by Natascha | Jan 26, 2016 | Art Series, Community Spotlight, Denver Headshots, Featured Post, Photography, Portfolio, Portraits, Urban Portraits, Yoga
Happy New Year from your Denver Yoga Photographer! I can still say that even tho’ it’s already Jan 25th, right?
January has started with plenty of Denver Yoga Photography and here is one of my favs: I’m thrilled to introduce you to Macy of Hungry Yoga, a local Denver Yoga Teacher and Small Business Owner. Macy was so so cute. A little backstory – I usually have people give me two or three levels of smiles when I do then portraits- small smile, medium smile and big smile. That’s because it’s hard to keep a big (real) smile on your face for an entire photo session. And also because it’s interesting to have a variety of expressions. Miss Macy is so darn happy that she told me “I just can’t smile small.” I love it! Big heart, big smile.
Here is a bit more about her, her Denver business, and what it was like to have a Yoga portrait session with Natascha Lee Studios:
1. Macy, tell us about yourself and your business:
Hey There ; ) My name is Macy Migchelbrink and I love teaching yoga, eating psychology, and lifestyle design. My personal business is Hungry YOGA, where I coach specifically women who emotionally eat or binge eat, develop a positive relationship with food and body through mindful movement, healthy thought patterns, and lifestyle changes. I also teach private therapeutic yoga at Ascent Therapy Clinic, employee wellness yoga at the City of Lakewood, chair yoga at Concordia Assisted Living, and Teen Yoga at Maha Soul Yoga Studio.
I believe that every BODY can do yoga, a person just has to find the right teacher and class that works best for them, at that stage in life.
2. What do you love the most about your job?
I love helping people feel better in the present moment. Seeing instant relief without giving a person anything outside of themselves; just their breath and body, is super powerful. I’m grateful that I get to work in so many different places around the beautiful city of Denver. I have students as young as 14 and as old as 93. Working in a physical therapy clinic allows me to take a more therapeutic and medical approach, and teaching teen yoga allows me to be more fun and playful. My biggest passion is helping women develop a positive body image and learn how to love food again!
3. What is your favorite style of yoga and why? Are there certain yoga teachers that you love and/or influence you?
My training at Yoga Garden SF empowered me to teach my own style of yoga. Their alignment-based hatha yoga teacher training originates from the teachings of Krishnamacharya, the teacher of B.K.S. Iyengar (Iyengar yoga), Pattabhi Jois (Ashtanga yoga) and T.V.K. Desikachar (viniyoga). This gave me a solid foundation of technical excellence combined with philosophical depth, enabling me to teach from my heart center.
I have to give credit to my first teachers Sonya Genel, Jonathan Issac, and Jean Mazzei for giving my the strong teaching foundation that I have.
Kathryn Budig has always been a powerhouse inspiration to me “aiming true” to my highest self, and I’ve attended many of her classes and workshops the last couple years at Yoga Journal LIVE in Estes Park, CO and whenever she’s in the Denver area I’m sure to support her.
Lastly, one of Denver’s finest teachers Lindsey Gonzales and her business Breathe on Board is someone who I have started to follow, like, and take her classes. She’s a teacher and trainer at Kindness Yoga, my home studio.
4. During the session, what was your experience like?
Natascha was awesome! She made me feel super comfortable in front of the camera, and told me exactly how to prepare properly for the shoot. She is very down to earth, and amazing at what she does. I loved the fact that she wanted to take some selfies with me too! I will recommend her to anyone that need professional photography done for their business or family.
5. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would teleport back to the 70s. Yep. Because it was an era full of love, groovy music, and straight hair : )
Reach Macy at:
Phone : 785-626-0048
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by Natascha | Oct 11, 2015 | Community Spotlight, Denver Headshots, Featured Post, Headshots, Modeling Porfolio, Photography, Portfolio, Portraits, Urban Portraits
As a photographer, I have the honor to create amazing images for my clients – families, models, executives, business owners, etc. And I love getting to know them. Recently I did one of my Headshots with Personality(sm) Sessions for a wonderful, kind woman, Juliana Vergaray. Here is a bit more about her, her business, and what it was like to have her session done by Natascha Lee Studios:
- Juliana, tell us about yourself and your business:
I have been practicing social work for 10 years with an emphasis on the children and teen population. My specialty is in trauma (an event that has impacted you on a level where you felt your life was threatened in any shape or form). I decided to focus on that because of the need: There are long waits at clinics and it’s important to provide treatment quickly after trauma. (The earlier you provide treatment, the more coping skills you can give them.) This can increase their resiliency.
