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Israel's Top Belly Dancer, Nataly Hay

1/2/2017

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Nataly Hay is a belly dancer and performer well-known in her home country of Israel for her rare talent and charisma. According to Israeli TV producer, Gilad Malkin, Hay is “the top dancer in Israel,” and “knows how to work with the camera and has a flawless beauty on the TV screen.” 


Called “sensual and captivating” by Stephen Watkins, the manager and deejay of musical group, Juno Reactor, Hay has built upon her diverse dance training and abilities in belly dance, theatrical and latin dance to develop her own unique and versatile style.


Hay talks about the high points of her illustrious career, her international travels and what dance means to her, personally.




How did you get started in dance? 


I started dancing when I was 3 years old and as a kid learned ballet, jazz, tap, modern dance, contemporary, hip hop, salsa and more. At the age of 16 I went to a bellydance class for the first time in my life and fell in love. One month after I started going to classes, I became an instructor myself.


What have been the highlights- the top moments - of your career to date?


I was invited to perform in front of 100,000 people in a live show in Budapest, Hungary a couple of months ago as a part of the international tour of Juno Reactor [a trance-oriental music group]. Another big moment for me was when my dance video on Youtube became international and reached over to 20,000,000 views. The thought that I make people smile and happy by my art is the best feeling I can ask for.


You've been fortunate to travel in your work as a dancer. Do you enjoy traveling? 


Traveling around the world is a dream come true for me. The best part is certainly the moments on stage and expanding my knowledge of different cultures, traditions, food, places and especially getting to know new friends around the world. I am lucky but I do find myself sometimes just wanting to be in my bed at home. I miss my friends and students but especially I miss my family. At the end of the day it is the best experience I can ever have and it makes me stronger.


What is the hardest part about being a dancer? 


Preserving my name and recognition as a top bellydancer around the world requires 6-8 hours a day of dancing and practicing, eating healthfully, keeping my body in shape and thinking all the time about new ideas, choreographies and costumes. It is a hard work but at the end of the day, I thank god for the gift and the opportunity to share my talent and do what i love.


What important lesson have you learned in your career?


First of all you have to believe in yourself; you have to be confident in what you do, to listen to your heart and follow that. I also believe in giving back and being positive. Try to be happy with what you have and appreciate it. This attitude keeps you from spending energy on negative issues and you will always have good people around you.




Can you think of a time dance has helped you through a tough time?


My dad died couple of months ago and I was so sad that I couldn't dance for about a month, the first dance after this month was, for me, the most powerful dance I have had for a very long time. I was crying during the dance and felt like flying in the space. I let myself improvise and express all my feelings through my body movements. It was really sad and amazing at the same time and helped me release a lot of sadness that I kept inside.


What do you wish more people knew about bellydancing?


Bellydance is a very feminine dance that came from the middle east, mainly from Egypt, and began as a way to help pregnant women. Women used hips movements as exercises to ease the pain of the birth process. Bellydancing is all about release, the body, the hips and the soul.


If you didn't dance what would you do or love to do instead?


I have BA in business administration majoring in marketing, an MBA majoring in finance and banking risk focus, an Arabic and communication diploma and body language and interpersonal communication certificate in addition to my dance diplomas. However, I actually do not even think about it. All my life I have been dancing. If I were not, I would probably be involved in music, productions or sports.


What are you looking forward in the new year?


I am looking forward to sharing my talent, performing and teaching in more places around the world.


What is the most rewarding thing about your work as a performer?


The moments on stage, the feeling afterwards, the love of the audience, the feedback and the ability to expose more and more people to this beautiful art are the most rewarding things. 



See more of Nataly Hay’s incredible dancing at her website or YouTube channel which has 17K subscribers.

​
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From Stage To Screen Navid Charkhi Is A Dancer Who Does It All

11/16/2016

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At 15 years old, Navid Charkhi took a high school dance class. Born in Iran, the Canadian dancer grew up watching live performances by Michael Jackson on television and emulating the pop singer’s signature moves. With formal training, Charkhi soon fell in love with the art of dance and went on to join award-winning competitive dance crews in Vancouver, eventually taking his career to the next level with professional film, television and live performances. The support of his parents has been essential in his climb to the top.

