Natalie Burn is an exceptionally talented and accomplished actress. She has done a popular role in recent movie as Kristina, Conrad’s (Mel Gibson) wife in “The Expendables 3” sequel.
Natalie Burn was born in Kiev, Ukraine Natalie was growing in the family of businessman and ballerina. Being a dancer her Mum noticed that Natalie at early age had wrong posture and sent 4 years old Natalie to do gymnastics, mainly for correcting posture and developing flexibility. Later at the age of 6 to improve her movements and sense of rhythm Natalie was admitted to Ukrainian Dance Academy where besides learning academic subjects, she studied classical ballet, folk and tap dance. From the age of 8 Natalie was already touring extensively performing within the youth dance group.
Those years of everyday training at school, summer camps and long hours rehearsals on the stage before performances and tours put a strong foundation of Natalie’s character for the rest of her life. Trying to be competitive, and simply the best Natalie had to work hard. As a result of that hard work at the age of 11 she was accepted in one of the top ballet school in the world Bolshoi Ballet School in Moscow, which made her family to move to Russia.
Several years of serious ballet training, touring with Bolshoi Ballet and performing on the best stages all over the world sculptured a determined and ambitious ballerina with classical ballet discipline and understanding of dance, music and stage. However, at her teens Natalie heard of Bejaur Ballet and some ballet extravaganza in Paris and London. She became keen on experiencing a new form Contemporary style of ballet, which was not popular in Russia at that time.
Moving to London, gave Natalie a chance to complete her classical ballet education in The Royal Ballet School as ballet dancer and choreographer. Besides, she learnt contemporary style of ballet in Rambert Ballet and Contemporary Dance Company in London. Being asked to choreograph for different occasions and different audience, Natalie had to learn other dance types as Spanish Flamenco in Seville, hip hop in US, Salsa and even break dancing in the UK.
Inspired by variety of dance styles, Natalie choreographed ‘The Refugees’ dance piece on the music from “Notre Dame De Paris” and won special award in the Royal Ballet School as young talented choreographer. Introducing herself further as choreographer Natalie created full ballet for special event in UNESCO, Paris, which many celebrities attended as Pierre Carden, Mirrey Matiew, Michelle Rodriguez and also astronauts from different countries as special guests. The ballet was dedicated to the first man mission into the space, it was shown in UNESCO on the day of its 50th anniversary, and had a great success.
Continuing her career as choreographer Natalie created another big ballet called “Stella”, which was presented in Kremlin Palace Hall in Moscow. “Stella” was performed in support of a humanitarian act of raising awareness of people’s impact on the environment, and urgency of combining people’s efforts to protect our planet from environmental disaster.
Owen Wilson specially came to Moscow to support Natalie at the premier of “Stella.” Having several injuries stopped Natalie from making career as a professional ballerina, but passion for dance and stage had to find its application in choreographic work, including music industry with such names as Nelly, Paula Abdul, Mario, the Jackson Five, Craig David and choreography of top fashion events like Roberto Cavalli and big music festivals all around the world.
Stage and audience for Natalie had always been a significant part of her life. However, since childhood her biggest dream was expressing herself with her voice, not only movements, being able to act, to reincarnate into different characters and show herself as dramatic actress. Natalie was admitted as a student into a world famous Lee Strasberg Theater Institute, later American Academy of Dramatic Arts and later got into study at the Actor’s Studio in West Hollywood. Her dream was turning into reality when after winning the approval of both Martin Landau and Mark Rydell she appeared on stage of Actor’s Studio in several amazing stage plays. Some of Natalie’s work at the studio was moderated and commented by Al Pacino.
Among all the theatre roles played, her favorite role remains Nina from Seagul, A.Chekhov’s play which was very much appreciated and highly impressed Sally Kirkland, Martin Landau, Mark Rydell and many others at the Actors Studio. Acting on the stage for Natalie was comfortable as dancing on it, feeling reaction of the audience and having live connection with people was always giving boost to perform better, showing your best.
Trying herself as a movie actress Natalie started with the small roles. Gradually growing, Natalie appeared in more than 10 Hollywood movies. Thanks to Natalie’s international background and multilingual ability (she speaks five languages), Natalie got offers to act in the movies produced in different countries.
