St. Maarten, check me out!
Full name: Otmar Fransisco DeLeon Martina Jr.
St. Maarten nickname: “Oti”, “Otje” or “Bubba”.
Age: 18
City and country of residence today: Weesp, The Netherlands.
What St. Maarten district are you from?
I was raised in Philipsburg, also known as “Town” or “Downstreet”.
Where on St. Maarten did you go to school?
I attended Oranje Elementary School and then Milton Peters College.
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Confident, Creative, Determined, Independent & Talented.
What are your favourite St. Maarten memories?
My top three favourite St. Maarten memories are: 1) Being a part of the first 12 students selected to travel to New York with Art Saves Lives Foundation; 2) Being the choreographer of “Otmar’s Angels” who went on to win every competition it entered; 3) My first ever J’ouvert Morning Jump Up that I got to go to with only my friends.
How long have you been gone from the island?
I’ve been living in The Netherlands for a year and a couple of months now; but I was last in St. Maarten in April-June 2016.
Tell us about living abroad.
Being a person who is not scared of change, I enjoy it very much. I love learning about new cultures and being able to adapt to a new way of living. Living in Europe, especially in The Netherlands, is so amazing because the country’s way of living is so free, fun and interesting.
Tell us about your short- and long-term aspirations.
Since I am currently studying “Artist Dance” at ROC Amsterdam, I want to slowly start to create a place for myself in the dance world in the next three years – build connections, network and enhance my all-round dance skills so that when I’m done with studying and I dive into the real dance world, I don’t drown. One of my long-term aspirations is to open a successful performance arts centre on St. Maarten to give St. Maarten youth a chance to find themselves within the arts and feel respected for choosing a more artistic route, especially because it isn’t highly respected on the island. Another long-term aspiration of mine is to become a successful professional dancer/choreographer and creative director. I also would like to open a talent agency.
Tell us about three experiences abroad that made a lasting impression.
Being able to be a part of DNCE’s performance at the MTV EMA’s in Rotterdam was a moment that made me realize that I really wanted to be a part of the entertainment industry mainly because of what goes on behind the scenes. Being recognized, respected and accepted for my artistic choice on a larger scale also made me realize that dance was something I want to do.
What are three of the most important lessons you have learned?
Always be confident but not cocky – I learned this from seeing how some of my idols coped with success and fame; always be humble – I learned this from my mother and it became a quote I live by; there is never a limit.
Where do you see your life in 10 years?
If I stick to the mindset that I have now, I see myself as a successful professional dancer/choreographer or creative director of a successful company/brand or for a successful artist. Seeing that I want to be in the entertainment/fashion industry, returning to St. Maarten isn’t the best idea; but I wouldn’t mind returning after achieving most of my goals and I have a stable life and can then start to fully achieve my higher goals.
What would you say to people who are nervous about the idea of leaving St. Maarten?
Take the risk. You have so many more opportunities and chances. Many people I know didn’t like the fact that they left, but that’s because they always focus on the negative stuff about living abroad. But I find living abroad to be quite an amazing adventure.
What do you do when you are not studying or working?
When I’m not busy with school, I’m dancing around everywhere I go, watching movies/series or just catching up with social media and family. On the weekends or vacations, I like to hang out with friends, take dance classes, go shopping and explore. I also love taking pictures so exploring also helps me find new places to take new pictures.
In a movie about the story of your life, who should portray you?
Jaden Smith – just because I look up to him and I see so much of myself in him. We also have the same perspective and view on life. His fashion sense is also amazing!
Any advice for young people hoping to follow in your footsteps?
I live by the quote “Take a risk.” You never know your outcome and what might happen. Don’t leave the island with a broken-down energy and mind, just be open-minded and take in all the experiences.
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