Tanika Ray (born January 25, 1972) is an American television personality and actress. She was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Los Angeles, California. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from Spelman College in Atlanta and studied theater at New York University.Ray began her career as a professional dancer with various artists such as Will Smith, the Backstreet Boys, Brandy Norwood and late singer Aaliyah.