Exclusive Interview: Delayed Dance Diva Ashley Klinger
If you aren't familiar with the name Ashley Klinger, you still may recognize the 20-year-old dance major at Pittsburgh's Point Park University from her YouTube video entitled "Pittsburgh International Airport After Hours."
Taken "during the worst snow storm of the century," it's one of the best examples of making the best of a bad situation that we've ever seen. Check it out:
We got in touch with Ashley, and she was kind enough to answer a few of our questions.
First off where were you flying to that day, and what caused the delay?
I was flying to New York City (LaGuardia) for an audition for The Wizard of Oz national tour and the two feet of snow dumped on us was the delay.
Were you totally alone in the airport?
It was just the cleaning team, security, and one or two others actually sleeping.
How did you get the idea to do the video?
I love creating videos and after I was told the best place to sleep was the children's area, I thought of how often I walk by it but never get to play in it.
How did you make the video and how long did it take?
I created and edited it all on my MacBook, the music was all free with garageband. I posted the video that night and even got an hour of sleep!
As I'm writing this, the video has almost 400,000 views, and the mainstream media is even paying attention. What’s it like to be internet famous?
Funny you ask, I was not cast in the dance shows this semester at school, and in my opinion this is even better. I was excited with 1,000 views and to see it grow is so fun, but my goal is to be on Ellen.
What was your first indication that a lot of people were enjoying this video?
All of my friends liked it on Facebook, then the blog Bitchburgh -- holla! -- found me and it grew from there.
Was that the most bored you had ever been?
Not at all. It was so much fun I would do it again. There was free internet at the airport so I was able to skype my friends and watch a movie before I filmed.
You’re on Spring Break next week. Have anything fun planned?
My friends and I are planning on renting a cabin in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for two nights (we are on a college budget.)
They say that kids who don’t watch a lot of TV are forced to learn how to entertain themselves. Did your parents let you watch TV as a kid?
My parents are probably so glad you asked because I never had cable TV, although I love TV. We had 8 channels in total.
Do you like TV now? How about truTV?
LOVE BOTH... especially reality shows. We also saw another video of you in an airport where you stalked Pittsburgh Steeler and star of truTV’s Super Bowl commercial Troy Polamalu. What was that experience like?
That was another spur of the moment incident. It was late at night and he was with his whole family (including his baby) and I felt so bad asking him for an autograph, but my sister Aubrey said I had to get it. He was the nicest celebrity I have ever met. There was even a kid in the video who pushed an older man to get his autograph and Troy wouldn't sign until he said he was sorry.
Why do you make videos in airports? Is there something about them that inspires you creatively?
I always carry a camera with me and film when I am inspired. Most of the time when I am alone and see something to share with my friends I will pull out a camera. My philosophy is to make it fun.
Thanks so much Ashley and have a great break!
