Dominika van Santen Biography

Dominika van Santen is an Actress, Model, Dancer, Spokesperson and a beauty contestant of Dutch and Venezuelan ancestry.

van Santen was born and raised in Maracaibo, graduating with a bachelor's degree in communications (film, radio and television). She has been studying Classic Ballet and modern dance since the age of 16 and started modeling at 17 with both being successful careers. Carried on her drama studies in London, UK.

Modeling career

At the age of 17, Van Santen commenced her modeling career. When her father saw an article in the newspaper regarding a beauty contestant, he insisted that Dominika entered the contest. Dominika was a little reluctant at first, but eventually gave into her fathers request, entered the competition and ended as the winner.

After the beauty pageant she was offered numerous modeling gigs with local and international companies like Pepsi, Philips, Infonet, and Diesel Clothing among others. She has appeared on magazine covers like EME, Facetas and Tendencia Maracaibo in Venezuela and fashion campaigns like Gallo (beer) in Guatemala. Also, appeared in an editorial & Interview for Maxim magazine (Netherlands) in November 2006.

Top Model of the World

Van Santen was selected by World Beauty Organization to represent Margarita Island - Venezuela at Top Model of the World 2005 held in Humen, China. She was the second Venezuelan to win the competition, after Jacqueline Aguilera in 1995.

As the reigning Top Model of the World, Van Santen traveled the world to continue her modeling career. As of October 2006, Van Santen visited several countries including China, The Netherlands, Spain, and her home country of Venezuela.

Van Santen crowned her successor Natlia Guimares from Brazil during the 2006 Top Model of the World pageant finale in February 2007, which was held in Kunming, China.

Moved to London UK

Van Santen headed to one of Europe's fashion centers, London and signed with model and talented agencies. She has continuously been working for TV Commercials, Films, Music Videos, Live performances, magazine covers. Her job has taken her to several European countries. In 2010 she started to study acting in London, UK at Sylvia Young, Central School of Speech and Drama, private coaching with Michael John and continues to study at the Acting School of South Florida.

USA

Her job has taken her to expand even further by landing in The US. Working in Soap Operas from Telemundo, performing live shows with singer like Pitbull, Music videos; Robin Thicke and Jennifer Lopez, booking national TV Commercial campaigns.

Soap Operas

• Tierra de Reyes / Telemundo
• Dama Y Obrero / Telemundo

See also

• Miss Venezuela
• List of famous Venezuelans