https://nataliemakardish.com/home daily 1.0 2025-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1588299700878-Y7GQG0FS7WNF159F0II9/IMG_6006.JPG Home - MY HEART WORK: PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH My heart work integrates mental and physical health, as I practice as a mental health practitioner, fitness instructor and dance educator. Along with being the founder of Fit Flow Fusion, I instruct private and group yoga, barre, mat Pilates and reformer Pilates sessions. Come and take one of the fun and invigorating classes in Orange County. I also teach dance technique and performance! I offer dance choreography and private instruction. In addition, I provide mental health coaching. Learn more about my therapeutic approach to mental health and resources I recommend for support. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1570832262674-Z7E22JQERBYZ1NLMZ28J/natalie+website12.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1580767994227-FKNRS6TT2T4MN9QK11Q0/natalie+website14.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1586748370439-1S9HXALA3J8SH8RHC87J/IMG_6006.JPG Home https://nataliemakardish.com/mentalhealth daily 0.75 2019-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1568513095242-X2UC51HUOBYW7OQAZBO0/image-asset.jpeg Mental Health https://nataliemakardish.com/physicalhealth daily 0.75 2019-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1568515429210-MI9USNRGG12CNFNWJLTC/D1582A00-E5C4-4A3C-B966-052F214E4892.JPEG Physical Health https://nataliemakardish.com/classes daily 0.75 2025-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/cec23557-e656-40b0-9455-1613df20022c/SJZ_8569.jpg Physical Health - TESTIMONIALS Natalie’s classes are a great way to start my day! Her classes are challenging! Music is great! Her professional keen eye’s watch our every move to make sure (we) / I don’t cause any injury or strain to my body. I love her classes ! Natalie, You're a special woman and a gift to many! — MARY K. Last night's yoga class so good; it should be copyrighted :-) Thanks for constantly giving John and I an hour of mindful reconnect to our bodies and soul. You love what you do, indeed. By the way, playlist rocked! — CARMINA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/6197175a-f533-4e98-8118-0de9a667f52a/SJZ_8748.jpg Physical Health - TESTIMONIALS Hey Natalie! I'm so grateful to have met you and to be in your class! You are clearly an enlightened soul whose energy illuminates the whole room while you kick our ass! It feels like each and every class I take from you is an Epic Journey and when I'm finished I feel like a true heroine for making it through. The Buzz in the locker room after your class is amazing--,everyone talking about how great that was and ‘oh wow man today was fucking awesome!’ Yes Devil Woman, some say you are. I was wondering at the end of class the other day while you were up front and talking softly to us with the purple light shining down on you, what galaxy is she from?... I'm frustrated that I can't do your Fit Flow Fusion class on a regular basis because of my Achilles,-- cuz it's absolutely hands down my favorite class, and you ARE my favorite teacher. So for now, I will look forward to every yoga class you teach and maybe hobbling in for some Fit Flow Fusion when I can. See you in class! — Polla https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/2cdacdc7-b45f-4b0a-91d1-a477c37776b7/SJZ_8754.jpg Physical Health - TESTIMONIALS I just want to say that I greatly enjoy your class & teaching style! I was a survivor of the Tubbs fire 2 years ago and all of the recent fires have stirred up a bunch of feelings & emotions. Your class allowed me to get out of my head and be in the moment! I love your playlists too! SHELBY M. Natalie, That was an amazing class! I am new to the studio but have been practicing Bikram for 18 years. Perfect class for a weary Thursday evening crowd- relaxing, invigorating, but still makes you work hard. Love, love, love your music choices and your very calming voice and limited dialogue. See you next Thursday! — TEHANI https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/d5773758-b932-4d36-8848-d50f473e29e1/equinox_logo.png+2.png Physical Health - Make it stand out ORANGE COUNTY VINYASA YOGA | PILATES | DANCE | CYCLE MESSAGE ME FOR A GUEST PASS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/19024524-86e3-4e0e-9033-8ff4044119b8/KBP_3251.jpg Physical Health - YOGA | PILATES BARRE | DANCE Providing sessions that focus on mindful movement and connecting breath with moving dynamic sequencing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/f09328ac-6f7b-41c9-80b8-4b49a241e8d3/IMG_1524+%286%29.jpg Physical Health - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://nataliemakardish.com/virtualmentalhealth daily 0.75 2025-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1590554768534-490Z54FNM1TVI8ER6JYC/image001.JPG Mental Health https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1583117246082-G3EIHZYBH1337PDBZX0A/nat+web6.jpg Mental Health - TESTIMONIALS Natalie is incredible! She’s really helped me make deeper connections between my eating disorder and other aspects of my life. I feel like when I leave sessions with her, I