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!
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