In other words, he says, she can be tough when she needs
to be.
VillaDelta is a custom residential and commercial builder
based in Port St. Lucie and founded by Dudley’s father, Al
Pereira, after the family moved here from Canada in 1994.
“Yvonne took over as the son I never had, and she’s done a
good job, too,” Pereira says.
Dudley’s husband, Robert, is a draftsman who does in-house
designs for VillaDelta clients who prefer a custom home to a
mass-produced one, and her mother, Maria, runs the office.
“I’m triply blessed to be able to work with my family and to
have their support,” Dudley says.
An Egyptian neighbor and friend first aroused Dudley’s
interest in Middle Eastern dance. She has studied traditional
Egyptian, Oriental and Folkloric dance since 1998 and performs
as a belly dancer at area restaurants, parties and events
about six times a week. In addition, she teaches five belly
dance classes weekly at her sister’s studio, One Yoga Planet in
the Second Street Station Building in Downtown Fort Pierce.
“I’m a full-time contractor, but belly dancing is my full-time
passion,” Dudley says. “Being a belly dancer lets me be a girl.”
Belly dancing is not just for the young and trim, Dudley
points out. People with joint problems, bad backs and other
health issues can enjoy its muscle toning and aerobic benefits.
The centuries-old art form began as a preparation for childbirth,
and was done by women, for women. “Where we’d go
out and get our nails done, they would get together and
dance,” Dudley says.
Her students range in age from 7 to the mid-60s, and come
in all sizes, she says.
“I’ve had some pushing 250 to 260 pounds who move just as
PEOPLE OF INTEREST
gracefully as any others. Some of those have become my most
polished students.”
Dudley is also a long-distance runner and member of Sailfish
Striders and is a volunteer and board member of several area
charitable organizations, including The Royal Palms of St.
Lucie County and Habitat for Humanity.
“You know that old saying,” Dudley says, smiling. “If you
want something done, ask a busy person.”
In her “spare” time, she helps her husband with his passion,
photography. The couple relaxes by riding motorcycles.
But on the job she drives a truck rather than her customized
Harley Sportster 100. “It’s not a practical vehicle
for work.”
Name: Yvonne P. Dudley
Age: 30
Occupation: State certified
contractor; Middle Eastern dance
instructor/performer
Birthplace: Canada
Personal: Married for seven years,
Robert
What people don’t know about me:
“I’m kind of an open book. I share what I do with
everybody.”
What inspires me: “My connection with people, family
and friends. I get satisfaction from connecting with people
and changing their lives for the better.”
Proudest achievement: “When I passed my general
contractor’s exam.”
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Port St. Lucie