However, those layers aren’t always revealed in her pompous behavior. I had to create her backstory, which is a lot more complicated and fragile than the strong front that she presents. Musical prep is also very important. In preparation, I created a playlist for Krystal. I’d listen to it every day before filming – shoutout to Megan Thee Stallion.
Did you get to work or see or even meet 50 Cent, because he created this world, didn’t he?
A: He did come to set! Unfortunately, I was not working. From what I understand, his vibe is immaculate, and everyone is hype when he comes to visit.
You’ve been involved in plays, musicals, and short films. Which medium do you find most challenging or rewarding, and why?
A: I find film to be the most challenging. In film, you do your homework for a scene, you come in, and you present what you believe. However, you must be ready to pivot and take direction in a moment’s notice. Theater allows much more time for things to sink in before a performance. In film, you take a direction and apply it immediately as best you can. It keeps you on your toes. I love that.
Can you tell us about your experience working on Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. and how it impacted your career?
A: I was a sophomore in college, auditioning for the first time when I booked Unsolved. It was an amazing experience. I remember thinking, “Yup, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” It made my work ethic and my tunnel vision stronger.
How do you balance your physical and mental health, considering your interests in yoga, lifting, martial arts, and meditation?
A: Mental health is just as important as physical health. I believe in mind, body, and spirit wellness. The goal is to feel whole always. Every morning, I commit to a routine of yoga, an anxiety reduction meditation, and a workout in the gym. As someone who deals with anxiety, these habits are necessary.
Your involvement in philanthropy is commendable. What drives your commitment to giving back, and how do you choose the causes you support?
A: I am driven by my love of God. As a Christ-led woman, I believe that part of my purpose is to help others as much as I possibly can. “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48).
As someone who juggles multiple talents, how do you stay creatively inspired and motivated in your artistic pursuits?
A: I stay creatively inspired and motivated through my deep love for movies. I see watching films as a way to learn. There’s nothing like the feeling of being moved by a great story on the big screen. I pay attention to how stories are told, the characters, and all the movie-making details, which give me fresh ideas for my own work. I also keep learning by taking acting and voice lessons, which help me grow and push artistic boundaries.
Joining an all-girl group akin to TLC in your role—how did you approach showcasing your singing and dancing talents in this particular context?
A: We had wonderful choreographers and producers helping us to look and sound our very best throughout the season. I feel the girls in the group vibed off one another’s energy and each brought something unique to the table in terms of movement and voice.
Could you share a memorable moment or lesson from your time at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television that has stayed with you throughout your career?
A: The most memorable moment for me was playing the lead in the department’s first-ever all African American play on the mainstage, “In The Red and Brown Water,” written by Tarell Alvin McCraney. It was truly an experience I will never forget. Our entire cast was dangerously talented, and we sold out every night.
What are your plans for the holidays, how do you spend your Christmas?
A: I am going back to California for the holidays! I’m from the Bay Area, and my family goes all out for Christmas. I’m looking forward to holiday parties, family time, and wonderful Christmas traditions.
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