Today we’d like to introduce you to Nateli M. Ruiz.
Hi Nateli M., so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all began as a young girl in the 90s admiring pro-gymnasts compete in the olympic games. My mother noticed I had an interest in the sport and enrolled me into a gymnastics school on the island of St. Croix, USVI. The coach Ms. Renee, recommended that I study ballet for a stronger foundation in order to obtain graceful skills during performances. I joined the Pointe Dance Academy owned by Sonja Dickerson & Heidi Wright at the age of 5. After many years of rigorous training in both skills, I gained a passion for the way movement made me feel spiritually. It was at the age of 16 I knew I wanted to pursue dance as my career.
As a Junior attending the St. Joseph Catholic High School, I was asked to give a farewell dance performance for the visitors of “The Freedom Writers Foundation” led by Erin Gruwell. She came all the way from California with her assistant Steven to speak to other teachers about her innovative lesson plans and how to implement them into their own classrooms. Once the farewell performance ended, I immediately got pulled to the side by Steven. He asked if dance was something I wanted to do for a living, If I had ever heard of Debbie Allen, and if I would be willing to travel to Los Angeles for the summer. He said he would be able to get me into the program under a full scholarship to her summer intensive and Erin could sponsor the entire trip! I thought to myself, wow what an opportunity of a lifetime. There’s no way I could say no. So, in 2008 I traveled by myself for the very first time to LA and trained at the three-week program with the incomparable Debbie Allen. I learned so many different styles like Modern, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, and Flamenco that was not accessible on the island. All the teachers and classes were challenging but when I got back, it made me want to work even harder to become the well-rounded versatile artist that I am today.
After high school, I left the island to get my degree at the Jacksonville University in the Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance. I was rewarded with several scholarships for my excellence in the Arts. The university brought different guest artists to set pieces on the undergrads. I was fortunate to work with ABT II, David Parsons Jennifer Muller Rosero Mccoy and Take Ueyamato to name a few. Many of the pieces were taken to “ACDA”, formally known as the American College Dance Festival Association, to showcase the set choreographic works regionally. I remember one year it was held at Dalton College and another at Florida State University. We were able to take a variety of dance classes from professors that came from other colleges for the duration of our stay. It was an experience I’d never forget as it was when I met Daryl Foster, former teacher at acdfa. He was teaching a modern class and as I went to thank him, he asked if I would consider moving to Atlanta, GA after I graduated to train with top working choreographers under a full scholarship at former dance studio “Gotta Dance Atlanta”. Another opportunity I could not pass up! At the end of 2013, I packed up all of my belongings to continue my dance journey in ATL.
Moving to Atlanta was a pivotal moment in my training and performance career. There were instructors like Cici Kelley, Stephen Reynolds, Rachel Truitt, Allyne Gartrell, Roscoe Sales, Rikki Mckinney, Monica Noble, Kiki Ely, Gary Beauford, Khalil Johnson and so many more who molded me into the dancer I am today. I could not have completed the program without the humble, talented community I was surrounded by everyday. The constant support, love and guidance kept me motivated. Once the studio officially closed, I met a wonderful lady Derrin Moore who is owner, coach and director of “Element” a Circus Troupe and Entertainment Concierge. At first, she brought me in to substitute her gymnastic classes but then asked how I felt about learning a new skill that incorporates dance in the air! I was hesitant because I had no experience in aerial silks but she was supportive and encouraging. I eventually joined the troupe learning a skill I never thought I’d ever be good at, I fell in love once I consistently trained and built my strength. I was convinced if I could do aerial, I’m capable of doing anything I put my mind to. Yes, I was able to survive by booking events with Element and teaching at different dance schools around the state but the very moment I was hired to dance on a HBO Film, “Bessie” featuring Queen Latifah, I knew I wanted to continue working in the film industry. This led me to my journey in Los Angeles, CA.