am instantly more relaxed and less anxious. I feel like I am making positive strides toward being the person I want to be, and Natalie has been invaluable in that process. Even just in the few weeks I’ve been seeing Natalie, I’ve noticed my symptoms becoming more manageable. She’s the best! — Evolve Wellness Client Natalie has supported me through multiple personal and family-related challenges with kindness and deep compassion. She’s an exceptional counselor, and an extraordinary human being. — Evolve Wellness Client Natalie was great and I feel like after having counseling with her, I was able to process everything that I needed to address. Feeling much better now. Lost all the weight that I had initially gained from overeating and am now focusing on health and feeling good. I feel so grateful for my time with her! 100% awesome. — Evolve Wellness Client https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1583116108095-8ITR7IC5Y43VDCKK0UGF/nat+web7.jpg Mental Health - depth psychology | sports psychology | dance movement therapy VIRTUAL MENTAL HEALTH https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1570825123478-75LPGSMSQPP97DOT8IX5/natalie+website21.jpg Mental Health https://nataliemakardish.com/contact daily 0.75 2023-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1583531871974-XCWANWJXZ3RBMCL9DWBD/nat+web13.jpg Contact - LET’S CONNECT… #feedingthestarvingartistfromwithin For private sessions, contact me. For group classes, check out my ‘classes’ page for more information and booking. Looking forward to hearing from you soon! Empoweredartiststudios@gmail.com In health, Natalie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/889e25af-cda2-44d8-bf53-eda36cd3ea3d/IMG_5203.JPG Contact - TESTIMONIAL Hi Natalie ~~ I wanted to say thank you for your influence you had in my life. I forgot how much I loved to dance until I took your class and it helped me reconnect with this body that I call home. A few years ago I suffered a physical attack that left me very detached and disconnected with my sense of self. A year ago, I began to dive into my mental healing, but I didn’t know how much physical healing I needed until I joined your class. It was the space I needed to heal and reclaim myself. I went from wanting to hide in my skin and not be seen to being this embodied/empowered goddess. I felt so free in your class and saw so many beautiful bodies moving in ways that brought freedom and change. I was able to dance through the pain and found liberation. I saw what my body could do and felt I danced that stagnation away. Hearing you giving words of encouragement and moving with us taught me I wasn’t in this journey alone and what this body could ACTUALLY do. Regardless where I am at in this world I know I will carry those lessons with me because you helped me feel like home in my body again and to dance/now confidently. I went from not wanting to be seen/be invisible to dancing in the front of class. Thank you for your vulnerability and being a teacher in my life. You inspired me to live my truth and raise my frequency. I move totally differently in my life and found how to dance with all movement in my life. It seems like words of gratitude may not be enough to properly express the happiness I’ve found, but I hope you know just the influence and impression you’re making in humans lives~ Thank you with all the dance and love in my heart!! Can’t wait to see the big things you’re going to do in your life and the lives of others! — Fit Flow Fusion Member https://nataliemakardish.com/dance daily 0.75 2025-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1586546297317-56X7ZQRNHSECXFROMZYF/IMG_5971.jpg New Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/44c9542b-326d-4681-b973-39475e12a77f/IMG_5315.JPG New Page - 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 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1586546212587-IWV1GX767OPBIU1RB34E/IMG_5970.JPG New Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1583119278627-XQZ90SIXPIRI1AVUIFF8/nat+web+4.jpg New Page - contemporary | MODERN | Ballet | JAZZ | tAP | musical theater | social DANCE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1583119114283-BEVXOESYCQ7JZWG6DF01/nat%2Bweb%2B11.jpg New Page - 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 https://nataliemakardish.com/fit-flow-fusion daily 0.75 2025-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1630122934617-77PHJSCRGJCG24FT2C45/66B78535-99B5-4F28-BA1B-3DDEC834E703.JPG Fit Flow Fusion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1630122907035-AKO5SW0ZK1QYSH8UTBGJ/61E24C35-749F-4993-B8A9-CD2F17D1D3FC.JPG Fit Flow Fusion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1586545944300-GK8J9898HHCVV777XNG4/18AA3C0E-009C-4A11-95C3-0081664B9E6B.jpg Fit Flow Fusion - Fun Fact: “According to The Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute, in a 2008 article in Scientific American magazine, a Columbia University neuroscientist posited that synchronizing music and movement—dance, essentially—constitutes a “pleasure double play.” Music stimulates the brain’s reward centers, while dance activates its sensory and motor circuits...improving brain health, memory and strengthening neuronal