- What do you love the most about your job?
I love being able to support people. To be a witness for them when they are at their lowest point in life, and then to work with them, seeing them when they are done with treatment and in a healthier place – This is all an honor for me.
- What made you decide to get professional photos done now? How will you use the photos?
I’ve reached a point in my career where I wanted photos that accurately represented me and what I offer. Since I am more advanced in my career, I needed professional photos taken by a talented photographer.
- What made you select Natascha Lee Studios for your photos?
I started on Google and looked at many different photographers’ websites. There was a realness to Natascha Lee Studio’s photos. I could tell that she brought out the uniqueness in each person, and captured their essence. They were not heavily photoshopped.
And while I wasn’t looking for kid portraits, her children’s photography is part of what convinced me – her photos of children capture their angelic essence. I thought, “Well, if she can do that with kids, I’m sure she can get authentic photos of me.”
As second aspect was her professionalism – from all the photographers who I contacted, she was one of only two who responded within 24 hours.
- Before the session, did you have any concerns?
Not many, but I was wondering what to wear. Natascha helped me with that via our phone conversations. It wasn’t time consuming to follow her lead and prep tips, but it sure was helpful. She gave me enough info that I felt confident coming in that morning.
She also helped me think through my vision. Initially I wanted to use some clients as models, and Natascha’s experience and advice helped me avoid certain legal and logistical issues. I was able to make a more informed decision how to use a model. (I ended up using a good friend as a model instead of an actual client.)
- During the session, what was your experience like? How did it compare to what you expected?
It was amazing. I just expected to get my photos taken but it was so much more than that. Natascha made me feel felt special and appreciated. In my line of business, I am always the support for others. But this shoot felt like a treat to myself, like I was the one being taken care of and supported. Natascha is full of positive energy, but still very professional in her approach. It was a self esteem boost in a healthy way.
I was surprised as how quick the session lasted (just one hour), but we got a lot done – lots of poses and locations and even three different outfits.
Natascha gave directions, but not in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. It felt like she was trying to get my most authentic reactions and smiles.
- What did you think when you saw the photos? If you have already used or shared the photos, what sort of feedback have you received?
I thought “Wow!” I love them, because they are exactly what I was looking for, something unique and very professional. They are warm and convey my brand well. I was thrilled; I still am.
- What advice would you give to someone else contemplating getting professional headshots done?
I would say look at different websites to find someone whose style matches yours, who has photos that somehow resonate with you. And don’t make your decisions based solely on what you see online. Talk to the photographer to make sure you would be comfortable working with them – look for a connection with them.
Juliana’s private practice, Help Hope and Healing / Ayuda Esperanza Curacion, LLC, is located in Capital Hill within a holistic healing center, she sees client’s as young as 3 to adulthood. You can connect with her via:
phone: 720-443-5701
Twitter: @jvergaraylcsw
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by Natascha | Sep 28, 2015 | Broomfield Colorado Family Photography, Broomfield Community Spotlight, Community Spotlight, Dancers Dreamers & Make Believers, Featured Post, Philanthrophy, Photography
Community Series where we focused on locally-owned small businesses. I’m thrilled to expand that to include organizations that exist to better the lives of those around us. Now, that technically applies to all businesses – we are all trying to provide a service or product of value to improve the lives of others. But charitable and philanthropic organizations have that service-to-others as their main raison e’tre. Today I’m interviewing Desiree Jewell, a fabulous local Broomfield woman involved in a great local charity. And, she happens to have one of the cutest little redhead girls. Check it out:
I know, right? So very very cute! She was one of my models for a Little Ballerina photo shoot I did a while back. You can never have too too much tutu and tulle! Or glitter and sequins!
