I asked Creative Artist Natalie Malotke how being a performer has shifted in the age of quarantine. She has been graciously sharing her skills with our community, I can't wait to try her online dance class. Let's do it together! 

She so eloquently describes her experience of the last few months below:

“What a strange time this is - not only as artists but as humans. As a creator during this time, it has been challenging and also inspiring. I’ve found that the desire to make anything comes and goes with equal ease and difficulty depending on the day, the weather, and the mood. My goal and mantra during this time has been “bite-sized pieces”. For better or worse, I am a planner. I like to know what’s coming and to be prepared from every angle. This time has not always been as productive in my craft as much as in my process. I’ve had to learn to be content to bite off the creative morsels that I can process. To be smart and patient and precise. And also to rest and re-set. I have poured myself into some new found talents of doodling and drawing and writing via @malotkemolds. Sometimes your art seeps out of pores you didn’t even know existed! 
The outlet that I use most frequently is dance. It has been a staple in my life for as long as I can remember and I feel proud to have a community of dancers virtually surrounding me that feels like family. I began offering free classes on Instagram live at the beginning of quarantine on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3pm to replicate the normalcy of my weekly time slot at Broadway Dance Center. It was a great way to sweat and gather in a safe way. I have recently shifted my teaching schedule to Tuesday mornings online for BDC at 10a, a Tuesday afternoon stretch, strengthen and breathe session on Instagram live at 3pm, and a Thursday afternoon Zoom class at 3pm for a minimum donation. Transitioning to Zoom has been life changing - to be able to see students faces and be able to give personalized feedback. My focus is to connect heart and dance. To stay mindful and moving. To grow as dancers, artists and humans. Would love for you to join us!"

What’s your favorite song to dance to?

-I love upbeat, happy songs that have story and through line. My favorite quarantine combos that have provided me with much joy are “Sunny Side of the Street” by Jon Batiste, "Zero to Hero" from Hercules, “Love is an Open Door” from Frozen and “ABC" by Jackson 5.

What’s go to meal before teaching a dance class? 

-An apple and peanut butter, a handful of Cheez-its and a Pamplemousse La Croix!

What’s favorite musical?

-This is always a tough question.. I think HAMILTON lives up to the hype and is so well thought out and beautifully staged. SHE LOVES ME is just perfection from top to bottom, I love LEGALLY BLONDE to pump me up and ONCE to make me feel.

Who is your inspiration?

-In life - my inspiration is my grandmother. She’s a 94 year old force of life!

What are you most looking forward to after quarantine has lifted?

-Hugging and community. I think the thing I miss most is human connection. During the middle of my class, I usually go around and shake hands with everyone I don’t know yet and hug everyone I do know. I miss the dance and Broadway community and I can’t wait we can be in a room together again to share in creating art.