A bit about me

Having been a professional dancer for 20 years, I have always had a flair for creativity.  

I studied Ceramics at A level, before going on to pursue my dancing dream. 20 wonderful years I spent performing to audiences all over the world, on stages including 'Hollywood Bowl' in LA, the Sambadrome in the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, the Melbourne cup in Australia, Casino Estoril, Portugal, I toured China, Was 'Meneuse de review' at LA Nouvelle Eve Paris, the most recent time I spent many years performing the traditional French Cancan at the World Famous Moulin Rouge in Paris. with over 2000 spectators overnight. My Urge to make people smile was fulfilled. 

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I met my wife in 2016,  moved back to Derby and married in 2017. In 2018 I gave birth to our gorgeous daughter, where a new journey of motherhood began. 

After trying to figure out how to be Natalie the wife and mum, not Natalie 'the Dancer from the Moulin Rouge', I started doing talks to WI groups about 'my life as a Parisian Showgirl'. I got myself a job as a swimming instructor to fit in with timings on having a little one. perfect for a time but a piece of me was missing. 

My wife Sarah told me to get a bag of clay out and have a go. Being a little apprehensive. I found a local course with a wonderful teacher Katheryn Bourg, (@highlycrafted) she gave me the confidence to carry on. I loved being back with Clay! My creative juices were flowing again, with my showgirl talks and clay. My eldest brother suggested I apply to the Great Pottery Throw Down, I did but heard nothing. Well, that was the fire to make me carry on! After many a call back and one failed attempt at an audition, I got the call last year to say they would like me as a potter on 2025 series of The Great Pottery Throwdown! I was overjoyed, I could not believe it! Soooooo Chuffed!

Not only did I get on the Show.... I only went and made it to the final!! Meeting incredibly talented potters along the way.

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And so, I have halved my hours at the pool, moved out of my garage into my Studio....  Natalie 'Dancing Potter', my new Journey! Exciting and scary all at the same time. Continuing with my Showgirl talks and getting my hands messy with clay... this is me.....

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