Let's kick
things off !

Julie Merencia

PapiamentoEnglishSpanishDutch

Julie Merencia serves as the Vice Director of the Department of Culture Aruba and oversees the Department of Implementation. Passionate about culture, youth development, and the arts, she has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents.

She has been involved with Gang di Arte (GDA) since its very beginning and serves as a mentor for Popcorn Club Aruba's European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteers.

For Gang di Arte, she oversees the international presentation opportunities awarded to the winners and is responsible for the selection and coordination of the jury panel. Her leadership and experience continue to contribute to the success of the project and Aruba's cultural development.

Freddy Tromp

PapiamentoEnglishSpanishDutch
 Freddy Tromp is the Founder and Managing Director of Popcorn Club Aruba and has dedicated more than 35 years to empowering young people through arts, culture, leadership, volunteering, and international exchange.

Since the launch of Dream, Dare, Do (DDD) in 2011, he has overseen the overall coordination and development of the project alongside a dedicated team of volunteers, youth leaders, and partners.

For Gang di Arte (GDA), Freddy supports the overall coordination, partnerships, fundraising, and strategic development of the project, working closely with the project leadership team and other stakeholders.

Through his involvement in local and international youth projects, including the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) and Erasmus+, he continues to create opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and develop their talents.

Xavier Maduro

PapiamentoEnglishSpanishDutch
Joined Popcorn Club Aruba in 2016 and has grown into a dedicated leader within the organization. Today, he serves as Operations Manager of Popcorn Entertainment, where he oversees event logistics, performer scheduling, transportation, and the coordination of entertainment services. His commitment, reliability, and leadership have made him an important part of the continued growth and professionalization of the organization.
During Dream, Dare, Do (DDD) 2026, Xavier will serve as a member of the Popcorn Entertainment casting team. Throughout the program, he will observe workshops and performances, identifying talented participants who may have the potential to join future Popcorn Entertainment productions and professional performance opportunities. He will also support the coordination and logistics of the program, helping to ensure a positive experience for participants, volunteers, and instructors alike.

Esmara Martis

PapiamentoEnglishSpanishDutch
Esmara Martis is part of the Department of Culture Aruba, where she works within the Department of Implementation, supporting the organization and execution of cultural events throughout the year. For the past five years, she has actively supported Dream, Dare, Do (DDD) and Gang di Arte (GDA), helping create opportunities for young people to develop their talents and creativity.

During Dream, Dare, Do (DDD) 2026, Esmara will coordinate the Food & Beverage logistics of the program, ensuring that participants, volunteers, instructors, and guests are well supported.

During Gang di Arte (GDA) 2026, she will assist with the coordination, management, and logistics of the event. Working closely with Project Leader Freddy Montoya, she supports participant coordination, scheduling, logistics, and practical arrangements, helping ensure the smooth execution of the project.

Jhon Freddy Montoya

PapiamentoSpanish
Freddy Montoya joined Popcorn Club Aruba in 1999 as a choreographer and theatre instructor and has been part of Gang di Arte (GDA) since its very beginning. He helped lay the foundation of the project more than 20 years ago and continues to play a key role in its development.

Since the launch of Dream, Dare, Do (DDD) in 2011, Freddy has been actively involved in the project, contributing to its documentation and serving as a youth leader. Professionally, he works with the Department of Culture Aruba, supporting and overseeing NGOs and community organizations throughout the island.

As Project Leader of Gang di Arte 2026, Freddy is responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of the event, overseeing all aspects of planning, production, participant coordination, partnerships, and event execution.

Jeanissa Maduro

PapiamentoEnglishSpanishDutch
Joined Popcorn Club Aruba in 2012 and has been a dedicated Popcorn Soldier ever since. As a longtime Star Team dancer, she has proudly represented both Aruba and Popcorn at local and international events, earning several recognitions through the Popcorn Soldiers Awards.

During Popcorn Club's 25th Anniversary celebration, she was crowned Youth Carnival Queen representing Popcorn Club and later achieved the prestigious title of Aruba Carnival Queen. Passionate about dance and show production, Jeanissa is now part of the management team of Popcorn Entertainment while continuing to actively support Popcorn Club projects and initiatives.

During Dream, Dare, Do (DDD) 2026, Jeanissa will serve as a member of the Popcorn Entertainment casting team. Throughout the program, she will observe workshops and performances, scouting talented participants who may have the potential to become part of future Popcorn Entertainment productions and professional performance opportunities.

