So you think you can dance?

MANILA, Philippines - We all kind of wish we were Sheena Vera Cruz.

The girl’s got it going on. Great on the dance floor? (So great, in fact, that she teaches dance?) Check. Gorgeous Pinay beauty? Definitely. Spunky personality? Yup. We wish we had the guts to join The Amazing Race Philippines, and the talent to host our own travel dance show like her Pink Suitcase. Alas…

Come to think of it, maybe Sheena Vera Cruz can help us become Sheena Vera Cruz. As an artist development coach, she’s traveled across the globe to train a few of the biggest names in the industry, like Malaysian artist Mizz Nina, and Korean artist Jae Park. Apart from training artists, she’s one of the international panelists for Dance Battleground, a dance reality television series based in Malaysia that features dance crews from all over the country. Who better to learn from than the woman herself?

But what we really, really want that Sheena’s got? The abs-olutely bangin’ figure that every girl would kill for this summer. What does it take to look that fit? No tricks or magic, apparently, just a couple of things that a good number of us have a problem with: discipline and patience. “I try to squeeze in a workout every day, even if it’s just a mini one,” she says. Her cool, laid-back style makes her essentially look like she jumped right out of a Beyoncé music video, but ladies, no one just wakes up like this (unless you are Beyoncé). Get to work.

YSTYLE: What are you currently working on?

SHEENA VERA CRUZ: I am always traveling and mostly working overseas, usually teaching dance and providing personal training for artists and performers as an artist development coach. I am also currently on a dance reality TV show called Dance Battleground on the Astro TV network in Malaysia as one of the international judges. I also have a dance fitness program specifically for women and gays in heels called Sexy Heels Fitness. It’s a program that will keep women fit, build their confidence and unleash their inner sexy.

Who taught you how to dress?

When it comes to fashion, as a stage artist or stage performer, you learn to be a chameleon. So I don’t have a specific person or style that “taught” me how to dress, although I do get fashion influences from the themes built around my shows, the people I am with every day, and even the famous artists I saw in music videos during the ‘90s. The ‘90s NYC culture and the hip-hop era were a huge influence to me then that I still carry with me now since I used to watch my favorite artists like Janet Jackson, Aaliyah or P. Diddy on BET (Black Entertainment Television) and MTV religiously. 

Where do you shop?

I shop everywhere, from Topshop to Zara, a designer friend’s clothing line to vintage shops in LA. Pretty much anything or any place that catches my eye.

What’s the last thing you purchased?

A bottle of pure organic Moroccan argan oil from this artisan spot called Von Fass. They sell all types of culinary and cosmetic oils and whiskey straight from the cask. 

Who or what inspires you?

Everything. Music, art, culture, traveling, my family or even beautiful random people I come across. Sometimes I can be inspired by strangers that I strike up conversations with.

Favorite wardrobe piece you keep turning to?

My white or black wifebeaters and Lycra bodysuits. I can use them when I’m working out, during dance training, wear them with my boyfriend cut-off jeans, use them for layering or even wear them on a night out with friends. I can pair my bodysuits with a nice, high-waist black leather pencil skirt and throw on some accessories and I would have a total different look. You can’t ever go wrong with the basics. 

Most insane garment you’ve ever purchased?

Maybe none. I don’t like spending too much on my wardrobe.

What would you never be caught dead in?

Crocs! 

Favorite city:

New York City.

Favorite vacation destination:

New York City and Santorini, Greece.

Favorite drink:

Water, all day, every day. But if you’re talking about alcohol, then moscato and red wine.

Favorite Sunday afternoon haunt:

I like staying in at home. I read, do yoga, listen to music or take a walk in the park, and I love working out at the gym. I’m always traveling and I’m around a lot of different people with crazy personalities, so staying in and having “Me Time” is a luxury for me.

Photos by JACK ALINDAHAO, Makeup by AL DE LEON for MAC, Hair by APRIL ALBA for BENCH FIX