Desiree volunteers with a wonderful organization called , Denver Urban Scholars (DUS).
DUS provides a life of opportunity for high risk students in the Denver area. Their mission places tremendous value on fostering positive social and academic settings, increasing graduation rates, and ultimately creating individual pathways to college and career success. The long and short of it, they give local students the tools, time and attention they need to succeed in life.
Read on to learn more about Desiree, what she would do on a day off in Boulder and Lousiville (yes, it involves hiking, a small deli called Salvaggios, and ice cream!), more about how you can help DUS and most importantly, what superhero power she would pick. (BTW, the superhero power she picked is one that no one has ever selected before – and I’ve been asking the “What would be your superhero power” question for YEARS!)
And, don’t miss the YouTube video she mentions at the end of her interview – you could get to be a human foosball table. How cool is that!????
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Desiree, tell us about yourself and your family:
My name is Desiree Jewell and I live in Broomfield, Colorado with my wonderful husband, Todd, and our eight year old daughter, Eden. I am the Director of Marketing for Online & Blended Learning with Pearson North America. Each day I am able to combine my love for teaching/learning with my passion for marketing – there is never a dull moment and I know I am positively impacting the learning experience for someone each and every day!
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If you had a day off work and a $250 budget to spend in your town, what would you do and where would you go?
Wow! This is a tough one. Given the seasons are changing, I would head into Boulder and walk around Pearl Street, while taking in the gorgeous views throughout the area. I absolutely love the CU campus this time of year and it requires zero dollars, so money well spent! There are so many fantastic restaurants in Boulder, but our “go to” is a small deli named Salvaggios. They have the most amazing rolls and you can get the best prime rib sandwich for under $7. I might grab my kiddo on the way home and have a nice “girls day” getting our nails done somewhere around town. A pretty simple day honestly! I would definitely have to cap the day with some delicious ice cream from our favorite shop in Louisville, Sweet Cow. Any remaining funds would go to charity!
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How do you know Natascha Lee Studios?
We have known Natascha for years and have always loved her work! We had the pleasure of working with Natascha Lee Studios for a super fun dance model shoot and the pictures came out amazing. She and her team did a wonderful job of making the day extra fun for the girls, while still ensuring the work was professional and in line with their overall vision. Some of my favorite shots were totally candid and really captured the personalities of all of the girls – it takes a special gift to draw out the true spirit of your clients and Natascha nails it!
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Tell us about the charity you are involved in – what do they do, what makes them special.
For the last twenty years, Denver Urban Scholars (DUS) has been dedicated to providing a life of opportunity for high risk students in the Denver area. Their mission places tremendous value on fostering positive social and academic settings, increasing graduation rates, and ultimately creating individual pathways to college and career success. The long and short of it, they give local students the tools, time and attention they need to succeed in life.
DUS is incredibly special because the organization follows students from middle school into early college/career and empowers them via mentoring, case management and academic support. I have never seen an organization arm their students with so many resources, across so many areas of their life, for so many years. They truly provide the long-term stability these students need and are honestly some of the most generous, passionate, inspiring people I have ever met!
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How did you get involved with this charity? What do you do with them now?
I was introduced to the organization via a friend and the fit was instant. I have been working closely with DUS for the last year and currently serve on their Board of Directors, as well as Chair their Marketing Committee. It has been such a pleasure to get to know all of their amazing staff and volunteers.
One of my biggest goals this year is to build awareness around the great work happening within this organization, so I am very appreciative of this opportunity to share a bit about DUS with the Natascha Lee Studios audience!
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Where can someone go to learn more?
www.denverurbanscholars.org has a wealth of information about the organization! You can also follow the team @DenverScho via twitter or Denver Urban Scholars on Facebook.
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You have a special event coming up….
Yes, we are celebrating our 20th Anniversary this year and have a fantastic fundraising gala, The Class Act Dinner, planned Saturday, November 7 at the Seawell Ballroom within the Denver Performing Arts Center. Tickets and full tables are available for purchase and everyone is invited to attend! If you are unable to make the event, but would like to give in another way, we are actively seeking silent auction donation items, as well as volunteers to help with the evening events. The theme is “Hollywood Glam”, so I assure you it will be a night full of fun – you can learn more here.
