Photographer Jason Hill
All it took was one class and Natalie Reyes was hooked. She walked onto the University of Oregon campus in 2021 as a freshman wanting to major in journalism or political science, but the School of Music and Dance (SOMD) stole her heart when she took an African dance course with Dr. Habib Iddrisu. “I remember feeling so happy in his class; like I was here at the right time and at the right moment,” she recalled.
Soon after came a meeting with the dance department head, Christian Cherry. Before she knew it, she was auditioning for the SOMD Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) dance program, and by Fall 2022, she was the newest BFA dance major. “It was definitely the right thing to do,” she said. “I am so happy I did it!”
Natalie is a ballerina and has been dancing since she was four years old. Raised in Salem, she knew by the time she was twelve she wanted to be a professional ballerina.
She was well on her way after high school, until COVID-19 canceled her internships and contracts. Like many artists during that time, she was forced to change course. She started working in the mortgage industry and later enrolled at UO at 21 years old.
Now a dance major, she feels like she is back on track and exactly where she wants to be in life. “I cherish the ability to challenge myself in each class and strive to be better,” she said. “Experimenting with all different styles of dance has been great because prior to this, I was training solely in ballet. To be exposed to all the different avenues and career choices I could have with the BFA degree is wonderful. It has been eye opening.”
Photographer Jason Hill
Natalie is also a member of Dance Oregon and the Dean’s Student Advisory Council. “I wanted to get involved with it because we have a direct connection to Dean Sabrina Madison- Cannon, and I thought it would be interesting to communicate issues and ideas students had to her,” she said. “As a minority, I also thought it would be great from a representation standpoint.”
After graduation, she envisions endless opportunities for her career. There are many paths that intrigue her. She sees herself pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in dance, and eventually becoming a professor or director of a dance company. She can also imagine a post-graduate experience where she performs in New York City or one where she starts her own studio for underprivileged children.
Outside dance, Natalie is interested in efforts to protect wildlife, the environment, and women’s rights. She is also a massive Ducks football fan. "I live and breathe for games!” she exclaimed.