In 2016, Anindo Marshall, master Dunham instructor of DADA introduced me to Bunny Hull founder of Dream a World Education. As soon as we met, she expressed that their newest program, ‘Dance in America’ needed an instructor to teach children various dance styles and context for how it is a reflection of the place and time in which people live. Sharing my passion for dance and teaching the youth about it led me accept the position with no hesitation. A couple of months later, I was referred to the “Movement Talent Agency” as a dancer by Kim Hale and was immediately signed not too long after. Juggling the two wasn’t easy as far as scheduling but I knew I had a purpose in educating the youth and performance. I am currently a SAG-AFTRA union member, a dance teaching artist at DAWED and acrobatic/aerialist performer with “Element”.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Dance life hasn’t been the smoothest over the past years. With the pandemic striking and affecting all households in some way, Covid-19 hit me hard financially. I was living in Los Angeles, CA at the time when the mayor set the stay at home order. Everything that wasn’t considered essential was shut down. Living on the west coast by myself led me to temporarily flee back to Atlanta, GA. I heard that the entertainment/film industry was still operating with some restrictions but would allow me the opportunity to make some money and work.
Upon arrival, I was hired to teach and choreograph at top dance companies like “All Stars Performing Arts Academy” “Triple 7 Dance” “Lisa’s Dance Spot” & “Admix Project”. Not too soon after, everything with my career had to be put on pause when I received news of my grandfather’s heart condition. It was scary not knowing when his last day would be so I immediately booked a flight back to the U.S. Virgin Islands to help with his care. Even though it felt great to be home spending quality time with family and my abuelo, it became nearly impossible to continue teaching along with booking any industry work. There were times I would receive submissions virtually, but not having the proper setup for auditions automatically eliminated the idea of being considered for a paid role. I never allowed myself to get discouraged due to circumstances and did pretty well at persevering through it all.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in performing, choreographing and teaching the youth different styles of dance. Teaching styles like partnering, contemporary, salsa, ballet, jazz funk, hip hop, hustle and more allow the artist to gain versatility in their movement and prepare them for upcoming auditions. I am most proud of being an educated native Latina of St. Croix. Being a diverse bilingual performance teaching artist and coming from a small island outside of the US sets me apart. Typically growing up on the island, going after your dreams isn’t as important as raising a family or working for means of survival.
As an instructor, I was invited as a guest master teacher & speaker at schools like North Carolina Central University, Spelman College, Jacksonville University and Emory University to name a few. My choreography was also featured at Georgia State University, Salem State University, Florida State College at Jacksonville and popular showcases in ATL like “Vybez” ran by D-Ray Colson & “Emerging” by Daryl Foster.
As an entertainer/performer one must consistently train their mental and physical. I continue to take classes that not only push my body but my mental as well. My agency constantly submits me for upcoming live shows, tours, commercials, music videos, musicals, tv shows and film. Throughout my time with MTA, I have been blessed to work under top choreographers like Ryan Heffington, Debbie Allen, Richy Jackson, Chuck Maldonado, Nick & RJ, Michael Rooney, Charm La Donna & more. I was blessed with the opportunity to work for musical artists like Kendrick Llamar at “Day N Vegas”, Lorde at the “Glastonbury Festival” in London and Lady Gaga in her debut music video “Stupid Love”. Also featured as an aerialist on Dolly Parton’s Emmy Award Winning: Outstanding Television Movie “Christmas on the Square”. Last year I worked as a dancer on a couple of episodes of upcoming 2022 Showtime series “The First Lady”.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
One thing that I find makes me happy is dancing of course but also traveling. Home is where the heart is right? So every year, I make it a priority to visit my hometown on the island. I get to reunite with family, eat the amazing food and take advantage of the beaches along with the natural resources cultivated there. The beaches allow me to reset my mind, body and soul. I’ve also found over time that the source of my happiness comes with helping others. Sharing my experiences with aspiring artists is fulfilling. Whether it’s motivational, talking about following their passions, or encouraging them to go after whatever they don’t think is attainable, I’m all for empowering healthy positive conversations and being a personal hype woman towards fully manifesting whatever it is they desire.
Contact Info:
- Email: nateliruizbooking@gmail.com
- Website: https://natelispanish.wixsite.com/nateliruiz/profile
- Instagram: instagram.com/nateliruizpromo1
- Facebook: facebook.com/nateliruizpromo1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyVlde6Liqtbh11TOnWtC0g
Image Credits:
Photography by John Nalls Photography by Darius K. Jackson Photography by Javan Richardson Photography by William Bell