You can also give to Denver Urban Scholars at any time via their website, or during Colorado Gives Day this December 8.
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If we can’t make the event, how else can people contribute and/or help out?
Financial assistance is always appreciated; however, we are also actively looking for new mentors to pair with our growing student list! If you or someone you may know is interested in learning more about our mentor opportunities, click here.
You can also plan ahead for our “Summer Games” in June 2016 (date TBD) which is the most incredibly fun, “adult” field day you will find in the Denver area! If you like videos, this YouTube video will give you a great overview of the event.
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And the most important question of all – if you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The power to heal!
Thanks Desiree – it was great to learn more about you and about Denver Urban Scholars!
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by Natascha | May 20, 2014 | Broomfield Children's Photography, Broomfield colorado Baby Photography, Broomfield Community Spotlight, Broomfield Companies for Mothers, Broomfield Newborn Photography, Colorado Baby Photography, Colorado Family Photography, Community, Community Spotlight, Resources for Mothers
Hello! Brittany here. I’m excited about our 8th Community Spotlight installment.
Here at Natascha Lee Studios, we love small, locally-owned stores that serve mothers. Especially because we focus (pun intended!) on maternity, newborn baby and children/family portraits!
This week we feature Bosom Buddies! A great small business and resource for expecting and new moms as well as women in general! While mainly focused on assisting and providing services for breast-feeding moms, Bosom Buddies has something for every woman. To learn a little more we spoke with co-owner, Sue Petracek.
Sue and her husband bought bosom Buddies in June of 1994 – At that time it was solely for pump rentals. Now, when you walk into one of Bosom Buddies locations you will be amazed at the variety of products: from lotions to bras, and of course (sticking to their roots), breast pumps and every accessory to go with them that a mother could want!
How did you decide to buy Bosom Buddies and become a lactation consultant?
Having my eldest daughter in the early 70’s my husband and I were drawn to breastfeeding. – at this time breastfeeding initiation rates were at an all time low and it was seen as a very counter-cultural ‘hippy’ thing to do, although we were not. Throughout the years we had owned other businesses and have done other things but this opportunity arose in 1994 and I saw it as a perfect venture to combine something that I had been very passionate about and the business experience I had accumulated over the years.
Bosom Buddies has two certified lactation consultants, Sue and her daughter Robyn who provide lactation consulting for mothers and babies who have questions or who are having problems. In addition Bosom Buddies also offers classes in basic breastfeeding, breastfeeding multiples, returning to work while breastfeeding and a recently added breast pumping class.
You do offer more than breast-feeding pumps and accessories? Can you tell me about those?
One product that we offer is sports bras for mothers who are nursing. Typical bras that have a S/M/L squish approach do not provide the support that is needed for breast with milk. Bosom buddies found that the sports bras that work best are those with band size and cup support. This is what we now carry and our sports bras now range in sizes and can be found up to a 48J.
Bosom Buddies services do not end when you stop breastfeeding they provide non-nursing bras in a wide variety of sizes. Bosom buddies associates are certified to measure you to help you purchase a quality bra that fits your body.
What is your mission at Bosom Buddies?
Providing good quality, helpful products to allow women to feel better about themselves while also being able to feel empowered in their abilities as women.
Feeling nervous about buying a nursing bra? Be assured that most the bras at Bosom Buddies are tested by a focus group of mothers before they hit the shelves to assure that they fit and are comfortable and practical.
What does Bosom Buddies do in the community?
Bosom Buddies is a strong supporter and referrer of the Mothers Milk Bank in Colorado. This wonderful organization collects, processes and dispenses human milk for babies who cannot receive milk from their mothers for various reasons. Often this can mean the difference between life and death for premature babies.
What a wonderful store. Thank you, Sue, for chatting with us.
Interested in learning more about Bosom Buddies?
Bosom Buddies has two locations – stop in!
Bosom Buddies – South Store
8331-C Willow Street – Lone Tree, CO 80124
Bosom Buddies – North Store
5684 W 88th Avenue – Westminster, CO 80031
Reach them online – You can also order off their website or on Facebook !!
