NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Inspired by the Virginia International Tattoo when she was growing up, vocalist Danlie Cuenca is now a part of it.
Cuenca, born in the Philippines, moved to Norfolk with her family in 2003 when she was young. She graduated from Norview High School.
She said seeing the Tattoo as a student is part of what inspired her to join the military.
“I feel like it’s my turn to give back to the community and to show these kids that, hey, this is a thing and if this is your dream, it can happen to you,” Cuenca said.
Cuenca spent the week preparing to take the stage at the Tattoo to sing the National Anthem and other songs alongside fellow sailors, soldiers, airmen, crew members and Marines in front of her hometown.
She’s an enlisted officer now, but the first time she performed here at Scope Arena was as a part of the choir at Norview High School.
She said she never knew what her future would hold while sitting in these seats as a student.
“Nobody in my family was in the Navy or any other service of the military until I joined,” Cuenca said.
She said in high school, she knew the armed forces had bands, but didn’t realize they had singers. That is, until her choir director’s husband, a former Navy musician, encouraged her to look into it.
“He told her, hey, she should look into these jobs, like, there’s the Navy is looking for vocalists all the time,” Cuenca said.
And with a voice like hers, she was in.
“About two weeks after my audition, they gave me the go and said, ‘Hey, welcome to the Navy music program,'” Cuenca said.
After boot camp and “A” School at Little Creek, Cuenca was stationed with Navy Band Great Lakes in Chicago. Four years later, a spot opened up with the Cruisers popular music group, which is based in Washington, D.C., allowing her to perform at places like the White House, the vice president’s residence, and even for foreign dignitaries.
“It’s really incredible to be like one of the people that like, ‘Is she available? Is she able to be here on this date for her to entertain and connect with people,’ probably other ambassadors from other countries,” Cuenca said, “which is really cool because that’s really where the work begins for us is that we were able to bridge that gap, you know, and connect.”
And for her parents it’s a surreal moment to be in the audience this weekend watching their daughter perform.
“I’ve been here in the United States for almost 20 years, and I didn’t imagine any of this,” Cuenca said. “So to kind of see it lived out, being able to serve the country that’s provided so much for me, it’s a big deal. It’s an overwhelming feeling of pride that they get to see their daughter on the stage, hanging out with great people out here and putting on a show.”
Danlie Cuenca sings several times throughout the show. To get tickets to see the Tattoo this weekend, click here.
