“There’s something about spending days with the people you love doing the thing you love that just feels so good, and it just gives you a sense of belonging.” – CSD 2020 graduate Nathalie Brown
Nathalie Brown is a dancer, singer, and actor, who graduates from high school, and leaves our School, this month.
Nathalie has been a true joy to teach in every class. I’m very proud of her and honestly surprised that with her talent, and dedication to developing it, that she will not pursue professional performing. I have memories of watching Nathalie perform with a sincerity and beauty that will never fail to move me.
Nathalie began taking classes at Caulfield School of Dance in 2012 when she was 10 years old. I asked Nathalie what she remembers from her childhood here, and she said when she came to the School, the other students already knew much of the choreography for a dance she was cast in: “I remember feeling safe and supported in the studio even when I was unsure of the choreography. I felt very welcomed and everyone was being super friendly. My first performance pieces at CSD were ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio’ and ‘Circus Ring 2’.”
Look how cute tiny Nathalie was!
(I remember loving teaching the ‘Circus Ring 2’ dance. All five of the dancers we are honouring this year as Graduates were in that piece!)
“One of my favourite childhood memories from CSD would probably be my first Company sleepover. I remember feeling so much more connected with my team after that night…. I remember begging to have one every year after!
“For the rest of my life, my performing arts training will be extremely valuable. I’ve learned so many lessons… and things you just don’t learn at school. I’ve learned teamwork, responsibility, sportsmanship, leadership, spatial awareness, coordination, and countless other things… and my time at CSD has really helped shape me into who I am today, and who I will become in the future. If it wasn’t for my amazing teachers, parents, friends and family, I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today.”
Nathalie is interested in career options including Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation. She has been accepted to Simon Fraser University, Douglas College and The University of Western Ontario. In September she will begin studies in Criminology at SFU.
While Nathalie will not pursue a career in the performing arts she says: “I can’t imagine ever stopping dancing. It’s had such an impact on my life, and I believe that I’ll always come back to it, because it feels like home to me…. I still want to be connected to the world of the performing arts and the dance community.”
Nathalie adds: “My best memory from my time at CSD would probably be all of our away trips. From competitions in Kelowna and Duncan, to international training and competition opportunities in Las Vegas, Seattle, New York, and Los Angeles. I have so many good memories associated with these trips, mostly because of the closer bond that we experienced each time we went away to dance. There’s something about spending days with the people you love doing the thing you love that just feels so good, and it just gives you a sense of belonging. It feels so good to be a part of a tight-knit group of people who support me, also the privilege of being able to travel with them and grow together.
“I will forever value my experience at CSD because of how much of an effect it has had on me as a growing person. I’m forever grateful that I had the honour to be a part of such an amazing team for the past eight years of my life, and I couldn’t imagine it any other way.”
Nathalie, your Caulfield School of Dance Family wishes you every happiness and success in your life.
We will always love you!
– Ms Cori