Sharicia Hasham

PapiamentoEnglishSpanishDutch
Joined Popcorn Club Aruba in 2015 and has grown into a dedicated leader within the organization. Today, she serves as Finance & Administration Manager of Popcorn Entertainment, where she oversees financial management, budgeting, administration, and organizational processes. Her responsibilities include managing invoices, contracts, payroll, financial reporting, and supporting the strategic growth of the organization.
Currently residing in the Netherlands, Sharicia remains actively involved with both Popcorn Club Aruba and Popcorn Entertainment. Although she will not be physically present during Dream, Dare, Do (DDD) 2026, she will serve as a member of the Popcorn Entertainment casting team remotely. Through videos, recordings, and performance evaluations, she will help identify talented participants who may have the potential to join future Popcorn Entertainment productions and professional performance opportunities. Her experience, dedication, and understanding of the organization continue to contribute to the development of new talent within the Popcorn family.

Kevin Boekhoudt

PapiamentoEnglishSpanishDutch
Joined Popcorn Club Aruba in 2013 and has grown into one of the organization's key creative leaders. Today, he serves as Creative Director of Popcorn Entertainment, where he leads the artistic vision and development of shows, performances, and creative productions. His responsibilities include choreography oversight, show development, creative innovation, and maintaining high artistic standards across all entertainment projects.
Currently residing in the Netherlands, Kevin remains actively involved with both Popcorn Club Aruba and Popcorn Entertainment. Although he will not be physically present during Dream, Dare, Do (DDD) 2026, he will serve as a member of the Popcorn Entertainment casting team remotely. Through videos, recordings, and performance evaluations, he will help identify talented participants who may have the potential to join future Popcorn Entertainment productions and professional performance opportunities. His creative expertise continues to play an important role in developing new talent and maintaining the quality of Popcorn's artistic productions.

Maja Stefán

EnglishHungarianGermanJapanese
Maja Stefan is an ESC Long-Term Volunteer from Hungary spending six months with Popcorn Club Aruba in 2026. She supports project management, planning, coordination, and the implementation of both local and international activities, playing an important role in the daily operations of the organization.
During Dream, Dare, Do (DDD) 2026, Maja will be part of the Project Management Team, helping coordinate activities, support participants and volunteers, monitor daily operations, and ensure the smooth implementation of the program. Through her dedication and international perspective, she contributes to youth development, cultural exchange, and community engagement while gaining valuable professional and personal experience.

Luigi Di Matteo

PapiamentoEnglishSpanishItalian
Originally from Italy and now residing in Aruba, Luigi Di Matteo works with Tur Cos Ta Posibel, the umbrella organisation supporting this project, and has been actively involved with Popcorn Club Aruba since joining as a Dream, Dare, Do (DDD) volunteer in 2023.

During the first week of DDD 2026, Luigi will support the coordination of logistics and volunteer activities, helping ensure a smooth start to the program for participants and international volunteers. His experience as a former DDD volunteer makes him a valuable member of the team.

After the first week, Luigi will travel to Italy as part of an international youth mobility project, accompanying and supporting a group of young participants representing Aruba.

Stefan Nikolovski

EnglishMacedonianPolishSpanish

As a Short-Term European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteer from North Macedonia, he is an active youth worker, and a certified nurse with experience in Erasmus+ and ESC projects as well as NGO management. He is passionate about non-formal education, intercultural learning, and youth empowerment. With an interdisciplinary approach to work and life, he is resourceful, digitally adept, he sees every challenge as a solution waiting to be found and every detour as an opportunity to learn and evolve. An enthusiastic all-round volunteer and photography enthusiast, he supports Dream Dare Do with adaptability, creativity, and a strong team spirit, helping create meaningful experiences for all participants.

 

Yana Aleksieva

EnglishBulgarian

Is an ESC Short-Term Volunteer from Bulgaria. In charge of facilitating Puppet Acting, Theater and Singing workshops, she plays an active role in encouraging creativity, performance skills, and artistic expression through interactive and engaging activities.

 

Davi Rodrigues

EnglishPortugeseSpanishItalian

Is an ESC Short-Term Volunteer from Brazil, currently residing in Portugal. In charge of facilitating Fashion Design and Upcycling workshops while also supporting project management, he plays an active role in promoting creativity, sustainability, and the successful implementation of project activities.

 

Shandeeh Geerman

EnglishPapiamentoDutchSpanish

Is an ESC Short-Term Volunteer from Aruba, currently residing in the Netherlands. In charge of facilitating Salsa Fusion, Bachata Fusion, and High Heels workshops, promoting creativity, self-expression, and cultural exchange through dance activities.

 

Vojtěch Vlček

EnglishChecz

Is an ESC Short-Term Volunteer from the Czech Republic. In charge of facilitating Musical Theater, Poetry activities, he plays an active role in fostering creativity, self-expression, and community engagement through artistic and group experiences.

 

Olha Biziura

EnglishUkrainianRussianItalian

Is an ESC Short-Term Volunteer from Ukraine, currently residing in Italy. In charge of supporting project management and facilitating Poetry & Song Writing workshops.

