First runner-up in the Dancehall Queen competition 2008, Moiika Stanley. - Contributed

Placing second in the Red Label Wine International Dancehall Queen competition last year hasn't kept American Moiika Stanley down. Instead, the California resident is currently busy carrying Jamaican dance moves to the world as she makes appearances with international artistes.

Having been trumped by fellow American Michelle Young of Boston, it was an international sweep last year at the Dancehall Queen competition with Stanley placing second and Japan's Nami Crissy Kerisu rounding off the top three. It was the second consecutive year that a foreign dancer had taken home the top spot with Maude Francato taking the title to Canada the previous year.

In a telephone interview with Stanley, she told THE STAR that the competition has opened up a number of doors for her career. A hip hop choreographer in California, Stanley was exposed to the music after marrying a Jamaican and has since learnt to love the music and the dance moves.

Since placing second in the competition, Stanley has been busy doing work with R & B sensation Beyoncé, performing at shows with singer Gwen Stefani, doing videos with Mr Vegas and she has two videos coming out with Aidonia for the songs Wine and Bubble and Grab Har Nuh. She cites a performance alongside Elephant Man in Boston as being one of her most memorable moments since the competition.

thankful

Stanley says she will always be thankful to the country and the competition as, since entering, she has got support from the Jamaican public and Jamaican dancers.

She said, "it was really a wonderful experience, all the shows they took us to and all the love we got during and after the competition. I love dancing and I really want to push the Jamaican culture over here and in more of our videos. I entered the competition in 2007 and came in the top 20 and I tried again last year, brought my genuine self and I would encourage others to do the same thing. Don't watch the youtube videos and imitate others, dem see that already, you have to bring your own energy."

Stanley says she is also looking forward to making an appearance at this year's Dancehall Queen competition.