Ukalina Celine Opuwari’s Record As A Dancer Ticks All The Boxes Of Legendary
I’m a versatile Dancer/performer and Instructor as well as a Choreographer and also currently the Head of Presentation, Schools and Studio in Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria-SPAN. Also worthy of note, I’m the first female to be certified in Latin and Ballroom Silver level in Nigeria – Ukalina
If I’m in search of the perfect person to mirror the saying “there are short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them”, that person has to be Ukalina Celine Opuwari. She fell in love with dance and by so doing; she found not just happiness but created a worthy career out of it. Her track records over the years are enviable enough to stimulate trailer loads of folks to follow suit. Winner of Glo Campus Dance Competition, September 2007, Winner Of Maltina Dance All, Family Reality Tv Show – 2008, represented Salsa Naija in Accra, Ghana at the Annual Nite of the Salseros-December 2008 and also Performed in YA SALSA convention in MICHIGAN, USA-2012. This lady is on fire when it comes to dance.
Born in the 80s in Port Harcourt, the last of 8 Children, she hails from Ahoada East in Rivers State. This graduate of Mass communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, started dancing quite early and her career kicked off in Port Harcourt. “ I’m a versatile Dancer/performer and Instructor as well as a Choreographer and also currently the Head of Presentation, Schools and Studio in Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria-SPAN. Also worthy of note, I’m the first female to be certified in Latin and Ballroom Silver level in Nigeria’ – Ukalina
This CEO of Boogie Bee Entertainment trained in Nigeria, Lebanon, France and the United States in Hip Hop, Ballet, Modern Jazz, Contemporary, Salsa, Latin and Ballroom, and African Traditional Dance by Renowned Coaches. She specializes in Dance education as well as the art of Performance, which is her core in her Dance Career. She has choreographed and performed in major events in and outside Nigeria. The List bellow shows how far she has come and her record ticks all boxes of legendary.
- Won the all secondary school dance competition in Port Harcourt and was the
most outstanding artiste in 1998-1999.
• Was a Judge and co-anchor of Always Keep Moving Dance competition 2006
• Won the BEST FEMALE DANCER AWARD in University of Nigeria, Nsukka 2007
• Was twice the MOST OUTSTANDING PERFORMER in Maltina Dance All Reality
show- 2008
• Major cast in EYE OF THE TIGER, a stage production by DANCE AND ART
ALIVE-2008
• Co-Presenter in 2009 and Dance Instructor in Maltina Dance All 2009-2011
• Participated at the International dance day at the National Theatre April
2009, 2010 AND 2011.
• Principal Dancer in LOVE IS….THE MUSICAL; a production by I-XTREME
PRODUCTIONS,2012, 2013 and 2014 and 2016
• Dance Model for Renowned photographer YETUNDE BABAEKO for the project
‘EKO MOVES” 2012-2014
• Performed at Omawumi’s Album Launch- 2013
• Judge in DELTA TALENT QUEST (DANCE EDITION)- 2013
• Performed in the DANCE CAMP, LAS VEGAS- 2013
• Performed in The Nollywood Award-2013 and 2014
• Regional Judge in MALTINA DANCE ALL 2013 and 2014( Season 7&8)
• Performed in DARC FESTIVAL in France-2010, 2011, 2013 and 2018
• Head of judges and Judge in IDO STREET DANCE COMPETITION 2011-2015
• Performed in the premiere of HALF OF A YELLOW SUN- 2014
• Major cast in the production for LEGEND launch titled “REALVOLUTION”-2014
• Lead female Dancer for Verve Card TV Commercial
• A Judge in HIP HOP INTERNATIONAL Audition in Nigeria- 2014
• Major Cast in Amstel Malta ShowTime- THE RUSH alongside Sound Sultan,
Gordons and Phyno- 2014
• The Organizer of the MADE Of BLACK AUDITION IN LAGOS- 2014
Choreographer for Three crowns milk advert-2016 and 2017
Choreographer for FAZE’s “WETTE” Video
Worked with Tosin Martins and PitaSings, Tuface, Waje and Ice prince.
• Presenter of the DANCE AND LEARN SHOW on COOLTV 2014-2017
Choreographer hollandia chocolate milk TV commercial-2018
Nominated for best female dancer award in the Lagos Entertainment Award
2017 and won.
Nominated for 3 awards in the Grand awards for Dancers in 2018.
WON THE BEST FEMALE DANCER AND BEST FEMALE SALSA DANCER AT THE GRAND AWARDS RECENTLY HELD IN ABUJA SEPTEMBER 2018.
DANCE MODEL FOR Busola Dakolo, Phantom Media, Edmirage images, Yetunde Babaeko
That’s my mum! It’s always bright and beautiful whenever she’s around on the floor doing her thing! Awesome work. Simply beautiful! Keep dancing! Keep smiling!
Amazing stuff👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Always a treat to watch this little sis of mine display her extraordinary talent. A rare combination of talent, hard work and humility. Dance on dearie 🙌🤗
What a wonderful achievement as a dancer/ achiever. I had watched her grow as a dancer with all the passion that you can think of from her childhood. Being her mother, I can confidently say that she has had my support all the way. I am not surprised at all with where she is now. She is a role model to all those who want to be dancers and I implore all mothers and in short parents to encourage their children in any endeavor of their children’ s lives. Ukalina I love you and what you are doing. Keep it up and keep soaring my daughter.
Hmmm UK UK She is an amazing performer…what I love most is her big and huge breathtaking smile that gets me smiling all day. I’m so so proud of you sis. soar higher I love your heart.
What can I say but am so so proud of this my daughter for pursuing a career in which she has had a passion from her childhood days. I want to lend my voice that she has very strong support of the entire Opuwari’s family. Keep doing what you love most and the sky just a starting point for you. A lot of the youths out there see you as a role model and that means more hard work. Go girl and be yourself.
Anh anh… And the list goes on and one… #Legendary Nwa mama… Nne you deserve some accolades u
Can your role model ever???❤❤❤
My dance mom, my dance Goddess my everyday crush, stage presence💯💯💯… Energy amazing, she has made a great impact in the society not just involving dance buh every aspect of the art.. she is a badass theatre practitioner … You can’t even stand her smile, u are gonna melt down …. She is a role model to many … Her words of advice and encouragement so on point…. UKALINA OPUWARI ,I respect you anytime anyday … Keep changing lives mama I love you big time….
Ukalina is an icon living a true legend and a beacon of light to every dancer out there, even to me. She’s the most lovable personality I know to exist in my life. Love you UK!!! Collins says so.
My mentor 😘😘.
You inspire me everyday. They forgot to add that you’re not only an amazing dancer but an amazing person. Strong and kind. Bring on the accolades!
My mentor 😘😘.
You inspire me everyday. They forgot to add that you’re not only an amazing dancer but an amazing person. Strong and kind. Bring on the accolades!
My mentor 😘😘.
You inspire me everyday. They forgot to add that you’re not only an amazing dancer but an amazing person. Strong and kind. Bring on the accolades!
My mentor 😘😘.
You inspire me everyday. They forgot to add that you’re not only an amazing dancer but an amazing person. Strong and kind. Bring on the accolades!
Mami you blow my mind completely….. I stand in awe of your awesomeness.
Wonderful exploits. You are great in what you do. Remain highly blessed
Super proud of you dear. You’ve always had the passion for dance and I am glad I encouraged a.d supported you the best way I can. The sky is your starting point, go forth and conquer the world with your talents. More grace!
My streetz magazine! Thank you for the recognition! Thank you everyone your comments are heart warming! It makes me want to do better than I have already done! God bless you all for the support