She says that dance allows her to express her feelings when ever she wants to.

Kia, 16, began dancing when she was three years old. She only danced ballet until Suzette Harvey asked her to be in one of her shows in 1991. Ms. Harvey introduced Kia to many other forms of dance such as modern dance, jazz, African and hip hop. "She opened a lot of doors for me. If it wasn't for her, I don't know what I would be doing. Dance school takes up most of my time,'' Kia said.

Kia wanted to thank Ms. Harvey for recognising her talent as a dancer and allowing her to join United Productions Dance Company. She said the dance group was like a second family to her.

Kia also enjoys drawing, especially cartoon characters. She said that she likes to draw because she is fascinated with the fact that she can draw and also that it passes time.

Kia won the Teen Talent Show with her friends Zazi and Shanyea last month.

They will be travelling to Washington D.C. in April to be on Black Entertainment Television.

Kia is captain of her school basketball team, which won the Chaffee Tournament last month.

Kia is a prefect, green house captain, and has been on the Honour Roll since her first year at Berkeley.

This talented young lady describes herself as intelligent and rambunctious.

She loves making people laugh and likes to do things spontaneously.

Kia's favourite food is steak and fried onions. Her favourite kind of music is Hip Hop, but she enjoys listening to all types of music.

Kia likes to watch Fresh Prince and Designing Women. Her favourite movies are Speed - "It is pure action from beginning to end'' -- and The Bodyguard -- "It was nice to see another side of Whitney Houston in her acting. It also had a good story line.'' Kia said.

Kia said that if she was to choose anywhere in the world to visit he would tour all of Europe and Africa. She said that both places had a variety of culture that she would like to witness.

She believes going to Africa would change her perspective on life. "People in Bermuda, especially me, are too materialistic and take things for granted. The people of Africa really appreciate life and aren't as materialistic. I would also like to see the ritual dances.'' Kia believes that violence is Bermuda's main problem. She said that in 15 years, if the violence didn't stop, Bermuda would be a desolate place. "There won't be a Bermuda. It will be burnt down and vandalised, a waste land. The gangs will fight until everyone is dead. It will be every man for himself. I wouldn't want to be around,'' Kia said.

Kia also said that if a solution was found to the violence then Bermuda would become peaceful and neighbourly. Tourists would want to come here because they would feel safe in a place where there was no violence.

Kia has one brother, Jerald, and two sisters Monique and Donna. She has a dog named Tinka.

Kia says that the person she would most like to meet is singer Tony Rebel. Kia said that government should build a big fun park to the Island to give young people something to do.

One wish that Kia has is for world peace. "I know that everyone says this but this is what I truly wish for.'' INTERVIEW BY KRISTY WARREN