The starting out of a dancer's life (Unit 06)

Summary

Natalie Andrew, a professional dancer based in London, shares her inspiring journey in the world of dance. From starting ballet at age four to pursuing a career in theater, she worked hard to land a role in London’s West End and film projects like *Mamma Mia*. Despite the challenges of long hours, injury concerns, and financial instability, Natalie persevered through the ups and downs of the industry. Her dedication led her to unforgettable experiences, including performing in iconic productions and gaining invaluable insights into the art of dance and performance.

Takeaways

• 💃 Natalie Andrew is a professional dancer working in theater, film, and television, currently based in London.
• 🌍 She works in the West End, which attracts audiences from all over the world to watch musicals.
• 👶 Natalie started dancing at the age of four, beginning with ballet and attending lessons three times a week.
• ⏳ Although she considered quitting at age 10, her parents encouraged her to continue dancing, which she is now grateful for.
• 🎓 She decided to pursue a professional dancing career at 18, after completing her A-level exams.
• 🏫 Natalie studied theater and dance at a London dance college for three years, learning multiple dance styles as well as singing and acting.
• 💼 Her first professional dance job was in a Christmas show called Jack and the Beanstalk in Colchester, England, earning £300 a week.
• 🤕 Life as a professional dancer is challenging, with long hours, strict fitness and diet requirements, and the risk of injuries affecting employment.
• 🎥 Natalie worked as a dancer in the film Mamma Mia in 2007, which was filmed at Pinewood Studios near London, featuring both British and American actors.
• 🎭 In 2009, she performed in the West End theater production of Mamma Mia, her favorite dancing job, performing alongside over 30 actors and dancers in a show seen by hundreds of thousands of people annually.
• 💰 When not performing, Natalie sometimes works in shops or as a waitress to manage financial concerns.

Q & A

What is Natalie Andrew's profession?

Natalie Andrew is a professional dancer who performs in theater shows, films, and television programs.

Where does Natalie currently live and work?

Natalie currently lives in London and works in a theater in the West End.

What type of dancing did Natalie first start with?

Natalie first started with ballet when she was four years old.

Why did Natalie almost stop dancing when she was 10?

Natalie wanted to stop dancing at age 10 because she didn't like her teacher, but her parents encouraged her to continue.

When did Natalie decide to pursue dancing professionally?

Natalie decided to become a professional dancer at 18, after completing her A-level exams.

What kind of training did Natalie undergo at dance college?

Natalie studied various dance styles including tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, singing, and acting for three years at a dance college in London.

What was Natalie's first professional dancing job?

Natalie's first professional job was in a Christmas show called 'Jack and the Beanstalk' in Colchester, England.

What were some of the challenges Natalie faced in her dancing career?

Some challenges Natalie faces include long working hours, physical exhaustion, worrying about her diet and injuries, as well as times when she struggles to find a job.

What was Natalie’s role in the film 'Mamma Mia'?

Natalie worked as a dancer in the film 'Mamma Mia', which was filmed at Pinewood Studios near London.

How long did Natalie work in the West End production of 'Mamma Mia'?

Natalie worked in the West End production of 'Mamma Mia' for one year, and it was her favorite dancing job.