Monday, April 28, 2014
Answering the Retirement Rumours
"People have been asking me as of late when am I to perform again? There is no simple or easy answer to that question; I continue to tell myself ‘I will perform again when I am ready’? Now the question remains am I ever going to be ‘ready’ to dance again? The thought of leaving dance has never been an option for me as I will always be a dancer it has been a part of me since I was a young child, yet this latest experience has made me question the very essence of dance as an art and as a lifestyle. Some may call it the ‘Black Swan’ effect. I find myself asking the questions what is the purpose of pursuing ‘fame’ and ‘attention’ if there is nothing to fully show for it? Sure, the attention is nice but always there is something lacking in the atmosphere in the dance community where I am in currently. Dance has always been a beautiful form of communication and in past interviews I've expressed that I would ‘retire’ from burlesque once I felt burned out or if things progressed in my personal life to where I wanted to focus more on those things. My loved ones are important and dance will always be there for me never without a doubt in this, but was everything all worth it in the end? I don’t have any regrets and I am not ‘retiring’, I will perform burlesque again but it will be on my terms as it should always be. I want to be the sort of performer that I am enjoying my art I was being someone I wasn't and never felt comfortable. I’m not a hip hop person nor am I to be a marketing ploy for others. I am so grateful for the Pagers, Beliebers, Arianators who have been so incredibly supportive and I love them all from the bottom of my heart. So for now, I will continue to perform and enjoying these moments and however far it will take me.”
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Ready to Perform Again
After intentionally taking almost two months off from performing I am ready to get back into the swing of things as a burlesque performer. But, there are some things I would like to express in the meantime:
I only intend to do 2 shows a month 3 maximum and this is due to my other personal obligations
Please ensure there is security at venues and no not bodyguards etc that isn't necessarily but ensure that I and more importantly others feel safe attending the venue.
Tipping. I know some performers are big about audience members tipping, I look at it this way I am there to entertain the audience tipping is nice yes however I will not enforce tipping. I am performing and doing what I love yet if other performers should I participate in a show with require tipping please be respectful and tip them. They all work so hard on costuming, rehearsing, etc so please be respectful of each individual performer's requests
If you are looking just to see "boobs" or girls get naked, I am probably not the sort of performer you wish to see. I have no issues with nudity but I do not make that the center point of my performances. There is more to burlesque than just taking clothes off it is an art form and a way of entertaining the crowd it is the teasing and sadly previously, many have missed this point. Therefore, if you are familiar with my previous performances and troupe things will be hugely different.
Booking inquiries can be made at natalie_page@ymail.com for further information arrangements can be made via email or contact me via twitter @nataliepage13
I am open to travel occasionally depending on the show/venue as well who else performing with.
Bottom line, I think performing is all about having a great time on stage and entertaining the crowd this is what burlesque should be at least in my opinion.
xoxo
Natalie
I only intend to do 2 shows a month 3 maximum and this is due to my other personal obligations
Please ensure there is security at venues and no not bodyguards etc that isn't necessarily but ensure that I and more importantly others feel safe attending the venue.
Tipping. I know some performers are big about audience members tipping, I look at it this way I am there to entertain the audience tipping is nice yes however I will not enforce tipping. I am performing and doing what I love yet if other performers should I participate in a show with require tipping please be respectful and tip them. They all work so hard on costuming, rehearsing, etc so please be respectful of each individual performer's requests
If you are looking just to see "boobs" or girls get naked, I am probably not the sort of performer you wish to see. I have no issues with nudity but I do not make that the center point of my performances. There is more to burlesque than just taking clothes off it is an art form and a way of entertaining the crowd it is the teasing and sadly previously, many have missed this point. Therefore, if you are familiar with my previous performances and troupe things will be hugely different.
Booking inquiries can be made at natalie_page@ymail.com for further information arrangements can be made via email or contact me via twitter @nataliepage13
I am open to travel occasionally depending on the show/venue as well who else performing with.
Bottom line, I think performing is all about having a great time on stage and entertaining the crowd this is what burlesque should be at least in my opinion.
xoxo
Natalie
Friday, April 18, 2014
My Love/Hate Relationship with Burlesque
For quite some time now I had been debating with myself and others whether to respond in regards to everything that has happened in the last month and half. Sometimes, I feel with me ignoring things and what people say to me or about me and those close to me it gives them the initiative to take things further than necessary.
