Paula Liu, 71, is an independent Medicare specialist who sells medical insurance.
At sunrise, Liu also puts her yoga students through their poses at Miami Lakes Athletic Club, a teaching job she’s held since 2004.
And on many nights when the Miami Heat play, this former competitive ballroom dancer performs hip-hop moves before thousands of people with the NBA team’s Golden Oldies squad.
A yoga practitioner for 30 years, she moves as though she is 40 years younger.
Liu is famous for her teal mane, a happy salon accident, which she kept. She studies ballroom dance for fun and takes three lessons each week.
Liu is also a regular contributor to the Workout column in The Miami Laker.
Q: Where are you from and what is your background?
A: I was born to Chinese parents in Taiwan, where my brother and I were raised. I came alone to the United States when I was 20 to finish my Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration at Central Connecticut State University. I’m an American.
Q: What do you most like about Miami Lakes?
A: I’m here since 1996. I used to live on the beach, but it would take me a half an hour or more to get to I-95 while working in the insurance business. I like the convenience for commuting for my work. And the people. I just love the small town, tight-knit community feeling. I used to travel to teach. I quit everywhere else and [teach] here. It’s just family-oriented and I love it here.
Q: What do you dislike about the town?
A: I can’t say anything that I dislike. I can enjoy a quiet life here and I want to until the day I croak. I’m a tropical girl, I’m not going anywhere else to start a new life. My friends, my life is here.
Q: What are the demands/responsibilities of your current position and what do you hope to accomplish?
A: I think yoga teaches me to be less attached. My goal is to serve, especially in the yoga community. With the Miami Heat, I’m an entertainer. In insurance, I serve my clients. So my goal in life is to make sure everybody I meet is happy. And that makes me happy. I just want a peaceful life. I am a Buddhist, keeping with Buddhist philosophy.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment, personal or career?
A: My family, my children. I raised two wonderful individuals. I married and divorced, and have a son Timothy Den, a financial planner and a daughter
Celeste Den, an actress. As a single mother after the divorce, it was not an easy journey, but I did it. And I have a grandson, Timothy’s son Rafael Den, he’s 9. He’s the apple of my eye, they live in Chicago.
Also, being independent, not relying on my family for anything. Confidence, I think that’s my biggest accomplishment. I’m very bossy.
Q: What would you rather be doing, what is your fantasy career?
A: A dancer, when I was little like every little girl wants to be a ballerina. I just wanted to dance, either ballet or whatever. I just wanted to be on stage. After my kids were grown, I was able to go back to what I wanted to do all my life. I had the money, I had the time. Ballroom fits perfectly.
Q: What books are you reading, any podcasts that you’re listening to?
A: Not any recently. Right now, I’m just too busy.
Q: What have you binge-watched on TV?
A: I’m really into K-Drama, “Squid Game” [which streams on Netflix]. I can’t imagine how creative the writers and producers have to be to come up with stories like that.
Q: Where did you last travel to on a vacation?
A: Vancouver. I went there for Christmas to see my brother and his family during record-setting cold weather, Celsius -25 (-13 F). I literally froze. But it was wonderful.