 She went to Loara High School during her sophomore year, but then transferred to Anaheim High School.After graduating from high school in 1976, Swain joined the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, where she performed as a showgirl in her first year, and as an elephant rider in her second year.Her first singing project was a Los Angeles radio spot where she would introduce and announce programs while impersonating members of The Go-Go's.