I never would have imagined that in this day and age I would have to post on this topic, yet it is one that continues to come up very often while discussing booking, photo shoots and the like. Technically we're in the "business" of promoting beauty of all sorts but how is that often communicated to young ladies who want to pursue burlesque, dancing, modeling or acting?
My answer is this: keep going. Why? Because even though I do not publicly discuss it I quite often face barriers from cultural to my heritage. See, my father was Ukrainian and my Mum was Native American on the other hand in appearance I look more Native than anything. Does this question people when to book me, etc? Yes, in fact it does.
More than few times I have been turned down for modeling jobs or passed up because I am not porcelain white or blonde. Even though naturally, I am a red head and have freckles I still look Native and that within itself is a hard concept for many to grasp. I have also noticed that in our [American] society we love to subject one to one category or another-- it's either white or black.
I have been told that I cannot be certain characters because I am not "white" or put in the background for casting in modeling gigs because I am not "white" by their terms. The other question I have is what does this tell the future generation and young girls of our society?
That they are not capable of playing a leading role because they are not "white" or because they don't have a certain look they are unable to be something more...that is exactly what we are expressing to young girls as a society and it is a facet of our culture I wish would stop.
The whole point of it is just that is ACTING. So, maybe we should begin telling girls "oh you cannot portray that role, you're British, the role is Italian" no one questions that but it essentially is the same concept...right?
I remember once discussing with a photographer about a gig and he wanted to cast Native American models he told me I wasn't a "fit" but he casted a blue eyed model to be "Native American". It is remarkable to me how much in American society how people are still culturally ignorant about race and other cultures.
My advice is this: a girl can be whatever or whoever she wants to be in this world and I don't care what culture or race she is from. I always thought that was the whole focus of acting...we're portraying characters not race, when we strictly do that we are further giving into the limitations of young girls in society and not to mention self esteem.
Another issue that gets me is with the advancement of special effects and make up why not cast the best suited person for that particular job? Some food for thought.
Sure, I am different than most girls in pin up and burlesque and I am proud of that absolutely nothing wrong in being different.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Monday, August 25, 2014
My Secret Project
I have been thinking for quite some time about performing a number to this band. See, not only the song but the bandmates are extremely important to me they are my surrogate big brothers and have watched me (literally) grow up. I cannot thank them enough for all of the experiences and I learned so much about performing and being an artist, couldn't have picked a better person than my older brother.
Thank you and much love
Little Sis
Natalia
Orbit - Mayday(Embassy): http://youtu.be/14j7NaZRNxk
Friday, August 22, 2014
Answering the Race Debate
This is a topic which truly hits home for me and for some it has actually been a debate and questions surrounding it. Also, over the past couple months I have been getting some "hate" regarding the race issue and being a performer I come across transcending stereotypes, prejudices and misconceptions from a great deal of people.
I also think that as part of our society [and human nature] we feel more comfortable "labeling" others and if someone does not fall into one particular category it makes us question entirely our society. We live in a very black and white culture...literally and for most people a person almost has to be one or the other.
So this brings up the debate about my heritage and some have even criticised me on the notion [you know, the whole "delusional" thing lol] about my ethnicity. Well, the only way I can describe it is this way:
My family is alittle bit like the singer Shakira [her family is Lebanese but she was born and raised in Columbia] so it was almost the same concept. My sisters and I were born in Thailand a small suburb so to speak of Bangkok. Culturally, my Dad was Ukrainian and my Mum was Native American; my Dad because of his work with the US government and the military my sisters and I were born there. My sisters are much older than I am 12-15 years older so they decided to remain there and attend college; they've lived in Thailand much longer and if fact consider themselves Asian and Thai. There had even been questions about myself as to whether I do the same and not necessary.
I think most of this is because being the youngest I came to the United States when I was still a baby for the most part [about 2 years old] so I have very few memories of Thailand unlike my older siblings. They feel more comfortable there and with Thai culture and I have respect for that and I can understand it must be difficult coming here different language, adjusting to a difficult culture people don't realise how difficult that is. I saw this with my sisters and my relatives who are from Ukraine and Eastern European.
So racially what do I identify as? I identify myself as a human being first and foremost and I feel more connected to my Native heritage I've been lucky to have parents from two amazing cultures and histories but yes I do feel more "Native" if people want me to fully disclose. Yes, I do speak and read Russian and Ukrainian, I am an Eastern Orthodox Christian but racially, I identify as Native.
Some people want to criticise this and that is fine, people will always have their own opinions and I cannot make people see things from my point of view and vice versa. I do know many will try to market me as African-American etc and it doesn't offend me but does it feel uncomfortable somewhat because it is not who I am as a person, instead try to "market" me as a human being. I think people make race too much of everything a person is talented, they're talented and I think continuing to label people with race only divides us even more.
