"DJ-ing is a great way to enjoy...having fun, and still maintain the right frame of mind and stay out of trouble...."—Michelle Rodriguez, interview by Kell Crane of Gulf News at étoiles club and restaurant, April 5, 2012
She always plays the "tough" Latina woman who kicks ass amongst action heroes like Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell (S.W.A.T., 2003) and Vin Diesel (Fast and Furious). She never played the damsel in distress nor the sultry trophy girl who does nothing but show off skin. She's beauty and brawn, as her publicist aptly put. I watched all her films and have always been amazed at this new generation Dominican/Puerto Rican woman who first appeared as a boxer (yes, in an actual boxing ring) in "Girlfight" (2000), and went on to play roles that only a few dare to take. But lucky girl that she is, she often gets the unforgettable roles in the biggest films.
So when she agreed to DJ for étoiles here in Abu Dhabi, you can imagine me almost falling off my seat, especially when I learned I can sit and watch during Gulf News' Kelly Crane's interview with Trudy of Avatar (2009) and Rain of Resident Evil: Retribution (2012). Another dream come true.
"I didn't start partying until I was in my twenties...I mean I've always
partied but I didn't start going to clubs and stuff till I was in my twenties..." shares Michelle.
She says it was only after she started earning her own bucks doing big films such as S.W.A.T. and Fast and Furious did she finally have the chance to party—and party she did all over the world. She had so much fun at the parties, but mostly enjoyed watching people enjoy themselves as these DJs steer the fun at the clubs. And after she "exaggerated" having so much fun in her twenties, she sought to find something that will calm her down and provide a certain balance in her life.
Did someone teach her to do the tricks?
Michelle admits that after so many years of standing in front of the DJ booth asking them to play this music and that, the great DJs she met along the way were more than willing to show her the ropes. They became her good friends and allowed her to go behind the scenes and learn to mix.
She's DJ-ed in France and Sardinia and Texas, of course, and says the party scene and DJ circuit is about the same as the places she's been to. It was a tad surprising to see some of the party people she's met in France partying here and Dubai, too. "I think they just really know where the best DJs go and play and they go out of their way to party there, too," she says.
And so it will happen tonight! Here in Abu Dhabi, at your favourite night club. I can't wait to get dolled up again and see her in action. Before leaving the room, she chids, "I wonder how the bass sounds here..." I said, "Oh, it's awesome. Really good!"
See y'all tonight!
