By Stacy L. Reyer

When watching Daniela Adriennesens perform, one realizes a few things: her stature, isolations and dramatic flair. One does not, however, think: surfer girl and punk. Nonetheless, Daniela had her days of fun in the sun. “I was super tan surfer chick with my Roxy bag and reef sandals” she says. Hard to imagine a dancer with such feminine expression as a self-proclaimed “tomboy”, but she has come a long way from her Delray Beach surfer days.

Traveling overseas to teach and perform has been Daniela’s greatest accomplishment as a dancer. It has also inspired her signature fusion style. “I have Spanish ancestors on my mom’s side and I love it so much.  Spain is my favorite place to go to dance. There is something about flamenco that I am extremely drawn to .It comes out in my performance and costuming now more than ever.”

A year and a half ago Daniela moved from West Palm Beach to the Tampa Bay area. Challenging as the move has been, she did it for the right reason: love. “The night of Beledi Beach Bash with Jill Parker I met a boy, Igor, at the after party. We first crossed paths on the corner of the Russian restaurant, and fell in love at first site.  He was tall and handsome and had me at Ghello.”

Her new fiancé is not the only important partnership Daniela has formed

while in the Tampa Bay area.

Through Hip Expressions, she has connected with two dancers: Omaris Saneaux and Najmah Nour. “There is something with those two girls that I feel connected with—we come from the same place.” They are now collaborating on The Passion Project, a cohesive workshop focusing on the theatrics and emotion of belly dance.   Visitwww.thepassionproject.org for more details.

Next month Daniela is heading to Moscow, Russia to teach a workshop—then Italy. In May she will be teaching at Tribal Fest in California. “I want to go everywhere. I want to be a traveling gypsy.” Upon her return to the states, she is bringing Patricia Passo back for workshops in West Palm.  If you are dreading Daniela withdrawals don’t fret; she is working on her first DVD series. “Flavors of Fusion” is being produced by Pixilated Productions and each DVD will highlight a different fusion style and technique.

When asked what is next for her, Daniela replies “Honestly, I almost feel like I’m beside myself. I don’t feel like my life is real. The fact that I’m teaching in Moscow is absurd to me or that I’m having my own DVD out or that I was touring and hit Brussels, Madrid and Amsterdam. I can go and travel across the world and people want to take my workshops. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. And on top of that I’m in love- I don’t think it could get any better.”

MEET DANIELA:

Describe yourself in 5 words: Passionate, Determined, Loyal, Loving and Sensitive or Silly, can’t make up my mind on the last one

Any influences or anyone you look up to when it comes to dance? Bozenka

What inspires you? Many things! Traveling, nature, music, watching performances or movies, my teachers!

When is your favorite time to dance? When it’s raining

What would you be other than a dancer? Nothing really beats it… but if I had to pick, I would live on a farm and be involved with horses.

Favorite band: I have a favorite music style…. I love lounge and ambient music!

Favorite color: Yellow

Favorite Drink: tea

Any words of advice for aspiring dancers? Train hard!!! Respect your teachers and don’t give up!