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by Natascha | May 2, 2014 | Broomfield Community Spotlight, Broomfield Companies for Mothers, Community, Community Spotlight, Outdoors, Photography, Resources for Mothers, Uncategorized
Community Spotlight!This week we are featuring, Off the Wall Fitness owned by Kyle McGranahan located in Broomfield, Colorado.
Has the warmth come to stay? I hope so! At Natascha Lee Studios we have soaking it all up, and taking advantage to do some amazing outdoor sessions. Seriously check out this baby from a family session we did late April – so sweet!
Off the Wall Fitness is more than your average gym – offering exciting new ways to shake-up your current routine, or a great start for those who may not have been as diligent about their workouts and are ready to get back!
To learn a little more about OTW Fitness and what sets it apart we spoke with owner and trainer Kyle.
[caption id="attachment_3264" align="aligncenter" width="230"]
Image provided by Off The Wall Fitness Owner Kyle[/caption]
Can you Tell me a little about yourself?
I’m originally from Arizona, and have always been active. I joined the Marine Corps right out of high school. The Marines instilled a number of great skills like leadership, communication, discipline, and a passion for fitness. I finished my 5 year enlistment and decided that I wanted to get into the fitness industry. I became a Certified Personal Trainer while in San Diego just before moving to Colorado. As soon as I got to Colorado I became a Personal Trainer and never stopped learning. I worked for a gym for a little over 5 years. Then I finally decided I wanted to get more involved and be able to see my clients more often. This meant coming up with a group fitness concept that allowed me to charge less, but see them consistently more times a week. This is where Off the Wall Fitness came into the picture. I decided to specialize in group fitness, but I wanted to use different training techniques to make it more enjoyable and safer than the competitors. I’ve been doing it a little over a year and I am extremely dedicated to what I do, and love seeing the results my clients get in return when they work hard at it.
What do you kind of classes and services do you offer at OTW Fitness?
Off the Wall Fitness is not your everyday run of the mill gym. We think outside the box and use off the wall techniques to combine all aspects of fitness to ensure a workout that is fun, safe, and extremely effective. If people are bored at their current gym or their workouts are getting stagnant they need to check us out to get beyond any plateau!
I offer Group Fitness classes that can be modified to many different fitness levels. I also offer 1-on-1 Personal Training for those that might be uncomfortable in a group setting or have very specific goals that cannot be addressed in the group fitness classes. Nutrition Consultations are also offered by Master Nutrition Therapist Desiree Schneider to include; nutrition consultations, meal planning, body wraps, and Detoxification programs.
What is your favorite “client success story”?
One of our members initially came in just to loose weight. You could tell she didn’t like to exercise, but committed to consistently coming to the group fitness classes. Over the course of year, her entire mentality changed about how she perceived exercise. Now she doesn’t like to miss a class, is one of the hardest and most dedicated people in my gym, and for that she has seen tremendous results. She has lost well over 30 pounds, dropped several clothes sizes, she looks and feels so much better. She has a completely positive attitude, and her diet is very healthy!
[caption id="attachment_3265" align="aligncenter" width="432"]
Photo provided by Off the Wall Fitness[/caption]
How does OTW Fitness unique?
I really focus on limiting my class sizes, creating camaraderie among the members, and going above and beyond what other gyms do like bringing healthy post workout snacks to select Saturday classes and teach all the classes myself.
In 2014, what do you see for OTW Fitness?
In 2014 I want to branch out and get my brand name out to enthusiastic people that enjoy working out and like to try new ways of doing that. I also want to tap into new markets that are not over flooded with gyms. I am always looking for new and fun ways to exercise and share that with my clients to constantly stimulate my mind and help them reach their fitness goals and beyond.
Great business. huh? To learn more you can visit them online or on Facebook
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by Natascha | Mar 20, 2014 | Ballet, Broomfield Children's Photography, Broomfield Colorado Family Photography, Broomfield Community Spotlight, Broomfield Companies for Mothers, Children, Community, Community Spotlight, Resources for Children, Resources for Mothers
th installment of Community Spotlight is here and this week we are featuring Danse Etoile Ballet located in Broomfield, Colorado
As previous ballet dancers ourselves, we at Natasha Lee Studios are beyond excited to feature a great local company, Danse Etoile Ballet, that puts on amazing performances that cater to both the art lover and families.
