A Yonkers native got to shake her hips on stage next to Shakira at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show.
Selena Watkins, who now lives in Los Angeles, is a Gorton High School graduate who found her love for West African dance at Youth Theatre Interactions in Yonkers.
The first-generation West-Indian American is now in the process of conquering the dance fitness world with her trademarked Socanomics workout.
She made the cut as one of Shakira’s dancers and pointed out the Colombian singer’s focus on diversity.
"It was just so awesome that she showed so many complexions of what Afro Latino is,” she says.
During the monthlong practices ahead of the big show, Watkins says she got to know Shakira on a personal level.
She has this advice for girls and young women back home shooting for the stars.
“Say your affirmations in the mirror, and do that daily. I am a champion, I am beautiful, I have a dream, I am going to be great,” she says.