About a month and half ago now I left my burlesque troupe; honestly, it was not an easy decision because of all the issues involved but in actuality I knew it was something that would happen eventually. I was preparing myself for quite some time for the moment I would leave my troupe and despite how it appeared to the public it was not a happy or positive experience for me in the long run.
Ultimately, I left the troupe because of some things that were said. Granted, I made a comment on my own personal facebook account [which I am at liberty to do so] and it was in reference to no one in particular a general statement. Now, I know many talk about how people make vague statuses about people or will shade people, yet I am more of a direct person if there is something I need to say or express I will do so. One example is my closest friends and I will make inside jokes around Tori Amos lyrics it's been something we have done for as long as I have known them which is quite a long time.
Drama is not my thing. The friends I have and communicate with on facebook, twitter etc I have known for YEARS. I've always been the type of person to maintain friendships for an extremely long period of time...I don't friend hop or be friends with a person out of hype, never have and never will. So when someone asks me to "choose" between people I have known for years versus the troupe of course I am choosing my long term friends.
Wait, I digress [and this blog is a mess, apologies] When someone makes really inappropriate remarks about one of my friends who is one of the most talented, generous person I know of course my friends will take offense to it. My friends work just as hard as I do and they've accomplished a great deal and I could not be any more proud to say that these people inspire me and fuel my own creativity as an artist. They are also individuals I learn a great deal from. Naturally, my friends will defend one another just as I will defend my friends we have each other's back.
Now when a person is about 40 years old and sending threats and hate towards a person who is my age and younger it would make any sane person question the emotional maturity and sanity of that individual. I mean really, who does that? When you are almost 10-20 years older than us one would think that people emotionally mature but I have learned no they don't.
I am not writing this blog to bash one person or group but people need to take a look at their behaviour towards others and truly question if they are being good people when in fact they are not. What most people do not realise that the entire time I was in my troupe I have been sent threats, harassing messages from other performers both in my troupe and not in my troupe. I still continued to perform because if I stopped those who doubted me would win, those who sent me hate/threats would win. Maybe it is out of my own stubbornness who knows.
Another issue is my personal life and who I was supposedly "dating". For one, it is not for any of them to discuss who I am involved with romantically and I guess because I choreograph and performed to songs by a certain singer that means we're dating which isn't the case. I purposely avoided those questions because we should be focused on his music and we should be focused on me as an entertainer. If there is one thing I did learn from him was how to handle all of the negativity because he also receives so much and if anything he helped me to be strong in all of this. And maybe that is why he did cross my path because it was a way of helping me out as I do believe things happen for a reason and people come into our lives directly or indirectly. As we all know he is involved with someone and there is someone in my life. People are old enough to respect someone's privacy.
The last issue for me was mocking my family particularly my deceased family members. My Mum modeled and was a musician when she was younger, I am proud of that my big brother was in one of the top indie bands in the nation. So, this was something to mock which I failed to see the humour as did others.
In the end I am glad I am no longer a part of the troupe and it has made me question my role in burlesque scene and if I want to continue performing. Burlesque should be about women supporting one another as the entertainment business is difficult on us ladies as it is we shouldn't be insulting one another about their weight or looks, mocking their talents because I feel we're all talented in our own rights there is no need for all of the cattiness especially when burlesque draws an older crowd to it. Most young fan bases are far more mature than half of what I have seen in burlesque and I grew up in the industry.
I won't stop performing however; I do think I needed this time away to focus on myself and how I want to be portrayed as a performer personally and professionally. Also to work on some things in my personal life as want or hope that will be more settled. But once again I am taking things one day at a time and I feel more comfortable now than when I was with a troupe. Some people talked about how much I "sucked" as a performer but then again I was trying to be what other people wanted and not what suited me. I'm not a hip hop queen, I'm not ghetto, that is not even my culture. There isn't anything wrong with those things but that is not me nor who I am as a person.
In this short time I learned to be more comfortable with me as a person and what works for me artistically. So in the end no, none of my friends "ganged up and attacked someone" when in reality it was the opposite, my friends never messaged threats to anyone. I have had other performers get their "friends" to attack me via my personal facebook as well my friends. But really, can we stop all of this now? The Columbus Burlesque scene is not united no matter much we try to play that facade, in fact it couldn't be anymore divided. Yes, there is a "feud" going on but it is more one sided by one group of people than anything.
