It’s Vanessa’s Time

Vanessa is currently filming Hairspray, to be released in 2007. She’s working along side John Travolta and Queen Latifa. "I am so happy and blessed to be a part of this project,â€? she says. It’s Vanessa’s Time…

(Watchout–Vanessa’s time has come).

Where She’s From: Lovely Vanessa Cobham was born in Scarbrough, Ontario, Canada. As for her Greek name – Van from the last name, essa for ester, means Butterfly.

Her commanding appearance draws attention. She has a bubbly, outgoing personality, and is full of confidence. At the age of one, she moved to Ajax, Ontario, where she lived for 20 years. Growing up in a Guyanese household gave her the moral foundation she needed to survive in show business. Her mother and father always encouraged her to strive for her goals. “My mother Minerva enrolled me in dance classes at five years old,� she recalls. “As I studied tap, Jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, I found it to be my life’s passion.�

At 16, Vanessa became a certified Dance teacher under the British Association Teachers of Dance (B.A.T.D). She taught dance until the age of 19 and then started her own dance career. “My first big break was dancing for the Toronto Raptors inaugural year,� she adds. “That opened the door to a new plateau. I started auditioning for film projects and landed my first movie role in New Jersey Turnpikes as Tanya where I played the girlfriend of actor Orlando Jones,  formerly of MAD TV.�

In her journey, she’s been blessed to be a part of these films: Blues Brothers 2000, Hooplife (Showtime), Famous Jett Jackson, Seventeen again, jailbait (MTV), Honey (Universal Pictures), and The Pacifier (2005). Film is not the only area Vanessa has excelled in. You could find her gracing the stage on the Broadway Musical THE LION KING and CHICAGO the musical. The music industry has also called on here to dance for Arista recording artists Toya, Wila Ford, Jada Kiss, and Nelly.
 
Where She’s At: Vanessa is currently filming Hairspray, to be released in 2007.  She’s working along side John Travolta and Queen Latifa. “I am so happy and blessed to be a part of this project,â€? she says.  “It’s one of my biggest accomplishments. I intend to keep the good vibes going in my career. After wrapping this movie,  I am ready for any suitable project that comes my way.”
 
Where She’s Heading: In the new year, Vanessa is planning to move to L.A and to immerse herself in the acting, singing, and dancing scenes. Her goal is to build a good reputation in the US industry through her talent and personality.
 
Words of wisdom: “In this business you have to start with a good foundation,â€? she says. “To me, that means know who you are inside. Don’t try to be something that your not.  When you are a sincere person, it always reads through in your performance. Let people see you soul!â€?
 
Secrets To Success: “I feel the secret to success is, never give up on your dreams. It can be a bumpy road so, always keeping a positive attitude is very important! You can be the most talented person in the world, however if your attitude is terrible it will ruin your chances.â€?

Vanessa’s Three Favorite Books: One Day My Soul Just Opened Up: (IYANLA VANZANT), Da Vinci Code: (DAN BROWN), and In The Meantime: (IYANLA VANZANT).

Vanessa’s Three Favorite Movies: Brown Sugar (Taye Diggs, Sanni Lathan),
Something New (Sanni Lathan), and Blow (Johnny Depp).

The First Three Things She Would Do As U.S. President: “Actually give proper help to Katrina victims. Offer better opportunities for Black youth, and bring the troops home Iraq.�

For more information on Vanessa please visit:  www.myspace.com/dancegirlvanessa

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