 

Miranda Antonia Forbes

EnglishSpanishDutchFrench

Is an ESC Short-Term Volunteer from Belgium. In charge of facilitating Modern contemporary and Public Speaking workshops, she plays an active role in encouraging creativity, confidence, self-expression, and personal development through movement and communication activities.

 

Federico Falcone

EnglishItalianSpanishPortugese

Is an ESC Short-Term Volunteer from Italy. In charge of facilitating Theater workshops, while also supporting social media communication and assisting project management.

Dalai Sanchez Gutierrez

EnglishSpanishCatalan

Is an ESC Short-Term Volunteer from Spain. In charge of facilitating  DJ workshop while also supporting social media communication, he plays an active role in fostering creativity, artistic expression, and the promotion of project activities.

 

Yordan Kolev

EnglishItalianBulgarianSpanish

Is an ESC Short-Term Volunteer from Bulgaria. In charge of facilitating Flash Mob, Beatbox, Rap, Rhythm, and Public Speaking workshops while also supporting the EU Desk to promote Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), he plays an active role in fostering creativity, self-expression, active citizenship, and youth engagement.

 

Keyklin Dayanis Villalobos Benitez 

EnglishSpanish

Is a Short-Term Volunteer from Colombia. In charge of facilitating Champeta workshop as part of the Skill Flavor Dance Group, she plays an active role in promoting cultural exchange, creativity, and self-expression through dance and movement.

Andrés Leonardo Palomino Dávila

EnglishSpanish

Is a Short-Term Volunteer from Colombia. In charge of facilitating Ritmo Exotico workshops as part of the Skill Flavor Dance Group, he plays an active role in promoting cultural exchange, creativity, and self-expression through dance and movement.

 

Eyleen Dayhana Palacios Jaraba

EnglishSpanish

Is a Short-Term Volunteer from Colombia and a member of the Skill Flavor Dance Group. In charge of facilitating Dancehall Queen workshops, she brings her passion for dance, leadership, and teaching to inspire participants through movement and self-expression.

 

Bianny Clarizza Serrano Padilla

EnglishSpanish

Is a Short-Term Volunteer from Colombia. In charge of facilitating Breaking workshops as part of the Skill Flavor Dance Group, she plays an active role in promoting creativity, cultural exchange, and self-expression through urban dance and movement.

 

Brandon Valencia Mesa

EnglishSpanish

Is a Short-Term Volunteer from Colombia and a member of the Skill Flavor Dance Group. With experience in Hip Hop, Freestyle Dance, Choreography, House, and Popping, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and inspiring others through movement and creativity.

 

Joel Recappe

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch

Lesly Ramirez

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch

Is a Local Volunteer from Aruba, currently residing in the Netherlands. Having been part of the Popcorn Dancers for several years and a participant in previous Dream Dare Do projects, she now returns to contribute from a new perspective as a volunteer. With skills in multilingual communication, dance, teamwork, and quick learning, she supports project activities while helping create a positive and inclusive environment for participants.  

 

Edric Magalona

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch

Is a Local Volunteer from Aruba and one of the past members of Popcorn Dancers, having started his journey with Popcorn more than 10 years ago. Returning to Dream Dare Do as a volunteer, he is in charge of facilitating Break dance workshops and sharing his passion for dance with a new generation of young people.

Szabolcs István Détári

EnglishHungarian

Is an ESC Short-Term Volunteer from Hungary. In charge of Film Making & Visual Storytelling workshops, also supporting project documentation and social media communication, capturing, promoting, and sharing the impact of the project.

 

Krume Kirovski

EnglishMacedonianSerbianSpanish

Is an ESC Short-Term Volunteer from North Macedonia. In charge of project documentation and social media management, he plays an active role in capturing, promoting the project's activities, achievements, and impact with a wider audience.

 

Shaquille Buckley

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch
Started his journey with Popcorn in 2014 through Dream Dare Do. As a Hip Hop and Afro dancer, he expanded his knowledge of multiple dance styles growing into one of Popcorn’s main dancers and choreographers. This year, he will be facilitating Brazilian Funk workshops, introducing participants to an energetic and dynamic dance style that challenges them to step outside their comfort zones. 

Clifton Wong

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch

Is a Local Volunteer from Aruba and an active member of the Popcorn community. With experience in Afro, Street, and Hip Hop dance, he contributes to creating an energetic and supportive environment for participants. Known for being hardworking, approachable, and considerate of others, he values teamwork and strives to lead by example when needed. Through his involvement, he hopes to strengthen team connections while encouraging young people to express themselves, build confidence, and showcase their talents.

 

Elaijah D.G Marsdin

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch

Is a Local Volunteer from Aruba with extensive experience in music, DJing, and music production. In charge of facilitating Music Production workshops, he brings years of hands-on experience in sound production, live entertainment, and creative project development. As a strong communicator and team player, he is passionate about helping young people discover their creativity, develop new skills, and gain confidence through music. He looks forward to sharing his knowledge while learning from the participants' ideas and experiences.

