Meet Natalia Sanchez | Movement and Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalia Sanchez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Because I believe the arts are an ode and a celebration to the things that surround us. I can’t remember my life without art being involved in it. I’ve always been curious and fascinated about the freedom of expression that different art mediums can bring, in my case those were photography and dance. I think about these two passions as my personal language, as my stamp to anything I touch or create, it’s more that something that I “do”.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was born and raised in Monterrey Mexico, and although I had a very happy and fulfilling childhood surrounded by my family and friends and good food, I knew that if I wanted to seriously pursue the arts I wouldn’t be staying there for longer. Unfortunately, in my hometown there aren’t many options that could allow me to study dance and choreography, let alone turn it into a career. So in September 2020 I dropped out of design college to move to New York City to study dance.

Moving from a foreign country to the US as an international student to study one of my biggest passions sounded like a dream in my head, little did I know what awaited me. From trying to find an apartment in NYC, understanding the subway system, trying to make friends in a pandemic, speaking a different language plus the slang and culture of NYC to being homesick and missing my family, friends and the overall comfort of my home in Mexico. It was very difficult at times to chin up when a random person would scream at you at a street for being ‘on the way’ or when a teacher would call you out at a dance class for ‘not listening’ when they don’t know english is not your first language.

NYC is a tough city but that’s also the beauty of it. The ‘not knowing’ of moving to the US as an immigrant can be scary, but I believe it has brought out the best in me, and it has made me seen what I’m capable of doing and how far I’m willing to go in situations of adversity.

I also want to encourage young Mexican women who are in the works of pursuing their dreams to try and fail and learn from it and enjoy the ride and enjoy the unknown of a path that sometimes feels endless, I am also in that path with you and from where I’m standing I can say it looks pretty good and exciting.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would recommend to Citibike downtown anytime except during the weekends because it gets crowded, to try the lobster noodles and any drink at Wayan in Spring Street, eat at Olio e Piu near Washington Square Park, to go to Book Club in the East Village, get a pastry and coffee at Librae Bakery, and to see any Broadway show.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s this book called “Y colorín colorado este cuento aún no se ha acabado” by the Mexican actor and writer Odin Dupeyron that I can confidently say it made me the person I am today. I believe my parents gave it to me when I was around 11 years old, it talks about perseverance, about questioning societal norms, and about believing in one-self when nothing seems to be going in your favor. It taught me that it is necessary to break through patterns to achieve what you dream of, and that the path to success looks different to everyone. Basically to enjoy the ride. It is a great book I can’t recommend enough.

Website: https://nataliasanchez.me

Instagram: @uataliasauchez

Youtube: @nataliasancheez

Image Credits
Daniela Flores, Daniela Garza, Elyse Mertz, Dew Rattanas, Dash Kolos, Natalia Sanchez