Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Canovas.
Hi Natalia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my dance training at one of Miami’s most iconic studios at just nine years old. By eleven, I had entered the competitive dance world—and from that moment on, I never stepped away. The stage quickly became a second home, and over the years, I built a reputation not only for consistency, but for winning.
But dance gave me far more than titles. It shaped who I am at my core. It taught me discipline when things got hard, confidence when I doubted myself, and the true meaning of being part of something bigger than me. Being on a team showed me accountability, trust, and how powerful collective effort can be when everyone is working toward the same goal.
At a young age, I took a leap and became a studio owner. That experience pushed me into a new level of leadership and responsibility, forcing me to grow quickly both as an artist and as a person. It gave me a platform—not just to create, but to mentor, guide, and inspire the next generation of dancers.
Today, that foundation has evolved into my work as a freelance choreographer. I now have the opportunity to travel, collaborate, and continue shaping dancers across multiple studios, carrying with me everything dance first taught me all those years ago.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building a career in dance—especially in Miami—has never been easy. The city is filled with some of the most talented, driven dancers in the country, and the competition is undeniably intense. It pushes you, but it also forces you to constantly prove your place in the room.
Along the way, I’ve faced my share of challenges—not just creatively, but personally. There have been moments where I’ve felt underestimated, misunderstood, and even challenged by the very people you would hope to have support from. But those experiences taught me how to stand firm in who I am. I’ve learned to advocate for my dancers, my work, and my values, even when it isn’t the easy route.
Financially, choosing a life in the arts comes with its own realities. It’s not always predictable, and it requires sacrifice, resilience, and a deep belief in what you do. This is truly the artist’s life—one that demands passion over comfort.
But despite all of it, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every challenge has shaped me, strengthened me, and reaffirmed exactly why I chose this path in the first place.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m most known for creating work that demands both technical excellence and emotional depth. My choreography lives in the space between contemporary and lyrical, but what truly defines it is intention—every movement has a purpose, and every dancer is pushed to understand not just what they’re doing, but why they’re doing it.
I specialize in developing dancers, not just teaching combinations. My process is rooted in strengthening, conditioning, and refining technique, while simultaneously building artistry and presence. I expect my dancers to be fully invested—physically, mentally, and emotionally—and that standard is what consistently elevates my work.
What sets me apart is my approach. I’m direct, I’m honest, and I don’t believe in watering things down. I care deeply about my dancers, but I will challenge them every step of the way. Growth is the priority, and I create an environment where that growth is unavoidable.
At the end of the day, people don’t just come to me for choreography—they come to be pushed, to be seen, and to leave better than they walked in.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If there’s one thing I value most in this journey, it’s the relationships I’ve built along the way. The bond I create with my dancers goes far beyond the studio. Watching them grow—not just as artists, but as people—is easily the most rewarding part of what I do. Those connections are the reason I continue to love this work as much as I did when I first started.
I also wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentors who believed in me, challenged me, and pushed me to expect more from myself. They helped shape not only my training, but my mindset, my work ethic, and the way I now lead and teach others.
Everything I pour into my dancers is, in many ways, a reflection of what was once poured into me—and that is something I carry with a lot of pride.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Natalia_Canovas
Image Credits
Credit: Photo Finish Weeks, LLC
