Victoria Parker, Senior Editor, Dance
As we head into another new month, we, here at Horizon VU, are so excited to announce our July Dancer of the Month, Natascha Mair. Born in Vienna, Austria, Mair began her training at the age of seven at the Vienna State Opera. It was here that she was able to be taught by Gabriele Haslinger, Karen Henry, Galina Skuratova, Evelyn Téri, and others. In 2021 she graduated from high school, passed her ballet diploma exam with an amazing score, and began her career in the 2012/13 season with Vienna State ballet. 2012 was a big year for Mair as she was also awarded the Jury Price at the International Ballet School Competition in Beijing and received the first prize in the Premio Roma Danza.
Mair continued her career with Vienna State Ballet as she was promoted to demi-soloist in 2014 and soloist in 2016. By December 2018, Mair was promoted to first soloist by Vienna State Ballet Director, Manuel Legris, following her performance in Rudolf Nureyev’s The Nutcracker at the Vienna State Opera House.
In 2020, Natascha Mair left the Vienna State Ballet and was appointed Principal dancer at the English National Ballet. Not only is she currently performing with ENB, she appears as a guest principal in many lead roles and galas across Europe and overseas even. Her talents do not stop on the stage however, Mair has done on camera work too, including the Broadcasts of the New Year’s Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic, the opening of the Vienna Opera Ballet, and “Just Ballet,” a documentary.
During the pandemic and quarantine, Mair spent her time training her family in Pilates and even getting her teaching certificate. Staying active was the key focus for her during this trying time, and trying to dance as much as she could. She also enjoys learning styles of dance other than ballet for fun. Her advice for dancers coming out of the pandemic times is, “To keep strong. Better days are ahead. Be kind to yourself also on bad days.”
Up until June 26th, Mair was performing Black Swan and Corsaire Pas de deux at Royal Festival Hall as a part of English National Ballet’s program titled, ‘Solstice.’ She says she is, “…happily back on stage and spend all my time there. But if I can I also try to enjoy London or places in the nature. I always try to stay inspired and keep learning.”
We are so happy to have dancers back on stage, and be able to feature such talented dancers, like Natascha Mair. Be on the lookout for her upcoming works in the fall season and keep up with her directly through her website! (linked below)
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