“Every parent wants their kid to become the doctor or dentist, or something. It was hard for my parents to understand my interest in a performance career at the start but they saw my hard work and how much passion I have for the art of dance and, of course, that I was earning an income,” Charkhi adds.

Working with some of the best dancers, choreographers and directors in the business, Charkhi watches closely and learns from each new person he encounters, gaining inspiration to keep pushing and achieving his goals in this profession. As a result, those who work with him immediately recognize Charkhi’s abilities, talent, and drive.

Famed director and co-choreographer of the High School Musical films, Kenny Ortega was impressed with the talent and skill Charkhi showed recently on the set of Descendants 2. 

“Navid’s natural instincts performing complex dance moves as a principal dancer made him an irreplaceable asset to the film,” Ortega says. 

Co-choreographer on the film, Tony Testa agrees that Charkhi brings value to the movie and its producers.

“[Charkhi] is able to instantly adapt to any type of dance depending on the style of the production, which,” Testa explains, “is an extremely important characteristic for a Descendants 2 dancer to have.”

This versatility and ability to rise to any challenge have made Charkhi a standout during auditions and production, leading often to his promotion as a leader on film and television projects. Ron Oliver, an Emmy-nominated director who worked with Charkhi on Mostly Ghostly 3, mentions quickly assigning him to work as assistant to the choreographer, Richard O’Sullivan. Charkhi collaborated with O’Sullivan to create the movie’s choreography in just three days.

“Working under such pressure did not faze Navid,” recalls Oliver. “In fact, he welcomed these obstacles and dealt with them with incredible ease by having the entire dance scene completed in less than two days.”

Charkhi, who specializes in Urban Hip-Hop, has trained in Jazz, Contemporary, Popping, and other styles. His talents are not limited to the screen, however. They’re not even limited to dance.

Having received his license in pastry arts, Charkhi is also a remarkable baker, using his creativity to plate desserts, build and decorate wedding cakes, and sculpt chocolate. If his still young career in the movie business were not skyrocketing, Charkhi says he would probably own a food truck highlighting the most important portion of any meal– dessert.

Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately for anyone with a sweet tooth, Charkhi has been unstoppable as a dance talent in the industry. He’s successful as a live performer as well, appearing in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Opening Ceremony and with Vancouver’s finest Urban dance talent in Urban Alchemy. Most recently, Charkhi collaborated on a contemporary dance project choreographed by Heather Laura Gray called The Tunnel. Performing live is very different from dance for camera.

“When you’re in front of the camera you can cut as many times and capture the best parts of the performance,” Charkhi shares. “When performing live, you only have one chance to send your message out there. The process was longer for The Tunnel but the thrill and the reviews we got were amazing.”

The most rewarding part of such a performance, according to Charkhi, is that it allows him to grow and stretch himself as a dancer. Gray witnessed this process first-hand and describes evidence of Charkhi’s ability to tap into his creativity and make great artistic choices.

“Navid is a very open person and that makes him extremely easy to work with. Any tasks that were given, even if it was something new, he would fully commit and not let fear take over,” she remarks.

Gray also mentions that Charkhi’s energy behind-the-scenes makes him a skilled and effective collaborator.

“You can tell he values working with people to create the best outcome possible, it is not just a solo venture for him.”

In this spirit, Charkhi is quick to credit his teachers and mentors for helping him keep his feet amidst the challenges of a thriving and diverse career in entertainment. It’s not easy doing it all but Charkhi gives insight into what keeps his passion alive.

“I believe if you focus on something that you really love to do, it will take you far in life and keep you and everyone around you happy. I love to perform,” he declares.

That love is obvious judging by Charkhi’s stage and screen successes so far and this dancer on the rise is just getting warmed up.

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An Interview with One of Canada's Brightest Talents: Tate McRae

11/17/2015

 
PictureTate McRae shot by Nicole Hudson
Canada's Tate McRae is an undeniable triple threat whose talent as an actress, dancer and singer is beyond astonishing, and she's not even a teenager yet. McRae began her career in the spotlight as a dancer at the age of 6, and since then her ability to command the stage and her audiences' attention has led her around the world performing in a long list of shows and competitions.

