![\"Paula](\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/art53\/graphics53\/PaulabyCarl.jpg\")
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Bellydancer of the Universe has been one of the most popular Belly Dance Competition events of last few decades and in 2011 its popularity went on to an all-time-high intensity level as performers from all over the world reunited on our competition stage.<\/p>\n
Out of many beautiful and skillful dancers presenting their talents the weekend of February 18th, 19th & 20th, only one took home the grand title of "Champion of Champions". Paula<\/span> from Dominican Republic held the judges complete attention with her professionalism, outstanding skills and personality; which filled the stage of the Long Beach Convention Center. She also won the champion title of \u00a8Drum Solo\u201d category.<\/p>\n On February 21, I got my chance to interview Paula and tap onto her experiences and plans for the future.<\/p>\n M-Where were you born?<\/strong> M- How did you begin your dance life?<\/strong> \nM-What role do you play in your dance community?\u00a0 Are you a dance teacher or concentrating on your role as a dancer?<\/strong> \nM-To which dance style are you most related? With which dancer do you most identify?<\/strong> I identify more with the Egyptian style because it is so smooth and strong at the same time, and above all, it is essential to connect the dancer to the music. I love it!<\/p>\n \nM- When you prepare for a performance, how do you choose your music? Do you prefer a drum solo, classical Egyptian music, bolero? What music resonates with you more?<\/strong> \nM- When did you start competing in dance?<\/strong> M- Was this your first time in BDUC?<\/strong> \nM- How did you prepare for the competition?<\/strong> \nM- How did you feel when you arrived in Long Beach for the\u00a0 BDUC?<\/strong> \n \nM- When you were on stage competing, what could you see?<\/strong> \nM- How was the atmosphere in BDUC?<\/strong> \nM- What did you acknowledge while coming off the stage of BDUC?<\/strong> \nM- From your point of view, what did you see when it was time to announce the winners?<\/strong> M- What\u2019s in the future for the Champion of Champions of BDUC? What does this award mean to you?<\/strong> \nM- What sacrifices did you have to make to achieve such an award?<\/strong> \nM- How do you describe Paula the Bellydancer?<\/strong> \nM- What advice do you give out to other future competitors?<\/strong> \nM- What Plans do you have for 2011?<\/strong> \nM- What feedback did you get after your performance in BDUC?<\/strong> Hugs and shimmies to all!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nP- In the City of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic<\/p>\n
\nP- Early in my childhood I wanted to be a ballet dancer but never could take classes. When I was 15 years old I auditioned to be part of a television program for children in my country; it was a type of show like "The Mickey Mouse Club<\/strong>".\u00a0 It was all about the dancing and the energy in the children that participated; they got to dance a lot of jazz dance. I got the part and\u00a0 participated in musicals, TV appearances, plays, among other things. In the Bellydance, I started at 17 and that was due to some classes taught in the gym I was attending. There were girls of all ages and shapes there, and a beautiful energy flowed during the class! It was love at first sight!<\/p>\n
\nA- Since I started dancing, I’ve seen myself as a dancer first. …Although, I have taught in my country for a while, but after studying in New York and Los Angeles, I have had a great desire to take what I’ve learned to my country and open my own dance studio very soon Then, I will be both teacher and dancer; right now I\u2019m solely a dancer and performer.<\/p>\n
\nA- There are so many dancers out there that inspire me! I love the delicacy, control, and strength in the hips of Zahra Zuhair <\/strong>and Aziza of Cairo<\/strong>, the sweetness of Sohair Zaki <\/strong>and\u00a0 Sahra Saeeda<\/a><\/strong>, the agressiveness of Jillina<\/a><\/strong>, the elegance of Yamil Annum <\/strong>and Yousry Sharif<\/a><\/strong>, the mischief of Tito<\/a><\/strong>, the control of Rachel Brice<\/a><\/strong> and many more.<\/p>\n
\nP- I choose the one that makes me feel butterflies in my stomach. This usually happens with classical music, which I see as a challenge to represent. Also, I love the Depke, which is in my veins from my Caribbean roots.<\/p>\n
\nP- My first competition was the audition for "Bellydance Evolution<\/a><\/strong>" with Jillina<\/strong> in 2009, in Los Angeles, where I was one of the dancers selected to participate in the show and also received the title: "People’s Choice Winner<\/strong>".<\/p>\n
\nP-Yes, and it was a beautiful experience! I felt so welcomed and supported by all the people I met there. To see the level of the judges and competitors was intimidating and exciting all at once!<\/p>\n