Yes, I will return to performing and it's because there have been some who have messaged me wanting me to come back, I've started my own troupe and realistically I know it will take some time to be fully functional and I am okay with that. I don't feel bullied or victimized, I think if anything people need to learn how to respect another person's personal boundaries. Period. End of story, we are too old to not know any better in all of this.
So if people want to be with me in making art great and if people want to spend their time gossiping, spreading rumours, hate and negativity that is all their choices in life. I am not going to say karma because you know that is the energy we put out there. People can do what they want. I'm just saying that people need to focus on their choices in life. At this point am I happy? Yes, I am very happy with my life both artistically and personally they can say whatever they want about me, because those who know me well enough would ask me first and that my dears is respect. People we should all try that once in a while.
About a month and half ago now I left my burlesque troupe; honestly, it was not an easy decision because of all the issues involved but in actuality I knew it was something that would happen eventually. I was preparing myself for quite some time for the moment I would leave my troupe and despite how it appeared to the public it was not a happy or positive experience for me in the long run.
Ultimately, I left the troupe because of some things that were said. Granted, I made a comment on my own personal facebook account [which I am at liberty to do so] and it was in reference to no one in particular a general statement. Now, I know many talk about how people make vague statuses about people or will shade people, yet I am more of a direct person if there is something I need to say or express I will do so. One example is my closest friends and I will make inside jokes around Tori Amos lyrics it's been something we have done for as long as I have known them which is quite a long time.
Drama is not my thing. The friends I have and communicate with on facebook, twitter etc I have known for YEARS. I've always been the type of person to maintain friendships for an extremely long period of time...I don't friend hop or be friends with a person out of hype, never have and never will. So when someone asks me to "choose" between people I have known for years versus the troupe of course I am choosing my long term friends.
Now when a person is about 40 years old and sending threats and hate towards a person who is my age and younger it would make any sane person question the emotional maturity and sanity of that individual. I mean really, who does that? When you are almost 10-20 years older than us one would think that people emotionally mature but I have learned no they don't.
I am not writing this blog to bash one person or group but people need to take a look at their behaviour towards others and truly question if they are being good people when in fact they are not. What most people do not realise that the entire time I was in my troupe I have been sent threats, harassing messages from other performers both in my troupe and not in my troupe. I still continued to perform because if I stopped those who doubted me would win, those who sent me hate/threats would win. Maybe it is out of my own stubbornness who knows.
Another issue is my personal life and who I was supposedly "dating". For one, it is not for any of them to discuss who I am involved with romantically and I guess because I choreograph and performed to songs by a certain singer that means we're dating which isn't the case. I purposely avoided those questions because we should be focused on his music and we should be focused on me as an entertainer. If there is one thing I did learn from him was how to handle all of the negativity because he also receives so much and if anything he helped me to be strong in all of this. And maybe that is why he did cross my path because it was a way of helping me out as I do believe things happen for a reason and people come into our lives directly or indirectly. As we all know he is involved with someone and there is someone in my life. People are old enough to respect someone's privacy.
The last issue for me was mocking my family particularly my deceased family members. My Mum modeled and was a musician when she was younger, I am proud of that my big brother was in one of the top indie bands in the nation. So, this was something to mock which I failed to see the humour as did others.
In the end I am glad I am no longer a part of the troupe and it has made me question my role in burlesque scene and if I want to continue performing. Burlesque should be about women supporting one another as the entertainment business is difficult on us ladies as it is we shouldn't be insulting one another about their weight or looks, mocking their talents because I feel we're all talented in our own rights there is no need for all of the cattiness especially when burlesque draws an older crowd to it. Most young fan bases are far more mature than half of what I have seen in burlesque and I grew up in the industry.
I won't stop performing however; I do think I needed this time away to focus on myself and how I want to be portrayed as a performer personally and professionally. Also to work on some things in my personal life as want or hope that will be more settled. But once again I am taking things one day at a time and I feel more comfortable now than when I was with a troupe. Some people talked about how much I "sucked" as a performer but then again I was trying to be what other people wanted and not what suited me. I'm not a hip hop queen, I'm not ghetto, that is not even my culture. There isn't anything wrong with those things but that is not me nor who I am as a person.
