While her last name is not Capulet, she still possesses the fantastical “girl-next-door” look and appeal that the fair Juliet in Shakespeare’s most famous work likely hosted and wowed the young Montague with. And although still a relative newcomer to this particular competitive scene, young Julitette Primak is a talent that is aiming to rise to the highest of heights, and nothing is going to slow her down.
For those who are not familiar with you much, or at all, who is Juliette Primak? Where do you come from? What do you do? You know... the usual rundown.
I just turned 21. I am from Howell NJ. I am a hairdresser at the Milagro Spa in Manasquan for the past three and a half years I have worked there since I was in high school.
How did you find yourself getting into Bikini competition?
I have always been into fitness and working out, and this past spring, some of the girls I work with knew a girl who had been in a competition and suggested I do it. I have always been a fan of fitness and workout magazines, so I knew a little about it. After a lot of encouragement, I decided to give it a try. I did a little research and found a local trainer (Glenn Nowland), who worked with me and got me ready for my first competition (Garden Sate). In that competition I placed 2nd, and I really enjoyed every minute. A few weeks after that, I competed in the Team Universe and earned my IFBB Pro Card. While at that competition, two photographers, Chris Zimmerman and Dan Ray were nice enough to do spontaneous shoots with me. Those are some of the pics I forwarded. I loved doing the photo shoots and my trainer suggested that I create a Model Mayhem profile. From there several photographers contacted me to do shoots and I realized that I enjoyed modeling as well.
Did you see yourself as more disciplined than some of your other friends...they were out partying while you stayed home, keeping everything in check, with an eye on the importance of future performance?
I have never been into partying. I do feel that I have had different priorities than many people my age, but that’s ok my friends get me. I have always had my priorities straight and like living healthy lifestyle.
Was the desire to compete something you developed, or is it just a natural thing for you?
My mother is a dance teacher so naturally I trained in dance my whole life and also was a dancer with my dance studio’s Competition team. So competing and going away with my mom to different places for competitions is something I always enjoyed and was comfortable with. I also attended a performing arts high school for dance, so I love performing. I was also on my high school’s dance team. I think that these prior competing experiences were an asset to me. First of all, I was prepared for the uncertainty that comes along with competing. You win some and you lose some. I know not to take it personally. I think that’s important for all competitors to realize. If you have never done anything like that before, you could take the experience as rejection instead of walking away able to reevaluate and find the areas you need to improve on.
What do you get from being onstage?
I am kind of quiet and a bit of a private person. However, on stage, the outgoing side of me
comes out. It makes all the healthy eating and working out rewarding. The stage and also in
front of a camera is a place where I feel confident. I think my dance history has helped me. After dancing in front of a mirror my whole life, I have a good idea of how to pose to bring out the best qualities of my physique. As a dancer I know how to move on stage in a way that is pleasing to the audience visually. Although the body building industry apppears to look for and recognize a certain style of posture and performance which I am currently working to improve on.
What is your competition history?
I competed in the NPC Garden State and the NPC Team Universe, both in New Jersey, and also the IFBB Europa in Hartford Connecticut, in the Bikini division.
In one year's time, there has already been an evolution in this division that has called for
some amendment and/or writing of new rules and criteria. Being that you have seen said
evolution first hand (or at least were present in this moment in time), what is your take on
this?
I am new to the whole industry, however from what I've experienced and from what I've heard, Bikini is fairly new and I think depending on where you are competing and who is judging, there can be different opinions of what the ideal "Bikini" body should be. Some judges look for certain proportions, some like a softer look, others seem to want a more definition, but I think particularly in the Bikini division the stage personality is very important: the walk, the posing, the hair and makeup, and most of all… the right competition suit. One trend I am seeing is "Figure" girls switching to "Bikini". I think each women needs to find which division suits their body type, their look, and their level of workout, etc.
Listed amongst the new revisions to the rules for the Bikini divisions are "no lewd acts", and the issue of suits was brought up. Would you have ever thought this type of thing needed to be expressed?
Well, when you're in a bikini and high heels trying to show off your body, there is a fine line between stripper and body builder. So I think all this, was to be sure and keep the contest as tasteful as possible. Presenting yourself to the judges with poise and grace can take it from tacky to classy. And as far as the suits are concerned I know of a story where two girls wore the same exact suit, one did well and the other was disqualified for the suit being inappropriate. So it is important to find the suit that is right for your specific body type. I think each contestant has something special and unique which sets them apart from the others. I think it's so important to know yourself and what you have and try your best to present that to the judges as best you can. No matter how great the shape you are in, there will always be someone better physically out there; you need to find out what inner spark you have that can make you stand out from the rest!
And you... what do you bring to the stage to make you stand out from the rest?
I always strive to be in great shape, but I hope that while on stage the judges can see how much I am enjoying what I am doing. I think I have a confidence on stage that hopefully doesn't come across as over the top. On stage I feel a sense of pride. I find competing very exciting and I want the judges to get excited about what they are doing while judging me. They have to sit there for a long time and I want to be the contestant that breaks up the monotony and makes them smile. It's great to be in a place where the people get what you do. I don't really have many friends who are really into working out like I am so I work out alone a lot of the time. When I go to a competition I am surrounded by people who appreciate all it takes to be a competitor. I feel understood.
Do you have any short or long term goals associated with competition in this division? Maybe use it as a springboard perhaps into other ventures, or crossing over to one of the other divisions at some point?
I like competing and of course, the ultimate goal right now regarding that is to qualify for the Olympia. Besides that I really hope this leads to a career as a fitness model. Representing a supplement company or something like that would be great also. I don't have any intention of switching divisions; Bikini is the right place for me. I must say though that I find myself inspired by the women in the other divisions, and I am striving for more definition in myself every time I see them posing.
Is there anyone in particular that you look to for inspiration?
Jamie Eason is such an inspiration. I always admired her in the fitness magazines. Not only is she beautiful physically but I find her story truly inspiring. Aside from that, my mother is a constant source of encouragement and support.
Juliette on Model Mayhem: http://www.modelmayhem.com/1784686
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