HER POWERHOUSE VOICE AND presence has established her as the diva of house music. Think of the classic songs: "Deep Inside", "Beautiful People", "I Get Lifted" and "Jazz it Up".

But Barbara Tucker is more than just a singer. She is a choreographer, dancer, promoter and all-around ambassador for the dance music scene.

In her early days of clubbing, she choreographed and danced with Shannon, C&C Music Factory, Jay Williams, Sabel, BWP, Johnny O, Jovann, Butch Quick, Soul System, and Too Nice. She is the cofounder of The Underground Network, the longest running club night in New York City history. She promotes this night by organizing tours and booking/producing up-and-coming artists from Tokyo and Africa to Chicago and London.

Barbara is also the creator of the B-Crew Project that featured well-known singers such as herself, Mone, Dajae and Ultra Naté. She has worked with numerous artists such as Byron Stingily, Duane Harden, Inaya Day and George Morel, as well as with top producers Tommy Musto, Little Louie Vega, Lil Louis, Danny Tenaglia, Mood II Swing, and Blaze.

Miss Tucker continues to create and perform, and her energy is boundless. She spoke with 5 Magazine about her projects, her philosophy, and gives a new viewpoint on some of the weakness of the House community...

I see you have received accolades not only from singing, but for acting and dancing as well. Did you train in all three genres growing up?

Yes, I have had some form of training.

Did you always want to sing house music?

I didn't want to sing. I wanted to be a teacher or a flight attendant. I guess it was in the stars.

Tell us more about your dancing and choreography. Where in New York did you train?

I took classes in school and danced with various dance companies, from Internal Combustion to Keith SQ Dance Company.

You were cofounder of The Underground Network, New York's longest running club night. Can you tell us more about this night?

The Underground Network started in 1992 with Don Welch, Willie Wall, another young lady and myself. The first year at the elite location in Manhattan, we alternated DJs from Frankie Knuckles, Camacho, DJ Paradise, David Morales, Little Louie Vega... but of course there were more. Following that year, we moved to the Sound Factory Bar and needed a resident DJ. We asked around, and finally Lil Louie Vega said yes. Together we grew supporting artists, over 300 shows, dance troupes and fashion shows.

We were the party that supported the community as a whole. Don and I came up with all the themes and it was a family. At that time we were the longest Wednesday night house party recognized by the promoters' community and won an award for that. We did tours, dance contests, gospel shows, etc... We had a blast!

Growing up in New York, did you go out to all the house clubs every night? Do you still go to them now?

I went out many nights, four out of seven or five out of seven, depending on the event. That's how I became a promoter. Knowing all the hot parties... At that time I was working with Deee-lite, doing videos and touring between parties.