In Russia Natalie is famous to domestic audience primarily for her lead role in the sequel of the famous gangster saga “Brigade” – “Brigade: The Heir”, released in 2012. Natalie also played as a guest star in the detective TV show “Petrovich” (NTV), together with Alexei Petrenko and Marina Golub, and starred in action comedy “Man are the Bait/ Chelovek Primanka” (directed by Guzel Kireyeva) with Russian actors Tatiana Vasilieva and Sergey Averin. (TV series released in 2014)
Also taking part in talk shows Natalie could be seen with Rob Schneider in Moscow participating in the debates on one of the TV talk show. In US cinematography Natalie was blessed to work with such legends as Franco Nero, Harrison Ford Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kellan Lutz, Antonio Banderas, Dolph Lundgren, Wesley Snipes, Mel Gibson, and many more…
Her most popular appearance is in action and horror movies, however she loves to play in drama movies and would like to try herself in comedy. Among her latest movies are: thriller/horror “Nymph”, first showed on screen at Cannes Film Festival 2014, where Natalie played a lead role. Movie premiere took place on March 8, 2014 at Belgrade Film festival. Franco Nero played as one of the lead stars. The movie recently won audience award as the best film in Zagreb Film Festival.
Another film had enormous presentation at Cannes Film Festival 2014 was action thriller “The Expendables 3” sequel. Natalie played Kristina, Conrad’s (Mel Gibson) wife. This unforgettable experience of being surrounded by top actors and seeing them in working process, inspired Natalie to get herself on the ladder of producing films.
Natalie learnt Producing in UCLA. Today Natalie is actively engaged in producing independent movies with her company 7Heaven Productions. In the first project called “Fallen Angel”, Natalie played heroin addict, who betrayed her own dream of becoming a composer over heroin addiction.
This short film won The Merit Award for the outstanding work of female filmmaker. After Natalie’s and 7Heaven Production produced movie is Film “Awaken” , which is currently in post-production (will be released in October 2014) Story written by Natalie Burn reflects a global problem over human trafficking for the organ trade.
In Awaken the group of people get thrown on a tropical Island, where criminal gangs operate supplying fresh human organs to the rich clients. Leading stars are: Daryl Hannah, Edward Furlong, Vinnie Jones, Robert Davi, David Keith, Michael Pare, Jason London and Natalie. Thanks to Natalie’s background and professional coaching of the best stunt coordinators, all the fighting scenes in the movie Natalie was able to perform herself. Newly coming project of 7Heaven Productions is “Devil’s Hope” film.
Story by Natalie Burn, written by Morgan Land (Iceman) Currently in Pre-Production aimed to be shot in October 2014. Natalie plays the Lead. It’s a dark thriller ( Film Noir) film set in the backstreets of New Orleans. Drugs, sex, voodoo, addictions, dirty politicians are the theme of the movie. Natalie’s future projects include “Choices”, film showing problems met by people with disabilities and how a choice can turn life to completely different direction.
All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2016 Women Fitness
Natalie Burn is exceptionally talented actress and outstanding film producer. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar, President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: You grew up dancing and later began to pursue acting. You reached the pinnacle of success when you were in the lead role in the thriller/horror movie “Killer Mermaid” in 2014 and in the action thriller “The Expendables 3.” Tell us about your journey that took you to where you were to now in the world of acting?
Ms. Natalie Burn: My journey began when I was five years old. People started asking me who I wanted to be when I grew up. I would look at them with a face full of ideas and thoughts and answer: “I want to be a star”. The people would smile at me and chuckle, then ask me “what kind of a star?” I would think a bit and with no confusion at all, just full of confidence and joy, respond to them: “The brightest star.” No one really knows if our past lives affect our present being. I just knew my path so well from an early age, as if I was brought up to this world to do something that I had not finished in my previous life.
I know for sure that I was born to follow this tough road of hard work, constant rejection and disappointment. With the upside of this long journey, that truthfully never ends, is when you do get that call of acceptance, positive feedback on your hard work, standing ovations from the audience, that break you’ve always been waiting for or just a thank you of appreciation, that’s when you know that it was all worth it. Becoming a ballerina gave me a good, positive start which trained not only my body, but also my soul. Ballet taught me a great deal of discipline and built a tremendous amount of character, which helped my transition into acting and producing and taught me how to fight for what I want.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: You have selected a profession of being an actress in films that requires a lot of hard labor, technical soundness, and excellence in different faculties to finally succeed, how did you achieve that?
Ms. Natalie Burn: I knew I wanted to be a successful person — a “star” — no matter what came my way. From that early age, I felt like I had some secret knowledge others did not know of. I strongly believe that you are born with that will to succeed and that thirst to achieve more than what life gives you, and you either have that desire or you don’t. I started working my way up to my goals, no matter how many times I fell down, I always picked myself up and moved forward with more inspiration and more strength. “You only fail when you give up and stop trying.”
While dancing, I have realized the meaning of a professional dancer. It is a performer that is versatile and has a wide range of movement that can truly showcase a story using the body through different techniques. Which meant I was not going to stop at just being a ballerina — I wanted it all. I studied every style there is, so I could with confidence call myself a professional dancer. I believe this applies to acting as well.