In this short time I learned to be more comfortable with me as a person and what works for me artistically. So in the end no, none of my friends "ganged up and attacked someone" when in reality it was the opposite, my friends never messaged threats to anyone. I have had other performers get their "friends" to attack me via my personal facebook as well my friends. But really, can we stop all of this now? The Columbus Burlesque scene is not united no matter much we try to play that facade, in fact it couldn't be anymore divided. Yes, there is a "feud" going on but it is more one sided by one group of people than anything.
Yes, I will return to performing and it's because there have been some who have messaged me wanting me to come back, I've started my own troupe and realistically I know it will take some time to be fully functional and I am okay with that. I don't feel bullied or victimized, I think if anything people need to learn how to respect another person's personal boundaries. Period. End of story, we are too old to not know any better in all of this.
So if people want to be with me in making art great and if people want to spend their time gossiping, spreading rumours, hate and negativity that is all their choices in life. I am not going to say karma because you know that is the energy we put out there. People can do what they want. I'm just saying that people need to focus on their choices in life. At this point am I happy? Yes, I am very happy with my life both artistically and personally they can say whatever they want about me, because those who know me well enough would ask me first and that my dears is respect. People we should all try that once in a while.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Just Reaching From Nowhere
How can I be telling you my thoughts my love?
When even I don't know what I'm thinking
How can I explain the way your eyes
Burn into my mind, my love
For when you talk to me
I'm blind 'cause you set me free
And you hold me and your fingers
Touching me
What if we decide to break these walls?
This from me, the builder
Can we give this love a fair chance?
And only cease when it fades
And when I see your face
Locked in my memory
And you hold me
And I'm giving up to you
Reaching from nowhere
Feeling for your hands
Screaming out your name
Nearing towards you
Reaching from nowhere
Feeling for your hands
Screaming out your name
Nearing towards you...
-Reaching From Nowhere
-Reaching From Nowhere
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
First Q & A as a Solo Performer
This is my very first Q & A after officially announcing the news I am now a solo artist. I want to thank everyone who has been a part in this amazing journey thus far even though it seems small to all who have and continue to believe in me it means more than anyone can imagine. I also want to thank for the help I received translating the wonderful questions from Brasil...love you guys nothing but love for Brasil. Eu te amo!!
Q: What instrument is your favorite to play or do you play one?
A: I play the piano but I am hoping to learn the acoustic guitar soon! I would love to play that much better.
Q: What age did you start modeling?
A: I started at 14. I did that for a few years then actually attended college; I recently went back to modeling/performing full time.
Q: Why did you decide to go solo?
A: It was a number of reasons. Given what the situation is I am trying to maintain a positive outlook and not "bash" anyone because truly that is not my thing. But overall, it was just a clash in personalities, outlook in the industry and the direction I wanted to take myself as a performer and ultimately a person. It just didn't match up with the group I was in. You know, that is okay but I know they have said some things about me but I also know my own truth and that is what matters.
Q: Alot of people and Pagers heard some the rumors about the departure what can you clear up?
A: Well, I think some people just believe that because they're in a position of "power" regardless what that they may be they're above everyone else. I have no regrets defending my loved ones they have been with me far longer and been way more supportive of me performing. If anything I refuse to associate with individuals who believe bullying is okay when really it isn't.That is not the sort of image I want for myself. Another issue is I just wasn't comfortable with who I was becoming as an artist and as a performer; people will try to tell you who you are and what you should be...should always remain true to yourself.
Q: What about all the conflicts we've been hearing about going on recently?
A: Once again, I try to avoid all "drama" but in the end I know realistically there are some people who thrive on it because otherwise they'd be irrelevant so and that's really sad. I've met some really talented people since being in this industry at 14 who either allow their personalities, people they're associated with or their insecurities ruin it. We're all human and no one is perfect but sometimes we tend to feed the negatives a little too much.
Q: Do you want to say anything about the comments or regrets?
A: I stood up for my close friends and family. I have absolutely no regrets. Also, my friends and relatives are grown adults I cannot control how other people will respond to things nor will I attempt to. People are responsible for themselves I cannot sit around and blame this person or that person. I did take offense to "taming my friends" however; they're not wild animals you do not "tame" them. Some would even suggest some racial innuendos there and not sure if to go that far but people assume my friends are African American when in reality they are Latina and I'm half Ukrainian and Native American so yea a lot of comments were very much taken out of contexts and uncalled for. I will say this, my friends didn't "gang up" on anyone better yet they never even used profanity towards anyone compared to what others have said so that goes to show what is what.
