A distinguished member of the ballet community, Natalie Rast is considered one of the top teachers in Chicago. Natalie’s positive style and energy are well known. She prides herself on providing a great learning environment for her students, catering to all ages and skill levels, from teens to adults, and from absolute beginners to professionals.

Like many dancers, Natalie began her study of ballet during childhood, originally in Columbus, Ohio, and later moving to Illinois. She began her professional career with the Joel Hall Dancers of Chicago. She has toured the United States and Europe, and danced on premier stages in New York as well as London, Glasgow, Belfast, Rotterdam and Bergen. She has performed with the Chicago Dance Medium and the David Pusczh Dance Company, and has worked with such recognized names as Larry Long, Orrin Kayan, Brute Barodicaite, Anna Czajun, Pam Tanis and Homer Bryant.

Natalie has served as Ballet Mistress and faculty member for several Chicago dance companies and universities, and has served on the faculty for both Columbia College as well as the Chicago Academy for the Performing Arts.

While very disciplined in her instruction and her focus on proper technique, Natalie also believes that ballet class should be fun, and she encourages her students without pushing. Her warm personality and supportive approach has resulted in a loyal following of Rast Ballet students, many of whom didn’t take up ballet until adulthood. She loves to see her dancers stick with ballet and challenge themselves.