A true actress has to be versatile: the more we know, the more physical activities we can do, the more languages we can speak — this increases the demands for an actress and opens for doors of opportunities. Hollywood is thirsty for new talent and in order to succeed, you must be unique. So having your own strong personality and knowing your strongest points, that’s the most important thing for an actress. That’s what I’ve been concentrating on over the years — building my “Tool Box” of emotions and different characters and when finally some huge director picks me as their lead I’ll be ready to do anything that comes my way!
Ms. Namita Nayyar: You are a leading actress, ballet dancer, choreographer, theater artist, TV star, and film producer. How do you maintain such a remarkable multidimensional lifestyle?
Ms. Natalie Burn: I would hate to categorize myself. I’m an artist, who was born with the need to create. Whether it’s theater, dance, music, choreography, or performance, it comes from my heart and soul, I create to inspire people with my work. I cannot choose what I prefer to do because I don’t believe it’s necessary. Life is too short to limit yourself. Also, if knew how to predict markets, I would add investments to my list of professions! But I don’t, therefore I do things that I know how to do best. I don’t sit at home and hope to only have one career. I hate waiting for opportunities, I prefer to create my own. That’s why when I’m not offered a certain job in acting or in anything else, I don’t dwell on it, I just see it as a sign to move on. I find inspiration and put all my energy into other sides of my talents.
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Ms. Namita Nayyar: What Exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine?
Ms. Natalie Burn: My main exercise that I’ve had since I was three is ballet class. When you are a trained ballerina for so many years, every early morning you start your day with that ballet. That desire to stretch and move your body in a certain way, it stays with you for the rest of your life. I’m an athlete, and my body needs that training or my muscles start to ache. Until now, I still stretch every day and try to exercise my muscles with dance movements.
On top of that, I’ve been intrigued by kickboxing, martial arts, and film fighting. It’s a great pleasure to know that in an action film, I can do by myself more than what’s required from an actress. I’ve been trained by the best sensei, in the world of movies people know him as, Benny “The Jet,” who trained only the top people like Jackie Chan, John Cusack, etc. I have another inspiration in my life: my dog Camelia. She’s a great motivation that pushes me to jog or walk in the park no matter what the circumstances may be. Camelia always gets to refresh my body and my thoughts which gives me new strength for the day to come.
In addition, I do Interval cardiovascular work between 20-40 mins before breakfast on an empty stomach, 3-5 times per week depending on my schedule. This could be swimming, running or gym cardio. Just enough to get my heart rate up and utilize calorie burning from the right energy systems to manage my weight and body fat percentage.
Also, I do a split routine weights program, 3-4 times per week focusing on different muscle groups in each workout. I do have a plan but I listen to how my body feels and make sure I hit each muscle group at least once per week. I like doing PHA (Peripheral Heart Action) training with an upper body and lower body muscle group split, I regularly do shoulders and legs together this really gets you breathing, it’s almost like resistance cardio but shapes and tones your muscles at the same time. I always make sure I have 1-2 rest days per week from any weights work that I do to let my body recover properly. I like to challenge myself in the gym, so I try to do 3-4 sets of each exercise and tend to super set exercises back to back, usually hitting a minimum of 10 maximum of 15 reps per set.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: What does you diet consist of that allows you to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Natalie Burn: I keep it pretty simple unless I’m training specifically for a role or a certain look. The base of my diet revolves around quite a high protein intake, moderate carbohydrates and moderate fats, I tend to have most of my carbs in the morning and around my workouts then taper them off towards the last couple of meals of the day, I usually have 4-5 smaller meals per day.
If I’m looking to get leaner I’ll use a basic carbohydrate manipulation system, cycling my carbs over a 7 day period, usually starting with a moderate carb intake then tapering down to low days and a zero day, then spike this at the end of the week with a high carb day. I eat lots of fresh lean meat, complex carbohydrates and fibrous carbs from vegetables, basically eliminating all sugars from my diet.
I do allow myself a couple of cheat meals and little bit of what I want on my high carb day, the way the diet is structured your body will utilize these nutrients instead of storing them. In this industry you find yourself eating out a lot, whether it’s on set or in meetings but the key is making the right choices from what is available. I don’t drink alcohol so there are no empty calories going in, just clean wholesome food that keeps my energy levels high and body fit and lean. If you have a strong body and strong mind, there is nothing you can’t achieve.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. What is your skin regiment that keeps it looking young and glowing? What do you use for your hair?