Promote humanity instead of race. Think it can be far more effective.
I also think that as part of our society [and human nature] we feel more comfortable "labeling" others and if someone does not fall into one particular category it makes us question entirely our society. We live in a very black and white culture...literally and for most people a person almost has to be one or the other.
So this brings up the debate about my heritage and some have even criticised me on the notion [you know, the whole "delusional" thing lol] about my ethnicity. Well, the only way I can describe it is this way:
My family is alittle bit like the singer Shakira [her family is Lebanese but she was born and raised in Columbia] so it was almost the same concept. My sisters and I were born in Thailand a small suburb so to speak of Bangkok. Culturally, my Dad was Ukrainian and my Mum was Native American; my Dad because of his work with the US government and the military my sisters and I were born there. My sisters are much older than I am 12-15 years older so they decided to remain there and attend college; they've lived in Thailand much longer and if fact consider themselves Asian and Thai. There had even been questions about myself as to whether I do the same and not necessary.
I think most of this is because being the youngest I came to the United States when I was still a baby for the most part [about 2 years old] so I have very few memories of Thailand unlike my older siblings. They feel more comfortable there and with Thai culture and I have respect for that and I can understand it must be difficult coming here different language, adjusting to a difficult culture people don't realise how difficult that is. I saw this with my sisters and my relatives who are from Ukraine and Eastern European.
So racially what do I identify as? I identify myself as a human being first and foremost and I feel more connected to my Native heritage I've been lucky to have parents from two amazing cultures and histories but yes I do feel more "Native" if people want me to fully disclose. Yes, I do speak and read Russian and Ukrainian, I am an Eastern Orthodox Christian but racially, I identify as Native.
Some people want to criticise this and that is fine, people will always have their own opinions and I cannot make people see things from my point of view and vice versa. I do know many will try to market me as African-American etc and it doesn't offend me but does it feel uncomfortable somewhat because it is not who I am as a person, instead try to "market" me as a human being. I think people make race too much of everything a person is talented, they're talented and I think continuing to label people with race only divides us even more.
Promote humanity instead of race. Think it can be far more effective.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Nurse Problems
When "It's shitty" can be an appropiate response to how was your night?
You forget what television looks like
Drinking pop out of a graduate seems normal to you
Your wardrobe consists of nothing but scrubs
You listen and count your significant other's respirations while sleeping
You have an active debate with your pharmacist about your prescription
You already know your diagnosis before going to the doctor
You have a list of doctors/nurses you want caring for you
Develop a warped sense of humour
House seems so unrealistic
Judge films and can tell where the mistakes are in forensic scenes
Band aids fix everything
Your purse is filled as a first aid kit
Anything that sounds like an alarm sends you into Olympic sprint mode
All your shoes are sneakers
Able to successfully make everyone sick at the dinner table
Know all about sedatives
Ativan and Haldol become your best friends at work
Friday, July 25, 2014
Q&A
Once again thank you so much for the awesome questions and comments it was great to read what so many of you thought of the World Cup!
Q: How old were you when you began dancing?
A: I started dancing at age 6, then I minored in dance while in college. I still dance and take classes with a professional dance company as well became a professional burlesque performer recently.
Q: What kind of dance do you do?
A: I was trained in modern and ballet and I still love to dance those two genres. I am also a burlesque dancer I actually have grown to love all three equally.
Q: How often do you travel?
A: It depends on my photoshoot schedule typically. Many occasions I will travel depending upon that or which other projects I may have at the moment. I do love to travel think it is interesting because able to explore so many different places and people.
Q: Favorite city to travel to?
A: Toronto my second home and Atlanta. I also love Florida because I attended college down there.
Q: What is on your playlist right now?
A: Of Verona, Mayday, Now the Rabbit, Yuna, Banks just to name a few
Q: What is going on with the hacker rumors?
A: I for one, nor anyone else I know did not hack anyone's account. What I posted where screen shots which were sent to me by a mutual friend. I just feel it is social media nothing is ever really "private" we should be more aware about what we post online. We never know who is reading or has access.
Q: Thoughts of bullies?
A: I don't think of myself as "bullied" or a victim. People may not like me nor do I expect everyone else to really I never cared what others thought of me but when a person mocks deceased family members or be completely disrespectful to my boyfriend yea I feel that is crossing the line.
Q: What about the "hate" your boyfriend has been getting?
A: I think he is an amazing person and obviously doesn't deserve any of it. He is one of the nicest people I know and people don't have to agree or even like our relationship but still respect his and mine privacy and our privacy as a couple. Yea those comments were really uncalled for.
Q: What do you want to say to the "haters"?
A: Nothing actually. Like I said, not everyone will like me or be my friend that is a part of life but don't say things or write things online and not expect a reaction from it, especially when it isn't even true.
Q: What about slander?