The extraordinarily talented performer won the Junior Best Dancer Award at the 2015 Dance Awards in NYC in July, and was also named the Silver Medal Solo Winner at the YGAP NYC Finals in April. She is also one of a select few of Capezio's sponsored dancers!
 
Her skill as a dancer undoubtedly helped put her on the map in the highly competitive entertainment world, but it's the vast nature of her talent that has propelled her to the top of the industry in such a short amount of time.
 
Over the last few years McRae has acted in several television and film productions as the voice of the character Spot Splatter Splash in the hit series Lalaloopsy, the film Lalaloopsy: The Big Show and the video Lalaloopsy: Band Together, and Princess Nutmeg in the 2013 video Lala-Oopsies: A Sew Magical Tale.
 
It doesn't hurt that McRae is also incredibly cute. The way that she is able to work her magic on the camera has been a major factor for her gaining traction in the modeling world. Over the years she's been featured in Dance Spirit Magazine, as well as print ads for clothing companies including Capezio, Miss Behave Girls, Schatzi, Twear, and more.
 
To find out more about this phenomenal performer make sure to check out our interview below. You can also find out more about Tate McRae through her website: http://www.tatemcrae.com/
 
Where are you from and how old are you?
 
TM: I am from Calgary, Canada and I'm 12 years old.
 
When and how did you get into acting?
 
TM: I got into acting through my dancing and singing. I love musical theater and had to learn to develop characters for my songs. Then, the same day I got an agent I booked a job doing voice overs for the show Lalaloopsy!
 
What is it like having such a successful career at such a young age?
 
TM: I do not really think of myself as having a career yet. I am learning and getting amazing opportunities that I can hopefully turn into a career when I am older!
 
Can you tell us a little bit about some of the television shows you've been in?
 
TM: I was in 17 Episodes of the show Lalaloopsy where I play Spot Splatter Splash. I also played Spot Splatter Splash in the video Lalaloopsy: Band Together and Lalaloopsy Ponies: The Big Show.
 
I loved playing Spot! She was carefree and creative and had a lot of energy. It was so fun! Spot was one of the main characters so I had a lot of lines. It is hard recording voice-overs. You are the only one in the recording booth and there are lots of people online from the states directing you. I usually got a 30-page script 1 to 2 days before we recorded, so you have to go through it and figure out how your expression is going to be. A few times I had to play 2 characters in one episode. So I had to sound different. In one I had to sing badly as Spot and then have a beautiful voice as Harmony.
 
I also played Nutmeg in the video Lala-Oopsies: A Sew Magical Tale and Holly Sleighbells in the episode of the Lalaloopsy series It’s A Wrap.
 
I played Harmony in the Lalaloopsy DS Game. It was so fun recording this, but even more fun playing the game and hearing your voice!
 
You get approached all the time to work on projects with people, what makes you pick one role over another?
 
TM: Sometimes it is timing. I still go to school full time and attend a professional ballet school. Those are important to me and sometimes I just cannot miss too much time there.
 
Have you done any theatre productions yet?
 
TM: I was in "Camp Rock The Musical" when I was 8 and loved the experience.
 
Is it overwhelming at times to be receiving so much recognition for your work so early on? How do you balance being a kid with having a career?
 
TM: Not really, I love everything I do and I believe it is important to stay grounded and appreciate every opportunity. I know that there are many talented kids out there and as many jobs as you may book, there are even more you get turned down for. Even in my spare time I chose to do something that has to do with the arts. I am always singing or dancing around or listening to music! I have been like that since I was a little girl. Even before I took lessons I was always putting on shows!
 
What has been your favorite role so far and why?
 
TM: My favorite role was Harmony, because I got to combine my singing and my acting in one! It was so fun.
 
Which actors do you look up to, and why?
 
TM: I really look up to a lot of actors. I like Angelina Jolie, just because she is so good in so many different roles and is so versatile! I also love Shay Mitchell. She does so many different TV and movie roles and is quite young and also has a great personality off screen. Blake Lively is also amazing! She is so classy and beautiful on screen!
 
What separates you from other actors?
 
TM: I think what separates me is that I am a dancer and a singer also. I’m always performing and incorporating my other passions into my acting. I feel that dancing, singing, and acting define me as a person.
 
 When did you first begin dancing?
 