Q: You don't speak on it a lot but what about race and being in burlesque and modeling in general?
A: Oh, I get it quite often. Like I said, being a product of a multicultural family, I get it a lot. Actually probably 99.9% of people don't even know what my nationality/ethnicity is and it's based mostly on assumptions. Even with my former troupe, I think it would have been beaten into their heads. It brings up trying to be something not, which happens a lot in the modeling world. Many times photographers, etc will try to promote me as a "ghetto queen" even in my former troupe and that is totally not me. Even if I was African American that is not something to assume everyone is that way, because we're all raised differently. So just because a person is African American it doesn't mean he or she is all into hip hop culture and vice versa. I have very little tolerance for cultural ignorance especially in today's world.
Q: What do you mean about "cultural ignorance"?
A: People just being "ignorant" about different cultures etc and stereotypes. I feel in today's society there is really no excuse for it.
Q: Not long ago some said you were making up threats etc from other performers, fans?
A: I have no reason to make all that up. Because it happened and still does from time to time. I save them just because. But yes, I have gotten some really nasty commentary from other performers mostly but people don't have to like me but respect me as a performer and as an artist. I show everyone else respect but it doesn't work that way in life.
Q: Are you going to keep performing?
A: I always said that I don't necessarily want to do burlesque forever but do want to see how far I can take this. There are other aspects in my personal life and keeping that private for now but yea I am enjoying it for now and having fun with it. It has been a learning experience and so grateful for it.
Q: Now that you are a solo performer any changes to your numbers?
A: Yes. I am going back to what I am which is a dancer plain and simple. I now have more control over what songs and style best suit me and makes me feel comfortable. So I can perform with blue and pink hair and just be over the top. I am actually excited because people can see who Natalie truly is on stage and off stage.
Q: What advice would you give other girls trying to be pin up models or burlesque performers?
A: Stay true to yourself. Surround yourself with positive people and those who have your best interests as a performer and as a person, stay grounded and humble always know who you are.
Q: What are your favorite cities?
A: Toronto has become my second home, Atlanta I love and New Orleans!
Q: Favorite music?
A: I will listen to almost everything. Mostly anything I feel I can dance to. I grew up in an artistic family mostly musicians so music has been around me my entire life. Music can be beautiful and express so many emotions it's really a way to communicate just like dance is.
Q: Did you really start your own burlesque troupe?
A: Yes, I did. I know realistically it will be a while for it to be fully functioning but DreamChaser Burlesque is in the works as we speak.
Q: Why do people think you're delusional? We hear some say that.
A: Ignorance. I think people fail to realise that a) I come from a very artistic family b) I am a socialite c) my brother was a musician [up until his death] and signed with Sony and lived in LA. People are familiar with me because of my brother or other family member. I was always comfortable being in the background until now and even then I still kind of prefer it. There are people who are "normal" who come from really artistic and even famous families some people may not want that life and that is okay too. People just love to have something to criticise someone for.
Q: What about the Justin Bieber comments?
A: All I will say to that is even if the answer is yes or no I to this day will refuse to answer those questions. People should be more focused on him making music and me as a performer/dancer and not who we date or spend time with. Sure, I may have my own opinions but you know he is a grown man now and he makes his choices and the same with me so just let people be you know? I respect him a great deal as a musician and he does do a lot of good. Whatever happens for him I hope it is all good but yea I'm not worried about that I think people just want something to talk about a person for and that is an easy target or they feel it is. I have my own personal life and I know for a fact he does too so people can just stop it's weird when it's like 40-45 year olds sending you hate over Justin honestly is!
Q: Your thoughts on dating?
A: I like to keep my personal life private and that is between me and that person...leaving it at that for now.
Q: What do you think about Drake Bell?
A: I don't agree with what he says probably 99% of the time I would say. Especially at his age and the things he says about Justin and Ariana, etc but one thing I do agree with is his comments regarding fans and how they react. Now, I absolutely love Beliebers and Ariantors they are cool and compassionate but then again that is not everyone. I do think as performers and when we have fans [even if it is 10 fans] we do need to set examples. I really do not want to hear about Pagers saying or attacking another artists etc. that is uncalled for; I've had other burlesque performers do that to me recently and it sucks I'm sitting here thinking to myself "oh why I've never met you and you're judging me so hardcore right now" I don't think we sign up to be role models no, it's parents responsibilities but they do look up to people they see on the telly so yes, we should be mindful how we carry ourselves.