\nP- Well…\u00a0 My preparation for the competition was during a time of transition in my life. I moved back to my city after 6 years while preparing to open my dance studio. I did not have much time to practice, but I heard a lot of songs to "feel " the dance. I could only practice two or three times a week, but I kept doing exercises in the morning and practicing the shimmies whenever I\u00a0 had a chance.<\/p>\n
\nP- Like a dream and happy to be able to attend! I felt anxious to see what was waiting for me. I kept telling myself,\u00a0 \u201cDance with the heart.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Domimican](\"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/art53\/graphics53\/DRmap.jpg\")
M- How were you treated there?<\/strong>
\nP-As if everyone knew me. I was very well received and respected. I was supported strongly. Also, I wondered if I had come alone, and did I arrive there alone!\u00a0 It seemed that they wanted to make me feel at home.<\/p>\n
\nP- Oh, my Goodness! During\u00a0 the first piece, I remember seeing the faces of the judges, specifically Jillina,<\/strong> and Sahra Saeeda <\/strong>and that made me feel nervous! Then I said to myself, "Forget that you are competing and look at the audience." Then, I could see the faces of old dance friends who smiled and\u00a0 I really felt their support!\u00a0 In addition to the lady in the sound console and shop vendors, I tried to look at the whole audience to get them to feel that I was dancing to them sincerely.<\/p>\n
\nP- Wonderful! Everyone who was there loves Arabic music and respects Oriental dance. You can sense\u00a0 a sister and brotherhood and great joy between all attendees. Competitors were excellent! The judges and teachers of workshops were professional and friendly. Tonya<\/span> and Atlantis<\/a><\/span> make you feel very special, too.<\/p>\n
\nP-That the most important thing is to be yourself, and be true.\u00a0 No matter what the circumstances, dance with your heart, and train your body enough to not have to think about it and just understand the music.<\/p>\n
\nP-Oh! I could not believe it! I felt like a girl who gets a candy! Such a joy because (There is no explanation.) it is wonderful to receive an award for doing what you love most in life and something you’ve worked so hard to do so. <\/p>\n
\nP- I do not know exactly what will happen, but I know it’s a beautiful start to present a Dominican dancer to the dance world. One very important thing also is that this award means to me that dreams do come true. I always wanted to be a dancer, and I could never really make it work because my country does not considered it a true profession. I started at 17, but I had to stop and then restart the dance. It has been 3 years that I have been dancing full time. This award is a reminder to continue trying to achieve my dreams. I must work hard and never stop believing in them.<\/p>\n
\nP- It was a huge monetary investment because California and the Dominican Republic are not in proximity. I had to sell some items from my studio in order to afford the trip. Also, I started training and everyday, I got up at 5 a.m. to walk several miles to keep fit and more active to have more energy during the day and had almost no time to practice. However, in the end, everything has enriched me as a dancer and person.<\/p>\n
\nP- I would describe myself as a person with many dreams to accomplish and someone who believes that anything is possible in this world if you put your heart into it and work hard.<\/p>\n
\nP-Prepare! Practice as much as possible without losing your nature, choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful and that fits the style or styles in which you will participate, and bring to Long Beach a huge smile to enjoy this beautiful experience.\u00a0 When I competed, the same advice was given to me by my teacher Zahra Zuhair:<\/strong> enjoy, relax and be yourself!<\/p>\n
\nP- I plan to open my new dance studio; I will name it \u201cTabla Dance Studio\u201d.\u00a0 I wish to continue traveling to other countries and learn what happens in other communities in Bellydance. I will give what I can and take back to my country a little something of what happens outside.<\/p>\n
\nP-Oh yes, it was so inspiring!\u00a0
\nPeople came to me saying that they had loved and that I touched the audience with my presentation. Really, it’s best part of dancing, and it’s great that people whom you have admired for so many years share some support and many congratulations, like Helena Vlahos<\/a> <\/strong>who congratulated me on my control while I was performing and complimented my elegance on stage. Also, I remember that at the end of the competition Sahra Saeeda <\/strong>and Amir Sofi <\/strong>told me that my dancing was beautiful; Louchia, and Jillina <\/strong>also congratulated me as did Sandra<\/a> <\/strong>from San Francisco, Maryam<\/strong> of Mexico, Dilek <\/strong>\u00a0and others who only knew me by performances, not personally.\u00a0 In addition, competitors I met gave me nice words of support at all times, and I got a lot of loving from all . It’s a surreal experience. I am grateful and inspired with what happened to me.<\/p>\n\n
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