TM: I first began when I was 6... I was not really serious about it until I was 8. That is when I decided that I loved it and wanted to take it to the next level.
 
How has dancing helped you in your career as an actor?
 
TM: Dancing has helped me with my career as an actor because I have made so many more connections through dance. The 2 worlds really do cross over. Dance has given me lots of confidence and has made me really comfortable performing. I do not get nervous when I am asked to recite lines or play a character.
 
Can you list some of the people you’ve worked with that our readers might know?
 
TM: I have mainly worked with big names in the dance industry. Travis Wall from Shaping Sound and So You Think You Can Dance, who just won an Emmy. I have assisted his classes many times. I also love working with Will Lofts who is in Teen Beach Movie. He gives me lots of advice on what I should do and how I can become more versatile! Blake McGarth recently choreographed a video for the band Walk Off The Earth, where I was a lead dancer. He is a huge supporter of mine. He is also a singer and has been on some TV shows so he's a great connection for me to have!

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Tate McRae (left) and Myles Erlick (right) rehearsing for the Walk Off The Earth music video for 'Rule the World'

​What projects do you have coming up, or have you recently finished filming? 
 
TM: I am currently working on a video series that is incorporating my dancing and acting. I recently filmed “Downtown,” a hip-hop video with Jake McWilliams the CEO of Dance Studio Heroes. I have also recently finished a video called “Stranded,” which incorporated my dancing and acting, and was produced by Jayna Photography in NYC. I will be releasing a new one shortly. I am also releasing an Ebook in the New Year.
 
What kind of training have you done?
 
TM: I have trained in all forms of dance-- jazz, tap, contemporary, classical, pointe, and musical theater, and taken voice training for classical, pop and musical theater, as well some acting and improvisation classes.
 
Why are you passionate about acting?
 
TM: I love expressing myself in any way! When I am dancing I am acting, when I am singing I am acting. Everything I do seems to bring out my acting!
 
If you weren't an actor, what other profession do you think you would like to have in the future?
 
TM: I would either like to be a professional singer or dancer!
 
What are your hobbies outside of performing?
 
TM: I do not have a lot of time outside all of my performing classes and school, but I do love to hang out with my family and friends and watch movies. I also like to write songs and make videos in my free time... In the summer I like to go to the lake and wake surf!
 
You've also had a lot of success as a model and commercial actress, can you tell us about some of the projects you've done in these fields so far?
 
TM: I have modeled for a few lines. My first one was a clothing line called Schatzi. That is when I knew I loved the camera! I have also modeled for Capezio, Miss Behave Girls and the dance clothing companies Twear and Triple Flip.
 ​

Diversely Talented Polish Actress Diana Matlak

9/22/2015

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PictureDiana Matlak shot by Deidhra Fahey
As an actress Diana Matlak has found the perfect place to display her wide range of talents through her work as a multifaceted performer on both the stage and screen. 

At the age of six Matlak, who is originally from Poland, began training as a dancer, an area of performance that she devoted herself to for more than a decade going on to compete at the professional level in the highest international class S in Latin dance. A tough competitor whose been judged by the best in the industry, Matlak found her self at home on the stage. 

Endowed with a magnetic presence that was too strong for anyone to deny, Matlak's electric stage presence has carried over to her acting career and has helped make her a sought after talent for high-profile film and theatrical productions. To put it simply, she is the kind of actress that is hard to turn away from whenever she's on screen.

Matlak recently finished filming Coincidental Romance from director Joseph Brandon where she starred alongside Eva Garcia Luna (Ni aquí, ni allá, Solidarity), Fiammetta Cavatorta (Blood Bath, Neshima) and Owen Martin (Star Trek, Leverage, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, Nobodies). 

In the film, which is currently in post-production and is slated to hit the festival circuit next year, Matlak took on the starring role of Hanna, a heartbroken ballroom dancer who struggles to push past the pain of a recent breakup.

"This role was very challenging, because the character was very similar to me," recalls Matlak. "Even though the character and myself had a lot of in common, Hannah is a different person, she's not me, so I remember when I was preparing for the role, I had to find Hanna's motivation and objective in life."

Matlak's propensity for drama compounded by her ability to immerse herself in dynamic and challenging roles has been a huge draw factor for directors like Yining Yan who cast her in the role of Lady in Red in his film Stay earlier this year.