A: I haven't slandered anyone. Those were comments they wrote themselves. Be adults and live with their actions. It'd be different if I wrote online they wrote those things when they didn't. Someone sent me those screen shots because they thought it was wrong and I should have a right to defend myself. Other than that not wasting time on it.
Q: You have 3 new numbers what are they?
A: It's kind of a secret for now. But yes, I am working on 3 new numbers and they are a bit personal than in the past. They are also more in tune with how I want to be as a performer and my dancing style. I am very pleased with how they are turning out. I have so much more creative freedom it's awesome.
Q: How are your numbers going to be different?
A: It's less hip hop. Nothing wrong with hip hop but that is most definitely not me. It's not who I am as a performer. I think I was kind of pressured to be hip hop because to fit the mold and people wanted to look "diverse" but yea it isn't my thing and that is not a bad thing I just wasn't comfortable as a performer.
Q: Do you want to keep doing burlesque?
A: For the time being yes, but not like I was. I was performing every week and now it is nice. I have time to spend with my boyfriend and Godkids so it makes it nice.
Q: How many Godkids do you have?
A: I have 2 a girl and a boy. My Goddaughter follows me every where even in the dance studio. She has told me she wants to be a dancer too, it's the cutest thing!!
Q: You have your own burlesque troupe now what is it?
A: it's called Dreamchaser Burlesque. When I "retire" from performing I will put more into running the troupe and recruiting more performers but for the time being enjoying what it is.
Q: Why do people think you're "famous"?
A: I have no idea why that rumour started. I never said I was or acted as if I was. I just enjoy dancing and performing even if it is one or two people who get my performances that makes me happy. It isn't about "fame" for me never has been. I just want to make people smile in one way or another.
Q: What about your family and being a socialite?
A: I think this is where the "famous" rumours stem from. I haven't made up anything about my family. I have been fortunate to come from a very artistic and creative family. I am not ashamed of it. my big brother has had an amazing music career and I am so proud of him and his bandmates. They all work so hard and deserve all the goodness.
Q: Do you consider yourself a socialite?
A: I consider myself an artist just trying to make art
Q: How old would you be if you weren't how old you are now?
A: I am happy with where I am now. I didn't like myself younger. I've grown a lot since.
Q: How old were you when you began dancing?
A: I started dancing at age 6, then I minored in dance while in college. I still dance and take classes with a professional dance company as well became a professional burlesque performer recently.
Q: What kind of dance do you do?
A: I was trained in modern and ballet and I still love to dance those two genres. I am also a burlesque dancer I actually have grown to love all three equally.
Q: How often do you travel?
A: It depends on my photoshoot schedule typically. Many occasions I will travel depending upon that or which other projects I may have at the moment. I do love to travel think it is interesting because able to explore so many different places and people.
Q: Favorite city to travel to?
A: Toronto my second home and Atlanta. I also love Florida because I attended college down there.
Q: What is on your playlist right now?
A: Of Verona, Mayday, Now the Rabbit, Yuna, Banks just to name a few
Q: What is going on with the hacker rumors?
A: I for one, nor anyone else I know did not hack anyone's account. What I posted where screen shots which were sent to me by a mutual friend. I just feel it is social media nothing is ever really "private" we should be more aware about what we post online. We never know who is reading or has access.
Q: Thoughts of bullies?
A: I don't think of myself as "bullied" or a victim. People may not like me nor do I expect everyone else to really I never cared what others thought of me but when a person mocks deceased family members or be completely disrespectful to my boyfriend yea I feel that is crossing the line.
Q: What about the "hate" your boyfriend has been getting?
A: I think he is an amazing person and obviously doesn't deserve any of it. He is one of the nicest people I know and people don't have to agree or even like our relationship but still respect his and mine privacy and our privacy as a couple. Yea those comments were really uncalled for.
Q: What do you want to say to the "haters"?
A: Nothing actually. Like I said, not everyone will like me or be my friend that is a part of life but don't say things or write things online and not expect a reaction from it, especially when it isn't even true.
Q: What about slander?
A: I haven't slandered anyone. Those were comments they wrote themselves. Be adults and live with their actions. It'd be different if I wrote online they wrote those things when they didn't. Someone sent me those screen shots because they thought it was wrong and I should have a right to defend myself. Other than that not wasting time on it.
Q: You have 3 new numbers what are they?
A: It's kind of a secret for now. But yes, I am working on 3 new numbers and they are a bit personal than in the past. They are also more in tune with how I want to be as a performer and my dancing style. I am very pleased with how they are turning out. I have so much more creative freedom it's awesome.
Q: How are your numbers going to be different?
A: It's less hip hop. Nothing wrong with hip hop but that is most definitely not me. It's not who I am as a performer. I think I was kind of pressured to be hip hop because to fit the mold and people wanted to look "diverse" but yea it isn't my thing and that is not a bad thing I just wasn't comfortable as a performer.
