Unique Name: Guizza; you have a very different name, what's the story behind your name?
Guizza: "There is a spring in Italy called Guizza and in Italian, Guizza means 'spark of a candle'. That's me, a spark of joy."
Cultural Influence: You were born in the Netherlands but grew up in Aruba with an Aruban mother and a Dutch father, how do you think this cultural mix has influenced your artistic expressions in dance, singing, and modeling?
Guizza: "The influence is certainly in my height. I am very tall because I am Dutch. I have the Caribbean flexibility in my movements and the Aruban warmth in my way of expressing. Nevertheless, I am simply Guizza."
Art of Words: You have been active in art since you were little, participating in Art of Words, singing, and dancing. Can you share a memorable experience in these arts?
Guizza: "Yes, I am very proud to be a three-year consecutive winner of Art of Words in my category and also a winner among the three islands, the first year. For an 'Arucambita', this is super great. I cherish my Papiamento."
Motivation to Participate: Although you have never participated in a carnival queen contest before, you made the decision this year, why?
Guizza: "My motivation: This is the last year I can participate. It has always been my dream. Since I was little, I used to secretly wear my Mom's crown, Michella Lacle Queen 19... And when I came to live in Aruba 10 years ago, I participated in Carnival but there was never a place for me, so it is now or never! Yolo."
Michelle Lacle, Coastal Carnival Queen 1995
Michelle Lacle, Coastal Carnival Queen 1995
A lot of attention is on you and this brings supportive comments but sometimes criticism and even what could qualify as 'bullying'. One of these was about your height. How do you handle these comments?
Guizza: "They say the best perfume comes in a small package. But sometimes we need to look beyond the norm and understand that the content of a human being is valuable no matter what size, what color, even if you are a special being. Many have told me to go for Miss Teen, but I like Carnival and after all, I am very stubborn and determined."
Role of Family: You have a family that is obviously a great and strong support behind you. How important is this for you and for your preparation for the youth carnival queen contest?
Guizza: "For me, it's very special to see my family always together in everything. My Mom's friends for more than 35 years are back together now to support. But my own friends from more than 10 years ago are here. A large family that makes this journey truly marvelous. One happy family. This is the most important part for me."
Why did you choose TOB?
Guizza: "I dance every year without exception for TOB in Children's Carnival. Now the time has come for me to go to the young adult group in the Grand Parade. Tribute of Brazil is in my heart and I also represent my school Colegio Arubano, which is just magical."
Participation and Growth: Carnival is a vibrant and significant cultural event in Aruba, especially now that it is our 70th carnival. How do you see your participation in the Junior Queen of Carnival contest and your personal growth?
Guizza: "Culture is US, we must maintain it and so I will contribute to the Carnival by writing my story with a unique passion. And thus demonstrate that everything you set your mind to, you can achieve. I include young people in all our activities, showing that we, the youth, are responsible for keeping this beautiful part of our culture alive."
bibo."
Ronchi will be your designer for the carnival. How has the collaboration process been so far, and how will his design reflect your personal style and the spirit of the carnival?
Guizza: "After many years, Uncle Ron is participating in Carnival. For me, it's super and an honor that he wants to come back for me. His design will reflect a part, the beautiful story of Africa. And it will be me, the spark of life, simply Guizza. I cried a lot of emotion the first time I wore this unique creation. Thank you, Uncle."
Looking beyond the carnival, what are your aspirations in the fields of dance, music, and modeling?
Guizza: "I want to continue working with my Besties at Sonrisa. A project that reaches my heart. Since the first visit 10 years ago, special people and especially at Sonrisa have been in my heart. My goal is eagerly waiting to get one more invitation to participate in an International workshop with the best choreographers of Dance in California, in April. And I am going for one more year for the Art of Words award. For modeling, of course, I want to reach the International runway with designers I have already met through Art Fashion and Aruba Fashion Week."
Guizza: "The simple opportunity to participate in Aruba's Carnival is fantastic and this shows that you should not let your dream go just because others think you are not in the right place. Arubian is all of us who love Aruba, cherish its language and traditions. Carnival is a popular festival for the whole world to enjoy. And by participating, you keep it alive. I love Aruba and everything about its Culture and heritage I find unique and fascinating."
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