I recently interviewed Natascha Mair, a Principal Ballet dancer from the Vienna State Ballet and English National Ballet, who is transitioning from a career in ballet to the stunt industry. This fascinating interview gave me insight into the ballet world and the stunt industry.
Please find below a description of the interview with the links. I am also attaching two photographs with permission from Natascha Mair.
Natascha Mair: Embracing a New Stage, from Ballet to Stunts
Natascha Mair, a former principal dancer with the Vienna State Ballet, is embracing a bold new chapter in her career. After rising to prominence under Manuel Legris’ leadership and performing lead roles at a young age, she joined the English National Ballet, cementing her place on the international stage. Now, she’s transitioning from ballet to stunt coordination, a shift that might seem unexpected but builds on her foundation of precision, control, and focus. 
Though ballet and stunt work share similar physical demands, the transition has been challenging. Stunt coordination requires a different kind of physical preparation, emphasizing strength and coordination in ways that contrast with classical ballet techniques. This shift also brings personal challenges, as dancers like Natascha often define their identity through ballet, making a career change feel like starting over.
For Natascha, this process involves developing new skills, seeking fresh opportunities, and redefining her professional goals. Her journey underscores a common challenge for dancers: transferring years of training and discipline into a new field. Natascha’s approach is grounded and pragmatic, acknowledging the physical and emotional complexities of pivoting after years of dedication to one art form.
Her story is one of reinvention and persistence, applying the same determination that defined her ballet career to the world of stunt coordination.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/03nuASqROFb33s8nfMtnSR?si=GQvcpLOhRv-Jc6dL-apQFw
https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/petra-sittig/id1670647728?i=1000708616120
Photo Credits by Ballet: Ashley Taylor, Boxing: Mikael Ohlsson
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