PHILIPSBURG:--- The new year has gotten off to a good start for the VooDoo Dancers. Since the beginning of January they have been doing dance shows on a number of cruise ships while the ships were docked at the Sint Maarten Harbour.
It all started in October of last year when representatives of a Cruise line contacted Mrs Paula Daal-Dono, troupe leader of the VooDoo dancers, to create a dance show for their cruise ships.
This is a dream come true for Mrs Daal-Dono and in the months November and December she got hard at work designing a show as per the requests of the cruise line . This included new dance routines, music editing and costume design changes.
The cruise representatives initially wasn't sure about the amount of dancers they will be needing during the season. Finally late in December they indicated that they wanted just three dancers for the first three shows and they'll make a decision from there.
"We really wanted to get the job for the season for at least five dancers, we made sure that the costumes and dancers were ready on time in case it happened. You have to imagine that many dancers rehearsed hard for the positions, the more that got the job, the better. " Mrs. Daal-Dono explained.
"After the first show it was clear which parts of the show worked and which didn't. Even thou the show was made to the cruises lines specifications, I believed we can do better. I Felt that proactive changes were needed if we wanted to keep the job and convince the cruise representatives that we can get the job done." Mrs. Daal-Dono stated.
The group worked hard to get everything perfected for the third show. The funny thing was, the day before the third show the cruise representatives sent a request to make some changes to the show. Those changes were exactly the same changes that the group was busy implementing. On the third show everything went perfectly. The cruise director congratulated Paula and said ; "This is what we wanted, thank you!".
"Then came the waiting. I was told that every show that was done was taped and sent to be watched by the "higher ups". A few days later we were finally informed that the company had decided to hire the group for the rest of the season and with five dancers instead of three. "
"This is truly a dream come through, the whole group worked hard to achieve this by sacrificing their holidays to rehearse. I really hope this opens the doors for other performers on the island. It's important that the cruise ships realize that Sint Maarten has entertainers that have the level they require. I must add that none of this would have been possible without NIA. Clara and Arlene are great motivators." Mrs. Daal-Dono added.
If anyone is interested in performing or needs a dance show, you can contact the Paula at e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 5877319.