Q: Thoughts about fans?
A: I think fans are amazing and if you're a performer, dancer, model, musician even if you have 10 fans own it and be proud of it because it means your art has reached someone enough to where they want to follow you. Even if I have like 10 Pagers hell yes I am going to be proud of that nothing wrong in that at all.
Q: Womanhood and Burlesque?
A: I love being a woman and being feminine. I can be somewhat tomboyish but in reality I love putting on corsets, stockings heels it's dress up for me in every way possibly. I feel beautiful and confident I think every woman has her own unique sense of what womanhood is and how that makes her feel as a person.
Q: What makes a woman confident?
A: How she makes others feel. Being comfortable enough with herself to where she doesn't need to put down others to make herself feel important. Showing compassion towards others.
Q: How did you get your burlesque name?
A: My Ukrainian name is Natalia Antonina which could be a mouthful to say onstage so of course Natalie is the American version of it and also I adore Natalie Wood and Bettie Page thought it would be fitting!
Q: What instrument is your favorite to play or do you play one?
A: I play the piano but I am hoping to learn the acoustic guitar soon! I would love to play that much better.
Q: What age did you start modeling?
A: I started at 14. I did that for a few years then actually attended college; I recently went back to modeling/performing full time.
Q: Why did you decide to go solo?
A: It was a number of reasons. Given what the situation is I am trying to maintain a positive outlook and not "bash" anyone because truly that is not my thing. But overall, it was just a clash in personalities, outlook in the industry and the direction I wanted to take myself as a performer and ultimately a person. It just didn't match up with the group I was in. You know, that is okay but I know they have said some things about me but I also know my own truth and that is what matters.
Q: Alot of people and Pagers heard some the rumors about the departure what can you clear up?
A: Well, I think some people just believe that because they're in a position of "power" regardless what that they may be they're above everyone else. I have no regrets defending my loved ones they have been with me far longer and been way more supportive of me performing. If anything I refuse to associate with individuals who believe bullying is okay when really it isn't.That is not the sort of image I want for myself. Another issue is I just wasn't comfortable with who I was becoming as an artist and as a performer; people will try to tell you who you are and what you should be...should always remain true to yourself.
Q: What about all the conflicts we've been hearing about going on recently?
A: Once again, I try to avoid all "drama" but in the end I know realistically there are some people who thrive on it because otherwise they'd be irrelevant so and that's really sad. I've met some really talented people since being in this industry at 14 who either allow their personalities, people they're associated with or their insecurities ruin it. We're all human and no one is perfect but sometimes we tend to feed the negatives a little too much.
Q: Do you want to say anything about the comments or regrets?
A: I stood up for my close friends and family. I have absolutely no regrets. Also, my friends and relatives are grown adults I cannot control how other people will respond to things nor will I attempt to. People are responsible for themselves I cannot sit around and blame this person or that person. I did take offense to "taming my friends" however; they're not wild animals you do not "tame" them. Some would even suggest some racial innuendos there and not sure if to go that far but people assume my friends are African American when in reality they are Latina and I'm half Ukrainian and Native American so yea a lot of comments were very much taken out of contexts and uncalled for. I will say this, my friends didn't "gang up" on anyone better yet they never even used profanity towards anyone compared to what others have said so that goes to show what is what.
Q: You don't speak on it a lot but what about race and being in burlesque and modeling in general?
A: Oh, I get it quite often. Like I said, being a product of a multicultural family, I get it a lot. Actually probably 99.9% of people don't even know what my nationality/ethnicity is and it's based mostly on assumptions. Even with my former troupe, I think it would have been beaten into their heads. It brings up trying to be something not, which happens a lot in the modeling world. Many times photographers, etc will try to promote me as a "ghetto queen" even in my former troupe and that is totally not me. Even if I was African American that is not something to assume everyone is that way, because we're all raised differently. So just because a person is African American it doesn't mean he or she is all into hip hop culture and vice versa. I have very little tolerance for cultural ignorance especially in today's world.
Q: What do you mean about "cultural ignorance"?
A: People just being "ignorant" about different cultures etc and stereotypes. I feel in today's society there is really no excuse for it.
Q: Not long ago some said you were making up threats etc from other performers, fans?
