KEISA RHODIUS, 21: undecided

By Simona Siad

I play mas because: It’s fun, exciting and a positive way to celebrate my culture. Participating in mas gives you the chance to feel beautiful in your costume and be proud of who you are, physically and culturally. It gives your confidence a boost when you get out on the road and the music is blasting and the crowd is cheering.

On dressing up: I love getting ready with my cousins and friends. We usually take the subway to the parade in our costumes and tourists always stop us and take pictures. It makes me feel so proud.

My beauty tip: Use the parade as a goal to stay in shape all year. Playing mas motivates me to workout, to stay fit and to be healthy.

My favourite memory: It was from my first year, when I played with the Toronto Revellers. They had an African theme and my costume was leopard-print.

Advice to other women: It doesn’t matter how you look, it’s how you feel in the costume. It’s not what other people think.

When I play mas I feel: Proud.