Chelsea Hobbs

Hey Chelsea! You star in the hit television show, Make It or Break It. How has the whole experience been?
Amazing, I feel very lucky to be a part of such a fun show. Plus we have been able to learn something new (gymnastics) which is great.

The show revolves around competitive gymnastics. Before the show, had you any association with this world?
The only association I had was every four years when I watch the Olympics, haha. That, and my mom was a competitive gymnast.

You must be in good shape to portray a gymnast. What kind of training do you do to keep in shape?
We train by working out with a trainer/gymnast and it involves a pretty hardcore standard workout, mixed with gymnastic strengthening exercises. This is so we can stay in shape, look like a gymnast, but also learn to do the basics. We learn how to mount the beam, bars and do the dancing, landing, etc. Our elite level gymnast doubles do the rest ;)

Chelsea with her 'Make it or Break it' costars at an event

Your character, Emily, is discovered in a park, and thus has to face some prejudices the other members of The Rock have against her. Have you ever been in such a situation, or where did you get inspiration for those emotional moments in the first episodes?
I think in life everyone can find a time when they felt that way. That goes for any part of acting or character. Maybe the exact details aren't the same but it's easy to find a raw emotion like that in your life. Past or present. As a young actress I remember getting ridiculed about it from kids at school, so maybe that's my emotional connection...?

Apart from facing the other girls, Emily has to face economical troubles, and goes against the rules of The Rock to get a job and help her family. Even though she’s doing it for a good cause, do you think she’s justified in lying, and do you think it sends a mixed message to viewers regarding lying?
I don't, no. I think survival of the fittest comes to play here. And although it's not ideal, I think the viewers take more from Emily's situation than that. I think there is something to be said about being driven and a good person and doing what you need to do to survive and attain your dreams. As long as no-one gets hurt in the process, (other than maybe Emily herself) it sends a message of determination. In saying that, Emily will not be able to keep it up forever and viewers also see the repercussions of lying.

The 'Make it or Break it' Poster

How do you think all these hardships help Emily develop as a character?
Emily has walls up because of her life and it's interesting to see where this all takes her, and how she works through them (or not). Being a girl who has to grow up too fast makes Emily strong and determined, but her weakness comes in to play when it comes to trusting other people and herself. To be the best gymnast she needs to continue to work on her confidence and somehow take those hardships and learn from them, instead of letting them be a distraction.

There is a lot of romance for your character, involving Razor, Leo and Damon. Why do you think she chooses Damon out of the three?
She and Damon have a connection that she doesn't have with the other two boys. Emily's at the age when you start to notice boys more and I think they were a crush, but Emily and Damon have a true connection. They both have similar issues and connect on a deep level, as opposed to someone who maybe doesn't understand her and what she goes through as a gymnast.

Chelsea with her 'Make it or Break it' costars on set

Emily has a lot of trust issues, though she tries to battle through them throughout the season. How successful do you think she is?
I think it's going to be an ongoing thing for her, and when working through something there are always ups and downs.

Emily has to deal with her fear of the vault. How do you feel about facing fears and do you think we should live without fear?
It's impossible to live without fear. The trick is to not let your fear control you. We are our own worst enemies and I think to recognize when something is there, and than let it pass through you, is key.

Chelsea Hobbs

What can expect from Emily in Season 2 both romantically and related to gymnastics?
You can expect more of both! Emily's love situation takes a different turn, and in this season she has a lot of decisions to make. Her gymnastics continues to grow and she has ups and downs and is constantly trying to become better.

Finally, how can fans contact you?
I am on twitter! www.twitter.com/chelseahobbs