Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Gonzalez.
Hi Natalia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started dancing at a very young age, like many dancers do, training in all styles. It wasn’t until I joined my school’s dance team, the Gablettes, at Coral Gables Senior High in high school that I was introduced to hip hop. That was the moment I truly fell in love with dance in a different way. I knew I wanted to keep going, even though I still didn’t know exactly where dance would take me.
I ended up applying to New World School of the Arts, a conservatory where I earned my BFA in Dance. At the time, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to go the commercial route or pursue something more traditional. But once I started auditioning, I realized I loved being in front of a camera. I started booking a lot of work—commercial gigs, a role in Rock of Ages, and American tours with Latin artists.
Eventually, I decided to pursue dance in the pro sports world. I auditioned for the Miami HEAT Dancers, and it took me four tries to finally make the team. That’s something I always share with aspiring dancers—this industry is tough, and you’re going to get a lot of “no’s” before you get your “yes.” But when that “yes” comes, it’s so worth it.
Dancing for the HEAT was one of the best chapters of my life. I made lifelong friendships and danced on the team for four seasons. From there, I transitioned into coaching, and a few years ago, I was promoted to Director of Entertainment Talent. I’ve literally grown up in this organization—from a 20-something dancer to a coach, to now a wife and mom leading multiple teams. I’m proud to say I’ve been able to do it all in Miami, where I was born and raised.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s never a smooth road. In any career—especially in dance—there are going to be ups and downs, wins and failures. But I believe every failure is an opportunity to grow. Every “no” I received pushed me closer to where I was meant to be. I truly believe that God has a plan, and the decisions we make, even the ones that feel like detours, are all part of something bigger.
One of the biggest challenges in this industry is realizing that rejection isn’t always about your talent. Sometimes it’s about things completely outside your control. Maybe they’re casting a specific “look”—height, hair color, even body type—and you just don’t fit the mold they had in mind. That can be really hard to accept when you’ve worked so hard.
But I’ve learned that not getting a job or a role doesn’t reflect my worth, character, or ability. It just wasn’t meant for me at that moment. And that shift in perspective changed everything. I started to realize that I didn’t have to get every role—just the right ones.
There were definitely hard times. In this industry, you have to have tough skin. That’s one of the reasons I believe I’m such a strong coach today, because I’ve been through the rejection, the setbacks, and the doubt. I know what it takes to keep going, and I try to pour that strength back into my dancers.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Right now, I serve as the Director of Entertainment Talent for the Miami HEAT. I’ve been coaching the HEAT Dancers for 14 seasons, and I’ve recently taken on additional entertainment teams within the organization, which include our Golden Oldies, Hoop Troop, and Jr. Dance. I’m extremely proud of the culture we’ve built, one that champions excellence, hard work, and unity.
Outside of the HEAT, I run American Dance Alliance, a family-owned dance education company. We focus on empowering young dancers across the community through camps, workshops, competitions, and private programs. We work closely with the Miami-Dade County school system, and our mission is to bring dance and core values to the forefront of education and youth development.
In short—I do a little bit of everything. I’m a coach, a mentor, a director, sometimes a therapist, a costume designer, a creative producer. Whatever my team needs, I’m there for it.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My husband, my kids, my parents, my siblings, we’re all super close. I was raised in a big Miami family, and we’ve always been about showing up for each other. Sunday dinners, traditions, and constant love and support—that’s what keeps me grounded.
Their support has been everything to me, especially with the demands of my job. There are long hours, game nights, rehearsals, and photoshoots; it’s a lot. But they’ve always been in my corner, and that means the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nba.com/heat/dance
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natskee00/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-gonzalez-7bbbab330
- Other: https://www.americandancealliance.com
Image Credits
Miami HEAT and Natalia Gonzalez
