Interview by: Sophia Boccard
SophiaBoccard@TheCinemaSource.com

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J.Lo is really Jenny from the Block

Forget the tabloids. Forget the glitz. After interviewing Jennifer Lopez, we were surprised'no, shocked'to see that she really is the sweetest girl. In fact, she epitomizes the definition of America's sweetheart. Over the last few years, she has crept into millions of homes with her music, movies, accessories, and clothes; and, if her down-to-earth attitude is any indication, she'll continue to succeed even her own expectations.

When asked to talk about her latest film, Shall We Dance', Jennifer was enthusiastic to do so. Even though she has been dancing since she was a young girl'specializing in ballet, jazz, and flamenco'she admits that it was difficult to learn ballroom dancing, acknowledging that it's "such a different art form."

With this challenge, as in every decision she makes, Jennifer appreciates the chance to learn something new. Since her character, Paulina, is such an introvert, it was difficult to open her up. She eventually succeeds through dancing. "When something doesn't go your way, where can you go from there'" Jennifer speaks of how difficult life can be when you feel alone, and suspects that she's 'not alone in feeling this way".

After sharing some insights on the film, Jennifer strays to a more personal topic: the blessing and curse of her image. "My biggest challenge is keeping the image away from the artist.' She adds that she's "a singer, an actress, a dancer. That's what I do for a living." So when we dug in deeper into her theory behind the difference between the image and the artist, we discovered a free-spirited woman who just wants to live her one and only life to the fullest.

For Jennifer, it's tough to try and get people to focus on the image, not her personal life. She draws a distinction between her real self and her public fa'ade, the infamous J. Lo. This also explains why she's not been keen on divulging too much information on hubby Marc Anthony. Her family is important for her. She even admits to wanting to have kids one day, but "God will know when it's the right time." She concludes that "it's life, it's my family. It's me."

Even though it's difficult to "get the focus back' on what she does as an artist, Jennifer admits that she understands why people are so interested in hearing the latest gossip about her. She recalls the classier times when celebrities, particularly actors, were more of a mystery. No one knew anything about the actors except for what they showed on television and in the movies. There was a more romantic take of the celebrity's life, because the media was not powerful enough to get the latest celebrity gossip out on paper.

Obviously we're not talking about the 1950's; we're talking about the year 2004. Things have changed dramatically, but that doesn't stop Jennifer from trying to escape the limelight. Because of her constant spotlight, it's difficult for her to step outside without being bombarded with people and paparazzi. "I miss walking around outside," she says. Laughing, she tells us that when she gets into a car, '"I put my head outside like a dog because I don't get to do it often."

And while Jennifer has made it to the top all on her own, she never shies away from showing pride in her birthplace. "I've always had this kind of attitude'and maybe it's the Bronx in me or whatever'where I was just kind of out there and very open. I'm a free-spirit by nature."