connections.” https://nataliemakardish.com/about daily 0.75 2025-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1583108446849-SUQUIPDM3J2CRACXS2OC/nat+web+1.jpg About - @EmpoweredArtist #feedingthestarvingartistfromwithin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/ccf221ba-870c-4c27-939c-b9709910ac10/IMG_5330.JPG About - TESTIMONIAL She asked how I was doing? Like, “really doing?” I said, “I’ve been really sensitive and emotional.” She said, “you mean, like wide open?” And after a few hours with her, “yes!” I guess that’s exactly what I meant. Natalie has been a friend of mine since she was hired at my sister’s dance school many years ago. She was new to my world, kind, and the kids loved her, my son loved her and little did I know how much I would grow to love her. But it didn't take long. I photographed her at the beach like 5 years or so ago in the fog and wind…. and it was that day, she became my “Muse.” I then photographed her wedding, well that's a whole other story of amazingness. Just find those pics and you will see for your self. . Her heart and soul exude from her smile, her, tone, her dance. She literally glows LOVE. . This last year was the hardest year I think I have ever been through. When my sister left her body last December, Natalie and her husband were there. I mean in the hospital room! With only a few of our family, and my sister's best friend. Many of us had said our goodbyes the night before. . But I couldn’t. I still can’t. . But I’ll never forget their presence, in her life, in that room, and in my life from that moment on. (BREATH) So Today… Back to today…. . Was Natalie's Day 1 of her business portrait and film. “A Tuesday afternoon in the life of Natalie.” and so on… but today is Day 1 . And I couldn't help it… I sobbed during her improve. I mean shaking inside, curling in a ball with memories of loss, sadness, cruelty and then rebuild! I’ll say it again…. And shout it…. . “REBUILD” . She dances with such intuition, and emotion. I can not wait to share what I witnessed. . Then she held me. And instead of turning away when I started to cry or shutting it down before it gets to be intense. She held me, and I let it out (or in, or both). I miss my sister beyond words, beyond tears, beyond sadness. I guess you can say…. I miss her to the point of GREATNESS! I must and will channel that love and beauty. And achieve GREATNESS! A true happiness and love for myself and help others do so as well. . Natalie, you are one of those humans that brings out the best IN ME! I only owe it to you to help you share your art, talents, and grace with others through my art. . Blessings my dear friend. https://nataliemakardish.com/resources daily 0.75 2024-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1572025846453-ZNUDV5QY3SJSOE5UQTY8/natalie+website+29.jpg RESOURCES - Eating Disorder Recovery Support EDRS, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote recovery and wellness for those impacted by eating disorders by providing support, information, and education to individuals, families, professionals, and the community at large regarding eating disorders and recovery resources. Check out their Facebook Page! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1571707532462-R58YPJGRH1ES4ZMCGL8Q/nat+nonprofit+6.JPG RESOURCES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1571707729444-CPGCZOPNQ5Q5TO8HX3XU/vat+nonprofit5.JPG RESOURCES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1571707638954-KCA5GA31YWZM118SA6KP/nat+nonprofit7.jpg RESOURCES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1571707756434-YYSUDEKM8M6TJ5GJDIAI/nat+nonprofit9.JPG RESOURCES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1571707771741-4QYJADFSJ50UJ67VRIQ9/nat+nonprofit4.JPG RESOURCES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1571707791392-GAJITZ140L0EFUND2VKD/nat+non-profit1.JPG RESOURCES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1615844978422-TPSO952H5FA6GZCL9MYA/scdu.png RESOURCES - Sonoma County Dancers United Sonoma County Dancers United (SCDU) is a local non-profit organization. Our mission is to work with dance studios, schools, and organizations to promote dance and provide free dance opportunities for children and teens in Sonoma County. SCDU believes everyone should have the opportunity to dance. We strive to make dance accessible to all youth in our community and increase opportunities for local dancers. Check out their Facebook Page! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/699f41a0-e17b-4d33-8f37-a7f732ad0b5a/SJZ_8793.jpg RESOURCES - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1572026870614-3GEDL59PYDCI9CKXUXB8/natalie+website+30.png RESOURCES - Dancing with ED Dancing with ED, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring all members of the dance community to love and care for their bodies through eating disorder awareness, outreach, and education. Check out their Facebook Page! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1615845649704-IORVBKSEG7SQX9RXZJYQ/Live+in+the+Mo+ment+%281%29.png RESOURCES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d7d8e374d179476b9cbe9c0/1571708843566-I8RQV5Y6B6NZOYJU67JA/nat%2Bnonprofit10.jpg RESOURCES - #feedingthestarvingartistfromwithin HEART-WORK