contemporary | MODERN | Ballet | JAZZ | tAP | musical theater | social
It all started when…
I encourage my students to invite compassion within the parts of themselves that usually welcome self-criticism, self-sabotage and self-hate. One of my dancers approached me regarding the ACE Awards this year and I replied with, 'gather the dancers.' It was very moving for me to be on the other side of encouragement, especially from former and current students. Some I have worked with for many years and others the first time. Every individual in this piece volunteered their time to share their voice through my movement vocabulary. They have an understanding that sharing our stories, uncomfortable or not, is a very powerful invitation to relate and connect with others. This piece offers a space for the dancers to move through discomfort and challenges within their individual lives. As I empower them to love themselves in their darkest spaces, they empower me to do the same.
We present: 'Revolt'
Revolt 2017
Choreography by: Natalie Makardish
Song: Heart Cry by Drehz
Videography: @kamshahamedia
Dancers: Camille, Haley, Olivia, Zach, Brooke, Claire, Eduardo, Myranda, and Isabel.
Choreographed and videoed within a few hours of working together
I encourage my students to invite compassion within the parts of themselves that usually welcome self-criticism, self-sabotage and hate.
EMPOWERED ARTIST TRAINING
#Feeding the starving artist from within
Empowered Artist Training educates, empowers and encourages individuals to feed the starving artist from within. E.A.T. integrates a Depth Psychological approach to: Performance Art, Classical Dance Training, Fitness Instruction, Counseling and Yoga Movement Therapies.
TESTIMONIALS
Working on set with Natalie was extremely inspirational. Her talent as a choreographer and dancer has shaped each and everyone one of us that collaborated with her on this project. For me, Natalie served as a beacon of motivation and enthusiasm. Her ability to connect with people and draw personal inspiration from within really aided me in this process. I connected through this piece because it helped me get my anger out. Poor Isabel ( my partner ) had bruises all over her knees and hips (but dance is life). Natalie is truly a unique character and working with her on set has made me think about myself as a dancer and artist more.
— Zach
Unlike other dances I’ve been a part of, “Revolt” brought out a lot of hidden emotion from me. Interestingly enough, it wasn’t one emotion that I felt throughout but rather a series of them. At the beginning of the dance I felt defeated, even revolted with myself, slowly the buildup of the song made me rebel against these feelings, almost fighting like. The fact that this piece is able to incorporate the duality of the word “revolt” (both those feelings of disgust and repugnance as well as rebelling against these like a revolution) are what make it so special for me. Thank you again.
— Eddie
TESTIMONIALS
“I am beyond grateful that I've gotten the opportunity to be apart of this piece with such incredible artists. Not only did the choreography push me outside my comfort zones, but being surrounded by such hungry and passionate dancers, left me inspired more than ever, and made my heart very full. Everyone's energy and passion was contagious to one another which resulted in a very supportive environment. This piece reminded me how much I love dance and I truly think I have grown as a dancer, just in the short amount of time we all spent together.”
— Claire
“This piece has manifested in my life as sporadically as most things in life do. It has been an experience defined by re-connection and recognition. Re-connection with people from my past and myself and a recognition of my weaknesses and as a whole, our struggles to be who we truly are as we are pressured and influenced by society and the world around us. In each dancer, I saw myself and the piece in full I saw as my deepest internal demons and memories come out to play. The fear of not knowing.. it came alive to face me in this piece. And through our bodies and the platform Natalie provided us, we expressed and shared ourselves so others may be feel empowered to as well. For whatever that may be for them... Natalie holds a mirror to society in this piece because underneath the make up and the Facebook, we are all crying out for acceptance and love.”
— Myranda
TESTIMONIALS
When you spend your whole life doing what others want, and molding to the way society thinks you should be, it's suffocating. Natalie was the first one to inspire me to be who I am as a person and as a dancer. She has taught me to value myself and the movement I create, while always pushing the boundaries of the movement and the emotions that come with it. She creates a safe space for all of us to improve our craft without judgment, and I can truly say, I have never felt more loved and accepted then when I am working with her. I'm finally able to breathe, and I have Natalie to thank for that.
— Haley
Working with Natalie is such an incredibly unique experience because her process is so organic and authentic. She allows the piece to grow from its original state into a work of art which provides dancers with an opportunity to share their own personal story while still connecting as a whole group. There are not enough words to describe how much of an impact Natalie has had on my life: she has inspired so many individuals to embrace every single part of themselves and to use their voice to speak their own truth. She encourages us to be human beings before dancers and this adds so much authenticity into her already evocative movement. Being able to experience all these vulnerable moments in such a safe space is truly a gift and I will forever cherish the moments I am able to work with Natalie and all these beautiful dancers.
— Isabel