From East To West, Journey Lands Seattle Local On U.S. Performing Arts Team at World Championships of Performing Arts

Gergana Ivanova, Bulgarian, Seattle Local, won a spot on the U.S. Team at the 15th annual World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, CA, the only international talent competition of its kind. End Quote

Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA (1888PressRelease) July 20, 2011 - Seventeen-year-old Gergana Ivanova is from Bulgaria, and from a young age, she discovered that she loved being in front of the camera. "I always felt like I became a whole different person when I was in front of the camera, and whenever I was, nothing else around me seemed to matter."

"I strongly believe in following your dreams, and we all have dreams and goals that we want to accomplish. And passion is what drives that dream."

One of Gergana's lifelong dreams was to become a model and an actress. So, with determination, she went to some local modeling and talent agencies, and was able to land some jobs. "I've know that breaking through in the entertainment industry is very hard, especially in the Seattle market, but with perseverance, it's definitely possible."

With that same determination, Gergana auditioned for the World Championships of Performing Arts, having spent several weeks and numerous hours preparing her monologues. In addition, she stepped her game by taking both acting and modeling classes on the weekends. "I will never forget the day I got a call to audition for the WCOPA." It all paid off when Gergana found out that she had been accepted to participate as part of the U.S. team. "One minute I was auditioning for local jobs, and the next I was training for The World Championships of Performing Arts."

"I always take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way." And without hesitation Gergana took on the challenge.

"The only obstacle was keeping up with my education. I didn't want my outside life to interfere with my education. And, as if I was not busy enough already, I decided to start working part-time at a local grocery store. Because of all of the things that were going on in my life during the time, I found myself constantly staying up all night doing homework, working, volunteering and also training for the WCOPA competition."

"I had no time for myself, but I knew that in the end, it was all worth it because I was doing things that I loved and that would benefit me in the long run. This past year has shaped me into a whole new person. I have learned what some of my strengths are and what some of my weaknesses are. I have also made some great friends along the way."

Gergana feels that, "We should all always follow our dreams, and never let anything or anyone get in our way because it'll be worth it in the end." And Gergana Ivanov will get to realize some of her dreams when she competes with talent contestants from around the world in the World Championships of Performing Arts, July 17 - 22, 2011, in Los Angeles, CA.

Talent from more than 40 countries will participate in the 15th Annual World Championships of Performing Arts, July 17 through July 22, 2011 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

Think "American Idol," "America's Got Talent" and "So You Think You Can Dance" on a global scale. Cited as the official "Talent Olympics," the World Championships of Performing Arts celebrates its 15th anniversary this summer as the only international event of its kind held annually. Dancers, singers, models, actors, instrumentalists, and variety artists from more than 40 countries compete for the "gold" and $130,000 in scholarships. Over 100 entertainment industry experts (i.e. agents, managers, producers, casting directors, instructors, and music industry reps) are invited to judge, conduct seminars and cast. Through a week of elimination rounds, 3,000 acts are narrowed down to the "best of the best" who then compete for the coveted top world champion crowns.

The competition week commences with the Opening Ceremonies Parade and free public performance at the Nokia Center, Sunday, July 17, from 9:00am - 10:00am. The colorful parade culminates with the best performers from around the world giving Los Angeles a sneak peek of the amazing international talent that will be participating in this year's event.

The week of talent competition culminates with the Finals event, when 'the best of the best performers' vie for top world championship crowns and $130,000 in scholarships, Friday, July 22, 7:00pm - 10:00pm, in the California Ballroom of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel.

A live, global webcast of the event will be available at www.wcopa.tv
July 22 at 7:00pm PST.

Westin Bonaventure Hotel | 404 S. Figueroa Street | Los Angeles, 90071

The objective is the annual production of the finest national, regional and international competitions for exceptional, aspiring performing artists! This prestigious global meet is for dedicated performers and entertainers who want to train and learn, compare their talent to others and network. This is an innovative contest with persons from the entertainment industry invited to judge and conduct seminars. For more information, log onto http://www.wcopa.tv

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