Photography by M.S.

Sometimes modeling is the plan B to a beauty’s dream deferred. Prime example: 25-year-old Rosa Acosta. Having danced professionally since she was only four years old, the Dominican Republic native became the youngest member of the Dominican national ballet, at age 18. But with womanhood came curves, and curves and pirouettes rarely mix. Fortunately, the 2006 U.S. transplant switched to a career more appropriate to her hourglass figure: modeling. Music videos followed suit, with 2009 being her busiest year to date (including prominent roles in Jamie Foxx’s “Blame It,” Drake’s “Best I Ever Had,” 50 Cent’s “Ok, You’re Right” and Mario’s “Break Up”). With hamstrings as flexible as her style, Rosa’s made moving from A to B look like poetry in motion.

Did you come to America intending to continue dancing?

No. When I came here, I decided it was over. I’m not skinny enough to be a dancer. I was anorexic and bulimic for seven years. When I was dancing, I was 15 pounds lighter. Plus, I didn’t have my boobs done.

Did you have surgery on any other body part?

No. Just got my breast done. [When I was dancing, my butt] was all muscle. Now
I have a little more McDonald’s and Burger King back there. [Laughs]

Ironically, your man broke up with you around the time the “Break Up” video dropped. What qualities must your next man possess?

I want somebody that blows my mind. Every guy says, “Let me take you to dinner.” And I say, “Do I look hungry?” I need something different. Plus, I’m celibate ’til 2010. One day [I just] said, “I’m not having sex ’til next year. Yeah, that sounds good.”

That sounds awful. So when you do have sex, does your flexibility help?

In the beginning I’ll do a few things to impress you… But the truth is, having sex in those positions only looks good. They don’t really feel good. I’d rather look into your eyes while we’re performing. If I’m doing a split, I can’t really see you. And what if I catch a cramp? [Laughs] —Bonsu Thompson

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