The Lionettes are famed for their high kicks and impressive dance routines. At every football game their performances are usually the best part of the second half. But what happens once these dancers leave Happy Valley? For some it’s a 9 to 5 job like everyone else. For Monica Douglas, it’s dancing alongside pop sensation Justin Bieber.

Penn State alumna and former Lionette, Douglas was a backup dancer for Bieber during his routine on this week’s episode of The Voice.

Douglas started dancing when she was six years old, and the passion has stuck with her ever since. She entered her freshman year at Penn State when she was only 16 years old, not wasting a minute of her time.

“I was frightened and excited for the next chapter of my life to begin. The university welcomed me with open arms, as did the Lionettes,” she said. “The dance team was my escape from school. I had 27 best girl friends and a ton of memories I will keep forever.”

Her accomplishments don’t stop there, however. Dougas has had the pleasure of performing with Jason Derulo on the season finale of “Dancing With The Stars.” She was also on an episode of “Girl Meets World,” and performed live shows in the U.S. and Australia with Pia Mia, as well as being featured in her music video, “Touch.” However, she explains that the highlight of her career thus far was performing with Prince at the Essence Festival in New Orleans.

“I just finished the season finale on The Voice with Justin Bieber and now I’m currently working on a film as a dancer,” Douglas explained. “An average day or week for me right now is usually going to rehearsal anywhere between 4-8 hours a day. If I’m not in rehearsal or working on a project, I’m either going to auditions when my agent contacts me, or I’m constantly training in classes.”

Douglas is currently signed with Clear Talent Group LA, exposing her to great opportunities through various directors, choreographers, and producers. This is her primary source of receiving auditions or direct job opportunities.

When asked how she would compare the experience of performing in Beaver Stadium to alongside a pop icon, Douglas explains that it’s a completely different rush. She loved having 107,000 people in the stadium cheering her on, with her family and friends supporting her. However, she believes performing for artists like Derulo and Bieber are certainly a once in a life time experience.

“I knew every Saturday that I was going to be performing in front of thousands of people at Beaver Stadium. However, I don’t know if this was my only opportunity to perform with someone like Justin Bieber,” Douglas shared. “I’m crossing my fingers it isn’t, I never know where my career will take me.”

The leadership experience Douglas had while on the Lionettes truly shaped her into the dancer she is today. She elaborates on how the team didn’t have an official coach, so the members were assigned different roles. This truly shaped her work ethic and helped her grow not only as a dancer, but a leader.

“I was was the national’s coordinator during my senior year. That basically meant I was a nationals coach during the nationals season. Being put in that role really helped me learn how to work with a large group of people, how to be a leader, to have patience, how to work for what you really want. We wanted a 2 time championship ring and we worked our way to getting it.” 

From humble Happy Valley to glitzy Los Angeles, Douglas has forged a path of success for herself one high kick at a time. We wish her the best of luck on her future endeavors. And who knows? You may see her on your very own television screen sometime soon.