To get to know more about Danse Etoile Ballet we talked with founder and owner, Marie-Jose Payannet.
[caption id="attachment_3120" align="aligncenter" width="245"]
Photo Credit: Photo provided by Marie Jose[/caption]
Can you tell us about Danse Etoile Ballet?
Danse Etoile Ballet is a non-profit dance organization founded by Marie-Jose Payannet. Dedicated to offering artists of all ages a place to refine their talent and an opportunity to perform. Since its first performance in January of 2005, Danse Etoile has produced original story ballets ranging from the classical to the contemporary and folk styles.
How did DanseEtoile Ballet get its start?
Incorporated in 2004 in service in 2005 for our first performances at the Dance is for everybody and the dairy center . We didn’t have a studio and rehearsed everywhere sometimes 9pm at night, Sundays, without heat…. Our first class was on an indoor soccer field.
When you were practicing on soccer fields and without heat did you think that you would ever be where you are today?
I had no idea. I was just focused on teaching and rehearsing the best I could for our first performance. One day at the time with a vision.
[caption id="attachment_3121" align="aligncenter" width="480"]
Photo Credit: Macht[/caption]
How would you describe the mission of Danse Etoile Ballet?
Danse Etoile Ballet is dedicated to producing quality artistic performances, programs, and instruction, which will foster access to, and appreciation of dance and theater for new audiences.
What type of classes does Danse Etoile Ballet offer for different ages and skill sets?
By maintaining small class sizes, dancers of all ages are given individual attention and guidance tailored to their specific needs. The family atmosphere at Danse Etoile provides a healthy environment where dancers feel comfortable to push themselves out of their comfort zones and reach new levels of success.
The performance opportunities given to our dancers are un-paralleled to any other company. Dancers are not only expected to be technical in their art, but also be professional in their performance
Why is ballet an important skill to learn?
It is not ballet by itself. It is the all aspect of professional training in a safe, family like environment where students can strive to be their best, learn a hard physical discipline, learn a team effort as well as to be mentally strong when challenged, learn to perform in front of difference audiences and at different venues, volunteer, understand the importance of Arts in the community. Ballet is also a great way to stay in shape and not being bored as it gets challenging very quickly.
Interested in becoming a performer, or getting your children involved? Checkout their summer sessions that are now enrolling!
How does Danse Etoile Ballet positively affect the community?
Danse Etoile Ballet strives to produce three full-length performances every season. These performances are funded through local and national grants as well as local businesses.
Each performance consist of three to four shows, held over a period of two days. Each show attracts an audience ranging from 150 to 400 people from Boulder, Broomfield and Denver counties.
We feel that it is important for our community to be involved in the arts. Every performance we provide discounted and free tickets to organizations like the Girl Scouts, retirement communities, and other local non-profits. By sponsoring a performance, you enable us to continue allowing dance as well as the arts, to be accessible to our community.
As well as producing full-length performances, we participate in community events such as the Boulder Creek Festival, Dance is for Everybody and the Broomfield Days. The company also performs in several schools as part of our outreach program. By sponsoring a season you are aiding us in our effort to educate the community on the importance of the arts.
[caption id="attachment_3123" align="aligncenter" width="408"]
Photo Credit: Provided by Dance Etoile[/caption]
Can you tell us a little more about your kid-friendly/family performances? What should a family expect at a show?
All the performances we produced are fun to watch for everyone at different levels. They are colorful, unique, great music and choreography, often with a touch of humor, very lively. The theater is small and you can see well from everywhere, the kids can come and meet with the dancers and be inspired to dance. It is somewhat intimate and you get really caught up in the performance. And the ticket price is cheap so even low income families can enjoy it.
At Natascha Lee Studios we love that Danse Etoile Ballet has performances that are catered to families and young audiences – it is amazing to get to expose kids to the arts, especially in this capacity of talent and entertainment value!
To learn more about Danse Etoile Ballet, click here to visit them online
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