Mayte

Mayte is a talented entertainer and triple threat that can act, sing and dance – finding success on all fronts. Mayte was recently seen in her first studio film, New Regency’s Firehouse Dog, and the independent feature Life Is Hot IN CrackTown opposite Victor Rasuk, Brandon Routh and Kerry Washington. She also starred in Ego opposite Eve and Vincent Laresca. Nick Cassavettes executive produced the film. On the television side, Mayte has appeared on Lifetime’s Army Wives, USA’s Psych, NBC’s Las Vegas as well as the season finale for the TNT show The Closer, and on the FX hit show Nip/Tuck.

Her recent success is evidenced by a drive and work ethic that goes all the way back to her childhood. Born in Alabama to parents of Puerto Rican descent, Mayte grew up all over the United States and in Germany (due to her father’s career in the military), and spent her summers in Puerto Rico with her extended family. A dancer from when she was basically out of the womb, Mayte began classical ballet and belly dancing at the age of just three years old. Inspired by her mother who was a professional belly dancer, Mayte became the world’s youngest professional belly dancer at the tender age of 8. She was even featured on the popular show, “That’s Incredible.”

While still in Germany, Mayte went to a Prince concert with her family. At the concert, her mother and father noticed that his song “Thieves in the Temple” had a very Arabic vibe to it. Mayte’s mother told her to send Prince a tape of her belly dancing to his song to show him her talents. Although she laughed off her mother’s suggestion, she eventually obliged. At another Prince concert just a week later, Mayte’s mother convinced some members of the New Power Generation (NPG) to give the video to Prince. Ten minutes later, Mayte was asked backstage by Prince, and for two years, they kept in touch.

Finally, when Mayte turned 18, Prince asked her to be a part of the NPG. From 1992 to 1996, she was a featured dancer and background singer with Prince and the NPG. As such, she appeared in several music videos, as well as performing on tours, award shows, national and international television shows, and more. While still working with Prince, Mayte recorded and released her debut album, Child of the Sun, with the first single “If I Love You 2Night.” Released in Europe, the album charted and the video was in rotation on MTV Europe as well as on VH1 in the States. She also contributed as a songwriter and singer to various Prince and NPG albums, and even began directing some of his tours and videos.

In 1997, Mayte directed the “Around the World in A Day” tour with the NPG dance company. Showcasing a broad range of dance forms and styles, the show received rave reviews, but was unfortunately cut short due to troubles in marketing and promotion. In 2001, Mayte also taught Britney Spears some belly dancing moves for her 2001 performance on the MTV Video Music Awards and for the hot and much talked about video for the song “I’m A Slave 4 U.” She was also featured as the model in the 2004 Bed Head print and commercial campaigns for their popular hair care and make-up products.