Natalie Springel finds life in acting, dancing

Natalie Springel, 15, is a performing artist. A dancer for 10 years, Springel also acts, sings and paints in watercolor.

“I love the visual arts,” she said.

Springel’s love for dance started at a young age. “I remember my mother telling me I couldn’t start dancing until after I was potty trained.”

Springel dances under the instruction of Janet Wilder, director of the Academy of Dance, and artistic director of Ballet Spokane, the only professional ballet company in the area. Currently, Springel is a trainee with the company and, when she turns 18, she will be a full-fledged member.

“Nattie was in an Arabesque split stretch at the barre with one leg up in the air and her forehead to her shin of her other leg…and she yawned,” recalled Jaime McGuire, one of the company’s principal dancers, “Like this is such a natural way to yawn. Nattie is a natural at about everything she does, I imagine.”

Springel dances upward of 24 hours a week. She has performed in dozens of shows with both the Academy of Dance and Ballet Spokane.

Recently, Springel played the part of a mushroom, walrus, and playing card in Ballet Spokane’s production of “Alice in Wonderland,” followed by a part in the Choreographer’s Showcase contemporary work entitled “Elements.” The show took place at Central Valley High School Performing Arts Theater where she is a sophomore. In the school’s latest production of “Peter Pan,” Springel played Tiger Lily, a dancing fairy, and made her debut as student choreographer.

Last summer, Springel went on a mission trip to Panama where she trekked through jungles and shared her dramatic flair with the locals. The missionaries used skits and drama to present the gospel.

“Acting and dancing can open so many doors. A simple facial expression or movement can convey so much emotion,” said Springel, “In Panama, most of us didn’t speak Spanish, but we found that when we performed at parks or bus stops, people came to watch and were definitely affected…we communicated with the language of our bodies.”

Her involvement in dance has also taught her responsibility, perseverance and punctuality. She has gained grace and poise. Her parents also encourage her to be strong through hardship, to find beauty in all things, to always give her best, and to trust in God. “I look up to my parents and many others who never give up and always show compassion for others,” she said.

Springel is a good student and takes advanced placement English and science classes. She admits that high school is tough but her motivation and self-esteem comes from knowing she has family and friends to fall back on like a good dance partner.

While her schedule is busy, she takes time out for singing lessons and she paints. Her latest work is done in watercolor and is of a dancing woman in a red dress.