 

Kenneth Pena

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch
Joined Popcorn in 2022 after being inspired by the energy, passion, and impact of the dancers he saw perform for the first time. Since then, he has worked hard to grow as a dancer, become a strong team player, and contribute to the development of the group. At Dream Dare Do, he serves as an Assistant Instructor, supporting workshop leaders and participants throughout the program. 

Valeria Leoni

EnglishSpanishPapiamento

is a Local Volunteer originally from Venezuela. She is an active member of the Popcorn community. Passionate about youth development and artistic expression, she contributes her experience in dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, and movement-based activities to support young people in their personal and creative growth. 

 

Malbin Gomes

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch

Has been part of the Popcorn community since 2019, transforming from a beginner dancer into an experienced performer, instructor, and mentor. At Dream Dare Do, he supports the project through teaching and assisting participants.

 

Alwin Shawn Lacle

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch

Started his journey with Popcorn Club in 2017. At the time, he was performing magic tricks at school. Since then, he has proudly been one of the Popcorn Soldiers, bringing the art of magic into the group's performances and events. Through his involvement with Popcorn, he has contributed to creating unique and engaging experiences for audiences while continuing to develop his skills as a performer. At Dream Dare Do, he looks forward to sharing his passion, supporting participants, and helping create unforgettable moments for everyone involved.

 

Alysa Simon

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch
Is a Local Volunteer from Aruba, currently residing in the Netherlands, where she is pursuing her passion for dance and studying to become a professional dance instructor. A member of the Popcorn family since 2016, she has grown from performing in hotels to dancing on major stages, gaining confidence and valuable experience along the way. For DDD, Alysa joins as a volunteer, bringing her enthusiasm, positive energy, and love for dance.

Xenon Daal

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch 
Is a Local Volunteer from Aruba with a passion for music, creativity, and youth development. In charge of facilitating music-related activities, he brings over 15 years of singing experience and enjoys helping young people discover and develop their musical talents.

Jason Wester

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch
Began his Popcorn journey through Dream Dare Do in 2022, quickly developing a passion for dance and personal growth. After joining Popcorn, they continued to develop their skills, eventually becoming a member of the Star Team, performing at various shows, exploring different dance styles, and discovering a passion for choreography.

Having participated in Dream Dare Do for four years—two as a participant and two as a leader and coach—they have experienced the project from multiple perspectives. Although unable to be on the island this year, they continue to support Dream Dare Do by assisting the social media team and contributing to the project from afar.

Maria Konstantina Kaskantiri

EnglishGreekSpanishFrench

Is an all-round volunteer from Greece supporting Dream Dare Do in a variety of roles throughout the project. Through their enthusiasm, teamwork, and willingness to help wherever needed, they contribute to creating a positive and memorable experience for all participants.

 

Jerwin Mercera

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch

Started his journey with Popcorn in 2017 and has remained an active part of the community ever since. At Dream Dare Do, he support the project through social media, helping capture and share the experiences, activities, and memories created throughout the program while promoting its impact to a wider audience.

Chanty-Lynne Aracely Hoyer

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch

Is an all-round volunteer from Aruba supporting Dream Dare Do in a variety of roles throughout the project. Through their enthusiasm, teamwork, and willingness to help wherever needed, they contribute to creating a positive and memorable experience for all participants.

 

 

Leyozjandro Clemencia

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch

Is a fashion stylist, choreographer, creative director, and media creative from Curaçao with over eight years of experience in the entertainment industry. He has collaborated with local and international artists, and has worked on productions across Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, and Belgium. As the founder and creative director of, KZ Agency, he specializes in blending fashion styling with live entertainment to create memorable visual experiences. A former judge for Next in Line, organized by Popcorn Dance Crew, he now returns as a guest speaker and workshop host for Dream Dare Do (DDD) Workshop & Seminar, inspiring the next generation of creatives.

 

 

Erick Jesus Lugo

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch

Dedicated four years as a member of the Popcorn Star Team, delivering high-energy performances while maintaining exceptional entertainment standards. Specialized in connecting with young audiences, creating engaging experiences, and bringing positive energy to every live show.

As part of the team, he helped foster a strong, supportive culture, embracing Popcorn and Dream Dare Do as a second home where creativity, personal growth, and lifelong friendships flourished.

 

 

Choco and Cuco

EnglishSpanishPapiamentoDutch

Choco & Coco are a dynamic MC and content creator duo passionate about discovering and showcasing new talent. During Dream Dare Do, they will be interviewing participants, capturing inspiring stories, and creating engaging content that highlights the creativity, energy, and impact of the program.