About Natalie
Natalie Baker is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher originally from San Antonio, Texas. She began training at a local studio and later became a member of her high school dance team, training in a wide range of styles including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, pom, kick, and lyrical.
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Natalie is currently a student at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Education. During her time at Texas State, she performed with the pre-professional modern/contemporary company Merge Dance Company and worked with various artists, including Silvina Szperling, Ana Baer, Torens Johnson, Rosely Conz, and Megan Moss. In addition to presenting her own choreography at Texas State, she has also performed in pieces by Megan Moss, Susie Foreman, Nadia Maldonado, and Summer Lucio.
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Natalie’s teaching experience began at James Madison High School, where she served as an officer for her drill team, the Madison Dollies. During her time there, she choreographed routines, taught at dance clinics, helped clean team choreography, and assisted in technique progression practices. Natalie is currently an educator at First Class Dance Center, teaching lyrical and jazz to students ages 7–9.
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With an extensive background in both performing and teaching, Natalie was recently recognized for her dedication, passion, and talent by receiving the Connie Webb-Brown Memorial Scholarship.
Artistic Statement
As an artist, performer, and choreographer, my artistic vision of dance developed throughout my career. As a choreographer I focus on the dancers’ strengths, artistry, and adaptability. my choreography is inspired by “feel-good” movement, synchronicity, levels, and authenticity.
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Focusing on my dancers’ strengths, artistry, and adaptability is very important to encapsulate complex themes. Upon entering a creative project with my dancers, I explain my vision through images, videos, stories, and other aspects of inspiration. which integrates their personal experiences with dance experiences and allows them to incorporate individuality, technique, and pure emotion.
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My choreography is inspired by feel-good movement and intricate choreography that is visually captivating. I take time to formulate each movement, ensuring sure that it is an accurate representation of my vision. focusing on synchronicity, levels, and vulnerability.
I remain detail oriented while workshopping formations, improvisational sections, and timing.
As well as match choreography to the various beats and rhythms of music to captivate the audience.
Teaching Statement
As a dance educator, it is important to create an environment that encourages confidence, artistry, individualism, strong work ethic, and vulnerability for all dancers.
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Dance should be accessible to all individuals. It should be a time to express yourself freely in a space free of judgement. the dancer writes the story and the audience reads. There’s no judgement; instead, a better understanding of the story written.
Creating a safe and supportive environment is essential for building dancers’ confidence. Confidence allows dancers to explore their individuality, develop their artistry, and portray authentic messages to their audience through dance.
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Equally important is teaching proper technique. As an educator, I practice and teach movement that not only strengthens but protects the body; focusing on alignment, core engagement, and precision. ​I prioritize a strong technical foundation while also encouraging creativity, personal exploration, and expression.
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