Education: Bachelor of Arts in Dance, UNC Charlotte (2016)
Hometown: Colombia, South America
"I feel in love with dance and all of its culture," says Nathalia Raigosa. Born in Colombia, South America, Nathalia began dancing at age three, influenced and guided by her aunt, a professional dancer. At the age of 17, she received her USA residency and decided to move with her mother to North Carolina, where she started her studies at Central Piedmont Community College. A year and a half later, she transferred to UNC Charlotte.
After graduating from the Department of Dance in 2016, she moved to New York City to pursue her dream of having a career in dance. While in NYC, she toured with Ballet Folklorico de Antioquia, based in Colombia, and performed the role of Yolanda for the Off-Broadway production of In the Heights, under the direction of Luis Salgado, where she was also the Latin dance captain. After only six months in New York, she moved to Dubai where she became a principal dancer and artistic coordinator for Dubai Dance Company as part of BFN, an internationally-known company specializing in Tango, Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba, Belly Dance, Hip-Hop and Flamenco.
We sat down with Nathalia to get the scoop on her favorite projects, her international career, and how the Department of Dance has prepared her for the work she's doing today.
Who are you currently working with?
I came back to New York to work with one of my dream companies, Yamulee, a world-renowned Salsa company. Now I am dancing with Adolfo Indacochea & Latin Soul Dancers, and am studying and teaching dance at Adolfo Indacochea's Empire Mambo Dance Studio. I am excited for this new adventure.
My typical day starts with either going to an audition or sending resumés to different agencies. Then, I have my lunch and another audition, or I go to the studio to prepare myself for the classes and training in the evening.
What was your favorite thing about UNC Charlotte's Department of Dance?
I think it’s a unique department where professors not only prepare you and mentor you for the artistic career, but they also embrace your background and the different possibilities of a dance career. They always make sure to be helpful to you, even as an alumn. They are beyond a department, they are a family.
The UNC Charlotte Department of Dance is such a personalized, mentoring experience that helps you beyond the curriculum. You can be a ballerina or a passionate dancer that wants to make dance a career. They are ready for you. No matter who you are, or what your plans are, they will help you and embrace you. It has been the wisest decision I’ve made in my dance career.
What's your favorite performance you've been in?
I would have to say In the Heights was my favorite project. It was such a roller coaster of emotions and learning experiences with my director and coworkers. I’ve never seen a cast that was genuinely a family. The cast was open to learn and grow together no matter what it took, and my director was so willing to explore and breakthrough. I still see anybody from that cast and greet them as my family. I also got the opportunity to use my knowledge in Latin Dance to lead the scene of “In the club” for my role and the cast!