We were lucky to catch up with Dario Natarelli recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dario, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity is a practice that I try to make a part of my every day life. Whether it is journaling in the morning and evenings, taking long walks listening to a couple albums, or getting into a rehearsal studio with other creative individuals, these daily “tasks” all fuel my ability to dream and explore. While I believe it is important to practice some form of creativity on a daily basis, I also believe that resting for the mind and body is an absolute necessity to avoid burn out. Finding the balance between practice and rest is key to keeping creativity alive!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a professional performer, choreographer, and dance educator specializing in tap dance based in New York City.
I feel most excited about the show that I am currently a part of on Broadway called Illinoise, directed and choreographed by Justin Peck. I am an understudy covering 5 principal tracks, as well as the assistant dance captain and fall captain. This is my Broadway debut, something I have been dreaming about accomplishing for many years, and I am just so grateful to be able to share the space with such incredible artists each week!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1: Respect for the art form that I am practicing (that is shown through respecting our teachers, mentors, and peers, as well as learning the history and passing it on to future generations).
2: My first tap dance mentor, Robert L. Reed, would always tell me that, in order to become professional, I had to “practice until I can’t get it wrong.” This instilled an advanced work ethic in me from a young age, a lesson in which I am extremely grateful.
3. Generosity and grace. There is enough space in the world for all of us to create and share our stories. It is important that we uplift one another as much as possible.
My advice would be to practice your skill set each day on your own, taking notes to hold yourself accountable. Join a community of people with similar interests to spark inspiration. Whichever art form you choose to study, make sure you respect and honor its history by reading, having conversations with professionals, and not being afraid to ask questions.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I am so grateful for my parents. They have sacrificed so much for me growing up by taking me to NYC to learn from the greatest teachers in the world, by taking me to auditions, school, and making sure that I would grow up feeling ready to join the professional world. If they are reading this now, THANK YOU for everything! I love you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Darionatarelli.com
- Instagram: Dario_natarelli
Image Credits
All photography by Taylor James Phorography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
