The founder and principal of Fusion Arts shares her two pence on life in the UAE capital
Marking 15 years in the UAE capital, the founder and principal of the dynamic institution that is Fusion Arts, Suzanne McMillan or Suzi as she’s better known shares the world of Abu Dhabi through her lens!
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Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m Suzi from Scotland, I was a professional dancer and choreographer in the UK. Here, I’m the founder of Fusion Arts, which trains the next generation of talented performers here in the UAE. I create shows and collaborate with events to add the beautiful world of dance to everyday life. I live here in Abu Dhabi with my partner Clive and my rescue dog Kiki.
How and when did you move here, and what inspired the move?
2024 will mark 15 years in the UAE for me, so it’s very lovely to be included in Yalla’s ‘Abu Dhabi People’ this year. I moved in 2009 from London to Dubai and in 2021, Abu Dhabi became my home. The how is always work. I’m very lucky to be in an industry that has taken me all over the world.
How has living in Abu Dhabi shaped your sense of belonging and community?
I feel a big part of our students lives and feel privileged to have been part of the journey and development of dance in the UAE. Inspiring the kids in what I love most means a lot to me and the support of the community and families is a big part of why I love what I do so much. The community spirt is everywhere.
Can you tell us about a particular person in Abu Dhabi who has had a significant impact on your life and why?
This can pull on my above answer also, it would be hard to pin point one person. I have met some of my most favourite people here and I feel they have all impacted my life. I’m very lucky for the friends I’ve made and the people that have become my extended family.
What is your favourite thing about the emirate and why?
Safest place in the world to live is hard to beat.
Could you share a memorable moment when you felt the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Abu Dhabi community in your own life?
Getting stuck in the sand in the desert and then magically from nowhere, several white SUVS arrive and pull you out of there, with no judgement. Impresses me every time.
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