Backstage with Natia

Hi Beauties,

Step inside the studio for a VIP interview with Ballet Beautiful Master Trainer, Natia Mangan. Meet the vibrant and warm dancer behind our new Subscriber Exclusive Ballet 101 Livestreams.

1. When and how did you start dancing? As a little girl in the country of Georgia where I grew up, my mom brought me to ballet school at the age of six. It was her dream to dance but she never had the chance growing up, so she wanted to give me every opportunity. I loved it from the first time I stepped my foot into the studio, and it shaped my life in countless ways. I went on to train at the National Ballet Academy of Georgia, which eventually led to my career in New York and amazing experiences on tour all around the world!

2. What made you fall in love with dance? To be honest, I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t in love with dance. I guess I was born with that feeling, and I can’t imagine my life without it! I was always happiest when I was dancing, for as long as I can remember.

3. What is your greatest strength as a dancer? There are many dancers with outstanding technique, but in my mind, what sets them apart is their artistry, musicality, and connection with the audience. I’d like to think that these are some of my greatest strengths as a dancer!

4. Can you describe a core memory of you dancing? Set the stage for us! Anytime I have had the opportunity to work with a choreographer directly, creating a piece together, has been an incredible experience. It is quite different to be involved in the creative process, rather than learning a piece of choreography that already existed. In those moments, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself as a dancer, discovering strengths that you might not have even been aware of. Being a part of the development of choreography has expanded my artistic horizons and has always been incredibly fulfilling.

5. What inspired you to begin teaching our Subscriber Exclusive Ballet 101 Livestreams? Any opportunity to share my love and knowledge of ballet with a broader audience is enough to inspire and excite me into action! I get a great satisfaction from leading the class and virtually connecting with so many Ballet Beauties around the world.

6. In which ballets have you performed? What was your favorite role? I have performed in many classical ballets, including Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, Carmen, and of course countless productions of The Nutcracker. My favorite role to perform was definitely Carmen -  with all of the fire and passion that character portrays.

7. What is the best motivation for you to work out when you're having an "off" day? All I have to imagine is how amazing I’m going to feel after a workout and it’s enough to motivate me to get moving. Nothing compares to the satisfaction and great feeling that comes rushing through your body after a good workout.

8. What is your favorite BB Kitchen Recipe? I am going to refer back to a recipe that I shared with Mary Helen many years ago on our blog that remains one of my favorite, easy, and healthy go-to staples! It is my version of a Beet Salad which is common in Eastern Europe. It is full of colorful root vegetables rich in nutrients, and is always a hit whenever I serve it!

9. What is your favorite BB Challenge? I really like the new Full Body Burn Digital DVD Challenge! It is a great full body workout with a wide variety of BB videos. Every day of the challenge has a different focus and theme, which keeps it fun and engaging while getting you closer to your fitness goals.

10. What is your MUST HAVE or Favorite BB Activewear or accessory? BB tights and Wrap Tops are absolute essentials for me! I wear them all the time, and can easily style them from the studio to the street. We also have the most flattering leotards that give you a glamorous feeling while you’re sweating and burning your way through a BB workout!

We love sharing our brilliant BB Team! Get to know more about Natia through her Meet the Trainer blog

Join Natia for 2 Thursday's each month at 11a for a Subscriber Exclusive Ballet 101 Livestream - no barre, no problem! 

+ Don't worry, if you missed a class, you can catch up with her in the Custom Workout Streaming Library.

If you haven't subscribed to the Ballet Beautiful Custom Workout yet, we invite you to dance with us to make 2022 your strongest year yet!

Join an Online Live Group Class with Yuki or one of our Master Trainers, today!

+ if you're interested in training privately with Natia, email us at [email protected]

Tell us what you LOVE about the Subscriber Exclusive Ballet 101 Livestreams below & drop your favorite ballet move! 

Have a beautiful workout!

Sincerely,

The Ballet Beautiful Team