Raks Star - Raks Star * Nathalie

Have you ever watched a flame on a long burning candle?  Have you watched how it sways gracefully, grows in intensity to leap out from its base, but then begins the slow dance and sway again?  It changes in color with the intensity of the flame; the softer colors of white to golden and the intensity of orange to red and then as the red becomes the passion of violet/blue – in what seems like a small fireworks display.  And there is no doubt, Florida’s dynamo “Nathalie” is all that, a fiery, dynamic, firecracker of a dancer.  

Nathalie won my dance heart the moment I laid eyes on her.  After conversations with her about our dance art and its direction, it renewed my faith in our young dancers who study with the intensity she does - and then she won my dance “teaching” heart.  Her desire to present our dance in a beautiful, elegant environment, with respect and dignity speaks volumes.  She has done just this with the creation of The Miami Bellydance Convention and Competition and DreamsBellyDance Productions.  She has successfully produced a DVD and the e-book “Belly Dance Secrets Revealed”, which is a powerful tool for dancers. 

Nathalie continues her growth as one of the Rak Stars of Oriental Dance Art and I am delighted to be able to offer you a glimpse of her passion and love for the dance art she holds so dear to her own heart.  Keep your eyes peeled to her calendar as she continues to bring the dance world and general public a delightful dance experience.

Side Note:  The 2009 Miami Bellydance Convention will be held September 4th – 7th (Labor Day Weekend) in Miami, Florida.  Go to MBC for more information.

About Nathalie...

Nathalie was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in February 1983. She began her dance training at the young age of 4. Nathalie studied ballet, jazz, tango, Argentinean Folk, Flamenco, and ice-skating. From an early age, Nathalie found her passion among artists, music, and dance. She found herself delighted by Middle Eastern dance and culture at the age of 14, while attending the number one school of Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Becoming a well-rounded and gifted dancer, Nathalie is known for her grace, fluidity and precision. At the age of 16 she decided to move to the United States to pursue her dance career. While working in other aspects of her life in the US, Nathalie couldn’t help the urge to keep growing as a dancer. She decided to attend the well-known South Florida belly dance school “The Middle Eastern Dance Exchange” founded by world-renowned dance instructor, Tamalyn Dallal.

After studying with Tamalyn Dallal, Nathalie started taking classes and seminars with some of the country's most established and respected Belly Dance Instructors such as, Bozenka, Virginia, Yousri Sharif, Amar Gamal, and Suhaila Salimpour.

As her dance education expanded, Nathalie became one of South Florida’s acclaimed performers. Always inspired by her classical ballet training and her Argentinean roots, Nathalie always finds the opportunity to take classes by dancers who have inspired her since the beginning of her career such as, Saida, Amir Thaleb, Yousef Constantino, and Yamil Annum from Argentina.

With her beautiful, soulful, and passionate style, at the age of 19, Nathalie started teaching belly dance classes locally. After receiving so much love and dedication from her students, she decided to create and produce her own dance production. In 2002 Nathalie organized her first dance production and called it DreamsBellydance. Since then, DreamsBellydance productions have grown immensely, providing quality and high scale productions. Nathalie and her dance team are one of South Florida's favorites.

Nathalie’s unique style blends classical dance with modern techniques that make her dance remarkable, soulful and dynamic.

Living in the United States has given Nathalie incredible opportunities, for which she feels blessed and grateful. She has excelled as a professional, and has earned impressive credentials in this art form. She was the second runner up in The Miss Bellydance USA Competition 2004, in Portland Oregon, and in 2006 she was selected by the Bellydance Superstars in the auditions held in Miami, Florida.

Nathalie traveled to LA to learn the choreographies under the instruction of master choreographer, Jillina. After coming back from the training, unfortunately Nathalie was not taken as part of the troupe. However, she feels that everything in life is a learning experience, and each day is a growing point for her. She feels blessed to be where she is right now.

Between the years of 2005 and 2006 Nathalie was also selected to be the opening act for famous Lebanese singer Melhem Barakat and Wael Kfoury in their concert in South Florida. She was also fortunate to perform with the Gypsy Kings in a private event in Miami.

Nathalie was featured in many music videos and television shows such as, Timberland’s Music Video (Indian Flute), R- Kelly’s Music video (Whine for me), MTV music Award 2005, Opening Act for the Cirque du Soleil “KA” in Las Vegas, and Fox Sports awards.

She has also performed for many celebrities like the basketball player Shaquiel O’Neil, Spanish singer Gloria Stefan, music producer Emilio Stefan, Jason Taylor from the Miami Dolphins, rapper Method Man, Alonzo Mourning from the Miami Heat, and many more.

In 2008, Nathalie continues to grow personally and professionally. With only months to graduate with an Associates in Business Administration from the American Intercontinental University of South Florida, Nathalie plans to continue her studies to keep growing in this industry.

Recently, Nathalie brought to the South Florida community the first ever Miami Bellydance Convention, held at the Intercontinental Hotel on Labor Day weekend. Bringing more than 18 instructors from around the globe, Nathalie worked very hard to put this festival together. Succeeding with her goals, more than 2,000 people attended this event throughout the weekend from all over the world.

Today, Nathalie is making her mark in the Belly Dance world, and will continue for years to come.