Today we’d like to introduce you to Mina Waks.
Hi Mina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a professional dancer and costume designer. I have lived across 4 continents and my career has come with me wherever I go. I started dancing at the age of 4 and sewing at around 8 years old.
I have my own costume design business and soon will be launching a swimwear line. I have danced professionally all over the world and having my 2 children has not stopped me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My journey has not been smooth sailing. The amount of training that a dancer and gymnast have to go through is a lot and takes up your whole life, and the struggles of moving from a first-world country (Australia) to a communist developing country (Cuba) are not to be taken lightly.
Power outages, food, essential supply shortages, ration cards, and no running water are everyday occurrences in Cuba, but the high level of skill and artistic competence is unparalleled, and what my years there have done for me professionally has made it all worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have forever had a passion for performing, specializing in dance. This has led me to train in various styles including Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Samba, Belly dance, Afro-Cuban, Salsa, Indian, West African, and Afro Brazilian, as well as Capoeira, Acting, and Gymnastics (I was a national sports acrobatics champion in Australia).
I have performed all over the world with numerous companies, beginning with Melange Dance which I ran in Australia from 2005-2008, and since then with the Cuban Modern Dance Company Teatro de la Danza del Caribe, contemporary Cuban Compania de la Danza Narciso Medina and Nague Dance in Cuba as well as Brazilian companies Rhythm Brazil and Rio Project in Australia and Casa Brazilia in the USA. I have worked as an actor in Australian and Indian film and television and have appeared dancing on Cuban television as well in music videos for popular Cuban Artists.
I have also performed for the president of Cuba, opened for rapper Ja Rule, Danced with Brazilian Artist Sergio Mendes, Choreographed dance works that have toured in festivals such as The Edinburgh fringe festival, and choreographed and performed for the Australian Rugby Union. I come from a performing/traveling background; I speak Spanish, Portuguese, French, and English. I have also learned piano, bass guitar, and saxophone. My eclectic training and life have led to me having a truly unique style of dance that blends technique, folkloric and commercial styles with an explosive energy that shines through in my performances.
My designs in costumes and swimwear are heavily influenced by my life and my dancing.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Never give up. In the entertainment industry and the fashion business rejection and setbacks are an everyday occurrence and competition is next level! so the ability to not give up can mean the difference between success and failure.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mina_de_oro, @atelierminadeoro, and @minadeorocreations
