Q&A: Serena Cuevas
Megan Looney
Issue date: 5/12/09 Section: News
Local hot shot Serena Cuevas goes head-to-head with tennis champ Serena Williams in a national Gatorade commercial just a few short years after doctors told her she might never dance again.
Cuevas is a 24-year-old Mesa Business Marketing Major who already owns her own Dance Company. She has been competing in salsa for half of her life. Her commercial already has over 8,000 hits on YouTube, and now she explains why her story caught the attention of Gatorade's head honchos.
Can you tell us about your car accident?
Well, I was driving on the 5 and spun across the freeway. I hit a car going across each lane, then the rear end of my car ended up in the guardrail, that's when I realized I pulled a muscle in my neck and head and there was glass everywhere.
How did you get involved in dance?
My mom took private ballroom lessons. She would come home and practice and I would watch and end up practicing with her. But I have taken dance seriously for the past 13 years now.
How many auditions do you go to a year?
I am committed to running my company right now. I have three teams and also teach private lessons. But someone from Gatorade actually contacted me. I thought 'whatever,' Gatorade isn't going to actually call me. But they liked my story, which about overcoming adversity in sports.
How many people recognize you from the commercial?
Oh gosh, I get a million texts a day and random calls. My number is on my Web site so people can easily contact me. I get people asking me, "are you the Gatorade girl?" when I'm out. Maybe 30 people so far just this month.
Any cool perks of being on TV?
Yeah, I have been given a lot of opportunities, like movies. I don't think I am allowed to talk about it right now. But we'll set up another interview after I sign the contract. So keep reading the Mesa Press everyone, stay tuned.
Do you have a salsa- dancing boyfriend?
Yes I do have a boyfriend. He doesn't dance a lot but he has trained for a couple years. He's a great guy and that's way more important than being a great dancer.
Cuevas is a 24-year-old Mesa Business Marketing Major who already owns her own Dance Company. She has been competing in salsa for half of her life. Her commercial already has over 8,000 hits on YouTube, and now she explains why her story caught the attention of Gatorade's head honchos.
Can you tell us about your car accident?
Well, I was driving on the 5 and spun across the freeway. I hit a car going across each lane, then the rear end of my car ended up in the guardrail, that's when I realized I pulled a muscle in my neck and head and there was glass everywhere.
How did you get involved in dance?
My mom took private ballroom lessons. She would come home and practice and I would watch and end up practicing with her. But I have taken dance seriously for the past 13 years now.
How many auditions do you go to a year?
I am committed to running my company right now. I have three teams and also teach private lessons. But someone from Gatorade actually contacted me. I thought 'whatever,' Gatorade isn't going to actually call me. But they liked my story, which about overcoming adversity in sports.
How many people recognize you from the commercial?
Oh gosh, I get a million texts a day and random calls. My number is on my Web site so people can easily contact me. I get people asking me, "are you the Gatorade girl?" when I'm out. Maybe 30 people so far just this month.
Any cool perks of being on TV?
Yeah, I have been given a lot of opportunities, like movies. I don't think I am allowed to talk about it right now. But we'll set up another interview after I sign the contract. So keep reading the Mesa Press everyone, stay tuned.
Do you have a salsa- dancing boyfriend?
Yes I do have a boyfriend. He doesn't dance a lot but he has trained for a couple years. He's a great guy and that's way more important than being a great dancer.
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