A: I have no reason to make all that up. Because it happened and still does from time to time. I save them just because. But yes, I have gotten some really nasty commentary from other performers mostly but people don't have to like me but respect me as a performer and as an artist. I show everyone else respect but it doesn't work that way in life.
Q: Are you going to keep performing?
A: I always said that I don't necessarily want to do burlesque forever but do want to see how far I can take this. There are other aspects in my personal life and keeping that private for now but yea I am enjoying it for now and having fun with it. It has been a learning experience and so grateful for it.
Q: Now that you are a solo performer any changes to your numbers?
A: Yes. I am going back to what I am which is a dancer plain and simple. I now have more control over what songs and style best suit me and makes me feel comfortable. So I can perform with blue and pink hair and just be over the top. I am actually excited because people can see who Natalie truly is on stage and off stage.
Q: What advice would you give other girls trying to be pin up models or burlesque performers?
A: Stay true to yourself. Surround yourself with positive people and those who have your best interests as a performer and as a person, stay grounded and humble always know who you are.
Q: What are your favorite cities?
A: Toronto has become my second home, Atlanta I love and New Orleans!
Q: Favorite music?
A: I will listen to almost everything. Mostly anything I feel I can dance to. I grew up in an artistic family mostly musicians so music has been around me my entire life. Music can be beautiful and express so many emotions it's really a way to communicate just like dance is.
Q: Did you really start your own burlesque troupe?
A: Yes, I did. I know realistically it will be a while for it to be fully functioning but DreamChaser Burlesque is in the works as we speak.
Q: Why do people think you're delusional? We hear some say that.
A: Ignorance. I think people fail to realise that a) I come from a very artistic family b) I am a socialite c) my brother was a musician [up until his death] and signed with Sony and lived in LA. People are familiar with me because of my brother or other family member. I was always comfortable being in the background until now and even then I still kind of prefer it. There are people who are "normal" who come from really artistic and even famous families some people may not want that life and that is okay too. People just love to have something to criticise someone for.
Q: What about the Justin Bieber comments?
A: All I will say to that is even if the answer is yes or no I to this day will refuse to answer those questions. People should be more focused on him making music and me as a performer/dancer and not who we date or spend time with. Sure, I may have my own opinions but you know he is a grown man now and he makes his choices and the same with me so just let people be you know? I respect him a great deal as a musician and he does do a lot of good. Whatever happens for him I hope it is all good but yea I'm not worried about that I think people just want something to talk about a person for and that is an easy target or they feel it is. I have my own personal life and I know for a fact he does too so people can just stop it's weird when it's like 40-45 year olds sending you hate over Justin honestly is!
Q: Your thoughts on dating?
A: I like to keep my personal life private and that is between me and that person...leaving it at that for now.
Q: What do you think about Drake Bell?
A: I don't agree with what he says probably 99% of the time I would say. Especially at his age and the things he says about Justin and Ariana, etc but one thing I do agree with is his comments regarding fans and how they react. Now, I absolutely love Beliebers and Ariantors they are cool and compassionate but then again that is not everyone. I do think as performers and when we have fans [even if it is 10 fans] we do need to set examples. I really do not want to hear about Pagers saying or attacking another artists etc. that is uncalled for; I've had other burlesque performers do that to me recently and it sucks I'm sitting here thinking to myself "oh why I've never met you and you're judging me so hardcore right now" I don't think we sign up to be role models no, it's parents responsibilities but they do look up to people they see on the telly so yes, we should be mindful how we carry ourselves.
Q: Thoughts about fans?
A: I think fans are amazing and if you're a performer, dancer, model, musician even if you have 10 fans own it and be proud of it because it means your art has reached someone enough to where they want to follow you. Even if I have like 10 Pagers hell yes I am going to be proud of that nothing wrong in that at all.
Q: Womanhood and Burlesque?
A: I love being a woman and being feminine. I can be somewhat tomboyish but in reality I love putting on corsets, stockings heels it's dress up for me in every way possibly. I feel beautiful and confident I think every woman has her own unique sense of what womanhood is and how that makes her feel as a person.
Q: What makes a woman confident?
A: How she makes others feel. Being comfortable enough with herself to where she doesn't need to put down others to make herself feel important. Showing compassion towards others.
Q: How did you get your burlesque name?
A: My Ukrainian name is Natalia Antonina which could be a mouthful to say onstage so of course Natalie is the American version of it and also I adore Natalie Wood and Bettie Page thought it would be fitting!
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