Q: Do you want to keep doing burlesque?
A: For the time being yes, but not like I was. I was performing every week and now it is nice. I have time to spend with my boyfriend and Godkids so it makes it nice.
Q: How many Godkids do you have?
A: I have 2 a girl and a boy. My Goddaughter follows me every where even in the dance studio. She has told me she wants to be a dancer too, it's the cutest thing!!
Q: You have your own burlesque troupe now what is it?
A: it's called Dreamchaser Burlesque. When I "retire" from performing I will put more into running the troupe and recruiting more performers but for the time being enjoying what it is.
Q: Why do people think you're "famous"?
A: I have no idea why that rumour started. I never said I was or acted as if I was. I just enjoy dancing and performing even if it is one or two people who get my performances that makes me happy. It isn't about "fame" for me never has been. I just want to make people smile in one way or another.
Q: What about your family and being a socialite?
A: I think this is where the "famous" rumours stem from. I haven't made up anything about my family. I have been fortunate to come from a very artistic and creative family. I am not ashamed of it. my big brother has had an amazing music career and I am so proud of him and his bandmates. They all work so hard and deserve all the goodness.
Q: Do you consider yourself a socialite?
A: I consider myself an artist just trying to make art
Q: How old would you be if you weren't how old you are now?
A: I am happy with where I am now. I didn't like myself younger. I've grown a lot since.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Confidence is
When I was younger I always compared myself to others and measured my self worth by what I thought they had more of and I didn't. Confidence is being comfortable with who you are as a person; money, car material possessions don't define a person's worth it is being okay with what you have.
Comparison is one of the biggest self esteem destroyers because we always think of ways we fall short be in love with yourself. That is by far the greatest treasure. Confidence is humility, knowing when you are wrong and own your responsibilities, it's not putting down others so you can feel better about yourself.
That is what makes a woman confident.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
A Thank You
If there is anything it is quite easy to become caught up in negative emotions and other events which take such precedence in our lives. I am like most a human being as is everyone and despite what people say, I never thought of myself as a "celebrity" or "famous". I always thought of myself as a person doing what she loves which is dancing and being fortunate enough to be surrounded by amazing, creative and talented individuals.
Why is this such a bad thing is beyond me. Not everyone will like me and that is perfectly all right. I don't expect everyone to like me that is a fact of life. However, writing such horrible comments about my personal life, my family, and my loved ones is crossing the line; it does not bother me if a person talks about me. I ignore it yet when it is women who are between the ages of 40-50 sending me harassing messages via facebook and twitter it makes me re examine what we are becoming as a society.
These women are much older than I am by 15-20 years shouldn't they be providing an example for young women especially being a pin up model and a burlesque performer? It is also a reminder that as individuals myself included need to take responsibility for our own actions and how we conduct ourselves online. Bullying does not stop once we finish high school it still can continue and my experience has been proof of that.
Granted we may have our differences but the constant bashing is un necessary. Thankfully, I am constantly surrounded by positive people in my life who I am so thankful for and can honestly say I am proud they are my "burlesque aunties".
I don't have any mean things to say towards anyone and for the record no I haven't slandered anyone those are comments these individuals write and published themselves. I am not making myself a victim by any means nor do I feel I am one. But, I am a human being and have feelings I see what people write online and even if it's "private" or not it is still subjected to being made public regardless what we think.
I am looking forward to creating 3 new numbers in the dance studio and preparing for Trauma in a few months as well so from here on out allowing the positive outweigh the negatives.
Why is this such a bad thing is beyond me. Not everyone will like me and that is perfectly all right. I don't expect everyone to like me that is a fact of life. However, writing such horrible comments about my personal life, my family, and my loved ones is crossing the line; it does not bother me if a person talks about me. I ignore it yet when it is women who are between the ages of 40-50 sending me harassing messages via facebook and twitter it makes me re examine what we are becoming as a society.
These women are much older than I am by 15-20 years shouldn't they be providing an example for young women especially being a pin up model and a burlesque performer? It is also a reminder that as individuals myself included need to take responsibility for our own actions and how we conduct ourselves online. Bullying does not stop once we finish high school it still can continue and my experience has been proof of that.
Granted we may have our differences but the constant bashing is un necessary. Thankfully, I am constantly surrounded by positive people in my life who I am so thankful for and can honestly say I am proud they are my "burlesque aunties".
I don't have any mean things to say towards anyone and for the record no I haven't slandered anyone those are comments these individuals write and published themselves. I am not making myself a victim by any means nor do I feel I am one. But, I am a human being and have feelings I see what people write online and even if it's "private" or not it is still subjected to being made public regardless what we think.
I am looking forward to creating 3 new numbers in the dance studio and preparing for Trauma in a few months as well so from here on out allowing the positive outweigh the negatives.
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