Starring alongside Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Award winning actress Liang Zhao (Dancing for You), Matlak's character finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and is forced to deal with the consequences. After leaving her apartment for an unplanned outing she is faced with the overwhelming experience of witnessing her neighbor get shot by a ruthless drug dealer.

"She tries to help him as much as she can, but it's too late. Even though it isn’t her fault she feels guilty that she can't save him," explains Matlak. "I think this character is an example of the fact that sometimes, as humans, we are powerless and it really doesn’t matter how much we try, some things just can’t be fixed."

Stay received the award for Best Micro Film at the 2015 Indie Gathering International Film Festival, in addition to being chosen as an Official Selection of the Pittsburg Independent Film Festival where it screened in June, and the 2015 Columbia Gorge International Film Festival.​

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Diana Matlak at the HollyShorts Film Festival
​Back home in Poland, the actress landed one of her earliest roles on screen on the hit medical drama TV series Na dobre i na zle aka For Better and For Worse. The series, which continues to be the longest running Polish primetime dramas, received the Telekamery Award, the most prestigious award given in the Polish entertainment industry, from 2001 to 2003.

A true polyglot, Matlak speaks English, Polish, German and basic Russian, an impressive range of linguistic abilities that have allowed her to take on leading roles in projects from filmmakers from around the world.

While Matlak definitely has a look casting directors are after for a variety of roles, the multifarious nature of her abilities, which include being a professional fitness, aqua aerobics and snowboard instructor, a competitive downhill skier and of course, a professional dancer, have all combined to set her apart from other actors in the industry. Beyond this, she is also trained in stage combat.

As Diana Matlak continues to land leading roles in a plethora of productions, having shot more than eight films this year alone, audiences around the world will definitely want to keep their eyes out for this multitalented actress. ​
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One of the Toughest Competitors in Irish Dance, Taylor Reardigan

10/27/2014

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Irish Dancer Taylor Reardigan

Born in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, Taylor Reardigan discovered her love for Irish dancing as a wee toddler. By the age of 6 she was training with the renowned Mattierin School of Irish Dancing in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where she would spend the next 10 years of her life training for several hours a day, five days a week.

When considering Taylor Reardigan’s extreme dedication for the sport at such a young age one might assume that becoming a professional Irish dancer was always one of her goals, but the truth is, her passion for the sport was sparked by something much more organic, true love.

“I was too young to know that I could do something with it professionally, but what I do know is that I fell in love with it and that I wanted to do it for the rest of my life,” says Reardigan.

By the age of 14 Reardigan had already made it to most difficult competition in Irish dance, the World Irish Dancing Championships, a competition that is so distinguished that only 1 % of Irish dancers in the world have the opportunity to compete.

“My favorite thing I’ve done as a dancer has been going to the World Irish Dancing championships. An Irish dancer works ridiculously hard to make it to the world championships and to have all my hard work finally pay off was the most amazing feeling in the world,” says Reardigan.

Over the course of her career as an Irish dancer, Reardigan has travelled across the globe to Ireland, Scotland, London, Vancouver, Toronto, Nashville, Florida, Kelowna, Edmonton, California, Saskatoon, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Boston as an Irish dance competitor.

Her ability to conquer both the soft and hard shoe dances with unbelievable grace, accuracy and speed make her a challenging opponent for the world’s top Irish dancers. Over the years Reardigan has garnered multiple awards, among the most notable are the awards for 13th at the World Irish Dancing Championships in Belfast, Ireland and 15th at the World Irish Dancing championships Glasgow, Scotland. She also received several first place awards in national championships, which landed her a competing spot in the open championships, which is the highest level an Irish dance can compete at. Reardigan received the award for 1st place and the title of preliminary champion for the soft shoe dance at the 2008 Comerford Feile na Nollaig competition in Palm Springs, California.

“When I placed 1st in Palm Springs that was a very exciting win because it was my last first place I needed to receive to make it to the highest level of Irish dancing which is called the open championships,” said Reardigan.

Not only did the award secure her spot in the open championships, but it also allowed her to compete at the World Championships of Irish Dance the following year, and put her on everyone’s radar as one of the toughest competitors in Irish dance.


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