Ms. Natalie Burn: I never even tried drinking, smoking, or taken any other substances. I’ve always thought that life should be felt all the way, whether it is pain or happiness, disappointments or achievements, sadness or laughter. I never wished to suspend or dismiss any of those feelings or emotions that life threw my way. With that being said, I hope that I will stay looking younger longer than others that don’t have my discipline. As far as skin and hair, I like natural treatments that come from traditional remedies. Something that my grandma taught me, a little secret on how to keep your hair looking glowing is to take an egg and mix it with honey and lemon. Make a mask for your hair for twenty minutes or so. Wash it off after and your hair will feel refreshed and healthy. For my face, I use this magical remedy called sleep 🙂 There is nothing that can cure tiredness better than rest.
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Natalie Burn on WomenFitness: The Women Fitness website is a perfect place to get motivated and inspired to mold yourself into a better body. It gives you the perfect push and valuable strategy on how to make yourself feel better with yourself. |
Ms. Namita Nayyar: You played Kristina, Conrad’s (Mel Gibson) wife in “The Expendables 3” sequel. Tell us about the experiences working in the US and with such top Hollywood talent?
Ms. Natalie Burn: It was a great privilege to be a part of such an amazing cast. These are the true Hollywood talents that one day we hope to be like. These legends: Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Gibson, Ford, Banderas, etc; these are the people who inspired me to be an action actress. Being a little girl, I would watch their movies, believe in their characters, feel their emotions, and live though their circumstances. This made me feel that Hollywood is something unobtainable. Finally, when I got that part in Expendables 3, I remember opening the heavy doors of the mansion that we were shooting in.
My emotions were overflowing, my heart was racing when I stood outside on the stairs overlooking thousands of film crew including the director and all the producers, who were staring at me with dead silence, waiting for my cue. And me, with those two big dogs, in a gorgeous and expensive dress, with champagne in my hand, seeing Mel Gibson walk up the stairs at last made me feel like anything is possible. I’ve never found myself winning anything without working hard for it, but spending time with this legendary cast made me feel like I had won a lottery.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: What advice and motivational words do you have for aspiring actresses?
Ms. Natalie Burn: Set your goal and see nothing but success of it, it’s your positive energy that will help you get at least somewhere near the top. Dream big and you’ll end up not far from it. Then when you finally accomplish something, simply make another goal. That way, you always have purpose in life. Hollywood is open for new talents and possibilities: my strongest advice to aspiring actresses is to find your niche and challenge yourself in that direction.
Don’t do it if you are in it half way or for the money, Acting requires full time attention, lots of classes, and constant growing in yourself. My acting teacher once told me that for as long as I’m nervous and excited to perform my part, I’m in the right profession. If young actresses are in it for the art, and not glamour or red carpets, than the truth is no matter what I tell you, you’ll still continue your path to success, because it’s something you live for.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: Who has been your inspiration and motivation that led you to success in the world of acting?
Ms. Natalie Burn: Meryl Streep has been inspiration to me since Sophie’s Choice. She is most admirable actress and I value her talents and her hard work. She left a library of movies that will live forever and inspire many more people besides myself. The most challenging thing I look up to in her is the fact that I can’t define her by one character. I don’t know who Meryl Streep is in real life, I know her by her work, which is so unpredictable but perfect. She has shown herself in a variety of different roles, which puts her apart from the rest of the other actors I know. That’s someone I always get inspired and motivated from.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: What can you tell us about your production company “7Heaven Productions” and the projects it has produced? Any new upcoming projects you can discuss?
Ms. Natalie Burn: 7Heaven productions was created to develop and produce projects that will have some kind of an impact on the audience. The 7Heaven is the title I picked, to show some kind of euphoric feelings when the people see my movies. The first feature film I’ve produced is Awaken, it’s about illegal organ-trading. Awaken will be released next year in March.
Another film I’m releasing next year in February is The Second Coming of Christ where I play a reporter who witnesses the end of the world. The third film I am producing is Devil’s Hope, which is about a detective who is investigating a disturbing drug trafficking ring. Moreover, another film I’m set to produce is called Choices, which is about a tough decision a girl makes whether to stay with her paralyzed boyfriend or to start a new life without him. The film focuses on the lives of disabled people and the effect they have on their loved ones. The fifth film I’m producing is called Addicts. This film centers on people whose addictions end up being their undoing. In all of those films I play one of the main parts.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: After visiting Womenfitness.net, what message do you have for its visitors?
Ms. Natalie Burn: The Women Fitness website is a perfect place to get motivated and inspired to mold yourself into a better body. It gives you the perfect push and valuable strategy on how to make yourself feel better with yourself.
To know more about Natalie Burn, check her out at: http://www.natalie-burn.com
Women Fitness Team thanks Natalie Burn for giving her valuable time for this interview and quenching the thirst of her fans to know more about her and also like to thank C.
Michelle Rodriguez from Wallman Public Relations who made this interview happen.
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All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2016 Women Fitness