Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Sparkman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My fiery passion for dance began the day my mom took me to our local library. It was the summer of 1993 when we checked out a VHS tape of Bolshoi Ballet’s: The Nutcracker. From the moment I saw Clara come alive on stage, there was no looking back for me.
My first ballet class was at a small-town studio in Corbin, KY. 7 years later, I was nudged out of that nest into the highly competitive and professional world of classical training with the Lexington Ballet. It was a 2-hour drive for my mom to get me to classes there four times a week. Homework, meals, uniform changing and even post-pointe work foot soaking were all done in our teal Astro van those first few years of long commuting—I loved every second of it.
Then the fateful weekend which brought Christian dance company Ballet Magnificat! to a neighboring town arrived. I will never forget the swell of emotion and purpose that filled my chest watching the “Burning Bush” soloist in that dazzling red costume, as her spark-like movements brought the narrated voice of God speaking to Moses alive on stage. It was a moment of divine connection for me, where my passion for dance burst into a flame of purpose: I was made to use my gifts to teach God’s word.
Summers of dreaming and determination followed as I trained across the country, meeting new members of my Christian dance tribe each passing year. From PA to LA I was training among the best at CPYB, SERBA, Ballet Magnificat!, Ad Deum Dance, Dance Revolution, and Word in Motion Urban.
In the midst of this, God moved my family to Nashville and into the backyard of a Christian dance school ran by Ballet Magnificat! alumni Mary & Michael Cadle. I blossomed under their mentorship throughout my high school years as I trained over 26 hours a week in classical ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, hip hop, choreography as well as the art of teaching dance.
After graduating, I went on tour with rEVOLution, a Christian hip hop dance & drama crew and earned my Certification of Dance Studies in Ballet and Modern Dance at Vanderbilt University. I went on to teach for many area dance studios over the next 10 years, including notably Nashville Ballet and Michael W. Smith’s youth center brainchild, Rocketown.
I moved to Georgia in 2016 to accept a teaching position with Impact Dance of Atlanta. Little did I know, that God had bigger plans in mind. It was less than six months since my move when God began calling me to the role of studio owner for the Impact Canton location. The current owner was stepping down and God was raising my faith in Him to accept this new opportunity.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Though I have never doubted starting the dance studio is what God called me to do, it certainly has not been an easy journey. Becoming a small business owner in a new town where I had lived less than a year, with no family, friends or prior connections presented a host of challenges to overcome, and I’m still on the uphill part of the climb two years later.
Not everyone will support you or understand when you set out to do something different. There have been many moments of loneliness and despair as I have treaded uncharted waters but then remembered God has gone before me to prepare the way even in the moments I feel I am blazing this path alone.
Thankfully, God has blessed my life here with all the beautiful families whose children dance with us at FireSpark! I have never worked with such a close-knit, loving, no-drama group of people in a dance studio EVER! We have an AMAZING staff and have moved the studio into a larger space with two rooms in a great area. Many precious friends have bloomed around me as well, and I’ve found a wonderful family at His Hands Church, making Woodstock truly feel like the home I never want to leave.
Please tell us about FireSpark! Choreography.
FireSpark! Choreography is a Christian dance and music studio in Woodstock, GA. We offer classes in Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Choreography, Bible Study & Leadership, Songwriting, Voice, Music Production, Recording & Musical Theatre.
FireSpark! is growing the next generation of creative leaders by IGNITING PASSION WITH PURPOSE! We specialize in Education, Experience, and Exposure with a Christian focus in the creative arts. Music videos, community events, Christmas and Spring recitals are all on the menu at FireSpark! We offer a professional track to those who desire a career in dance and/or music, as well as a recreational track, though you don’t have to be on our dance company in order to audition for additional projects throughout the year! We also facilitate travel opportunities for continued education and connection into the professional dance and music communities.
FireSpark! is known for our loving environment, engaging classes and passionate performances. We are learning together how to dance to God’s rhythm of grace both on stage and in our daily lives. FireSpark! students KNOW what they are dancing about and are excited to share meaningful performances about God’s word, real issues, and their own journeys.
When you ask our parents what sets us apart from other studios, they often mention what you WON’T find. At FireSpark! you won’t find unhealthy competition or expectations. You won’t find judgment or condemnation. You’ll never have to worry about inappropriate costumes, choreography, music, content or themes. We keep our choices exciting, current, relevant & FUN!
At FireSpark!, we are building confidence, creativity, and faith with a foundation in technical excellence. FireSpark! students are having fun, learning an art form, expressing their journey, sharing their faith, and building lifelong skills and relationships—all through dance and music.
At FireSpark, we’re more than a studio—we are a family. And we’d love to have you join our FireSpark! Family today!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I believe everything that has happened thus far, the good and the bad, God is able to use for His glory as part of my story and the story of FireSpark!
Contact Info:
- Address: FireSpark! Choreography
2485 Towne Lake Pkwy, STE 110
Woodstock, GA 30189 - Website: www.firesparkchoreography.com
- Phone: CALL (678) 653-8151 or TEXT (615) 945-0711
- Email: firespark.choreography@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firespark_choreography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firesparkchoreo/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireSparkChoreo
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/firespark-choreography-woodstock
Image Credit:
Meredith Chupp Photography
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