Taal (rhythm), Ang (grace), and Abhinaya (expression) – Natalia integrates the three essential elements of Kathak to present this rich Indian classical dance form on stages internationally. Her holistic training as a dancer has combined the stylistics of tradition and the dynamism of the contemporary. As a performing artist, Natalia aims at highlighting the uniqueness of Kathak’s subtle and sensitive aesthetics. Rooted in a multi-ethnic background, Natalia presents this art to a variety of audiences of all different cultures, using her dance as a means of transcending cultural barriers. Since the beginning, she was passionate and dedicated about training and mastering the dance form, with support from her Peruvian mother and German-American father. Within the past few years Natalia has been continuously visiting India to receive intensive tutelage from her present Guru, Kathak maestro Padmavibhushan Birju Maharaj. However, much of her training took place in the U.S., prior to coming to India from Smt. Sandhya Desai, disciple of Padmashri Kumudini Lakhia. Natalia’s initial instruction began with Ms. Mekhala Natavar and later continued with Ms. Purnima Shah. In the year 2008, she was awarded a prestigious fellowship as Senior Performing Artist from the American Institute of Indian Studies. Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in South Asian Languages and Cultures from the University of Wisconsin and Masters from Roehampton University, London, Natalia now continues to perform as a Kathak dancer in India, U.K., and the U.S.A.
