Meet Kiya Christine Barczyszyn | Singer, Songwriter, & Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiya Christine Barczyszyn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiya Christine, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I think I was born to perform! As a little girl, I was never interested in playing with toys. All I wanted to do was sing and dance. My older sister was a dancer and when I was a toddler she and I would play Just Dance on the Wii and also make up our own dance routines. My mom put me in my first dance class when I was five and I was immediately hooked. One of my dance teachers saw something special in me and reached out to a talent agency who ended up signing me at the age of 9. During COVID, I started taking Zoom vocal classes and realized I wanted to improve as a singer as well. This led to me being cast in some pretty big child performance groups which helped me to discover my passion for singing and dancing on stage. After all these wonderful experiences, I’ve come to the conclusion that I hope to have a career in the arts. I l just love being creative and bringing joy to people. I’m currently attending Orange County School of the Arts and being surrounded by artistic and talented young adults has continued to fuel my passion and drive.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My story really started with when I was 11 years old on a reality TV show where I had to compete in singing and dancing challenges to earn a spot in a girl group. Although I had 6 years dancing experience, I was pretty new to singing for an audience so imagine doing this on national TV! It was extremely stressful but also a fun experience. I was actually the first one who made the girl group and from there we recorded original music, made music videos, opened for a major act on tour, and performed on America’s Got Talent and on the Ellen Show. After this, I became a tour kid for Kidz Bop. Now, instead of opening for a major act, we were the headliners! Although doing a nationwide bus tour and being away from home had it’s challenges, I had a great time performing for some really impressive crowds. I also learned a lot about tour life and performing in general. Unfortunately, my tour time was cut a little short because my mom had some health issues to attend to. When I returned home, I realized I wanted to focus on making my own music. I started song writing and realized I was actually pretty good at it! So far, I have released a few songs that I penned myself including “Care Too Much”, “Promise”, and “Two of Me”. I love to write about relationships, both the good and the bad. With all these experiences, I’ve a learned a lot about the entertainment business, some of it positive, some of it quite the opposite. But throughout everything, I’ve tried very hard to stay down to earth and kind. My family has helped me with this. I think no matter what, it’s important to have people in your life that you can completely trust, especially as I continue to work in the entertainment business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love this question because I am all about having a good time with the girls! We’d probably start out in Orange County, CA, which is where I live in. Of course, I’d take them to Disneyland since I’m a pass holder. We’d have to go on my favorite rides; Guardians of the Galaxy, Incredicoaster, and Indiana Jones. After Disneyland, we’d definitely go to my favorite Orange County beach, Corona Del Mar. We’d spend several hours laying out and swimming and then get California burritos at the Taco Stand in the Orange Circle (in Old Towne Orange). We’d end the day cheering on the Angels at a baseball game. On our third day, we’d go to the Anaheim Packing District and have fun getting drinks, food, and dessert at this upscale food court. We’d spend the afternoon shopping at Irvine Spectrum, then we’d take a dance class at my favorite local studio, Off Stage. After burning some calories, we’d end the day by getting the best cheeseburger in town at In N Out . After seeing all my favorite OC spots, we’d head to Los Angeles for a few days. While in LA we’d have to take a dance class at Playground LA and Millenium Dance Complex. This is where all the leading industry choreographers teach! While on Melrose Avenue, we’d have to do some shopping, especially at resale stores like Wasteland and American Vintage. We’d definitely go to Ghost Sando Shop and get my favorite sandwich…the Melrose! OMG! It’s so good! We’d also have to spend an afternoon at The Grove. This outdoor retail and restaurant promenade is quintessential of southern California! We’d absolutely have to go shopping at Edikted and Sephora and eat at LA LA Land Kind Cafe and then end the day catching a live show at one of the many LA venues like the Hollywood Bowl or the Wiltern. And of course, I’d be required to show them the world famous Hollywood sign!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would have to give a huge thank you to my family because they have sacrificed a lot to help me reach my goals. My dad works really hard to support our family. My mom was on a reality TV show with me (not something she was dying to do but did it for me). She also went on a nationwide bus tour with me, which was fun but definitely not easy! My older sister, Amya, was my first dance teacher and always my biggest cheerleader. I also need to give a shoutout to a couple of dance teachers I’ve had over the years that have really made an impact on me. The first one goes to Guy Groove! During COVID, when so many things were shut down, Guy created a really great Zoom dance training program that allowed us kids to keep up our skills and stay connected to other dancers. Even though it was virtual, I met a lot of great people through this program that I’m still friends with today. Furthermore, Guy’s training, advice, and support really supported my growth as a dancer and performer to help me prepare for professional endeavors. I also want to thank Kelly Sweeney, the jazz funk queen! I also met Kelly in Guy Groove’s online program. Her classes helped me develop a love for jazz funk and her training, kindness, and professionalism have also helped me to grow as a dancer. She is doing incredible things with her career in her early twenties and is a wonderful role model to young ladies everywhere. I need to give a shoutout to my amazing vocal coach, Vanessa Bryan. I met Vanessa when I was booked to sing the National Anthem at a LA Kings game. She helped me prepare for this nerve wracking but also exciting experience and has been my go to vocals professional ever since. She has also played a huge role in helping me release my original music by connecting me to other professionals in the business and answering all my music questions no matter how small. I am truly grateful to her! Lastly, I’d like to give a shoutout to Eric Sampson, the producer who worked on my first single “Care Too Much” with me. Through him, I have learned so much about the process of taking an idea and turning it into something magical.

Instagram: @kiyachrisinemusic & @kiya_barczyszyn

Youtube: @kiyachristinemusic

Other: Spotify; Kiya Christine

Image Credits
Chris Ozer & Monsee