Meet Natalie Jameson | Dance Director & Choreographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Jameson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to create a safe, fun filled, boutique/small dance company for dancers that will last for years. After over 18 years of teaching, and working for countless dance studios who had to sell, change ownership, or unfortunately go under; it’s heartbreaking for the students to lose their teachers they’ve grown so much with. The bond a dance teacher and student has is so much more than anyone would think. We, as teachers, are not only helping create strong dancers, but helping dancers find their inner artist, their confidence. We are also role models to these kids. I, myself, at 34 am still friends with the dance teachers who taught and inspired me so many years ago. It’s also so scary losing your job as one of those teachers, and just as sad for us to lose working with those kiddos. Starting my dance company, Jameson Dance Company, my goal is to share my love and passion of dance for many years to come. I have no plan on stopping!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I took my first choreography class at OCSA (Orange County School of the Arts) when I was 15. I knew, then, that this was my passion. I choreographed at 15 for the first time at my dance studio’s recital, and even though it was 5 year olds, my dad was so proud of me. I have never stopped since. Each year, it seems like new events inspire me to create different pieces. It’s hard to exactly pin point what inspires me, I think it’s a mix of life events, stress, love, loss, etc and the dancers. I get so inspired by each individual student, everyone has their own style and unique way of moving, its gorgeous to see! Getting to be the Director of my own company was a scary journey for sure. I dabbled with it in 2016 when I started a non competitive, performance only dance company called Jameson & Company. I ended up giving up around 2019. Then, in 2021 I started our competitive company with many new dancers. The year was so rewarding, watching a new group of kids come together, become friends, perform together, train together; it was amazing. I will say it is all scary, putting your name out there, being vulnerable, hoping kids are interested in joining, hoping the dancers enjoy it. Hoping that working for yourself can be financially enough to pay your bills! But you never know until you try. I was surprised how once taking the leap, no matter how chaotic it feels, no sense of security; how freeing it also feels. Pouring yourself into your craft and trusting yourself to make it happen is one of the best feelings in the world.
JDC is a passion project for me, creating dances I want to create without having to satisfy anyone above me. Offering classes and teachers to the dancers where the faculty and I see best for them. Giving them a loving environment where they work hard, but also are not scared to talk to us about anything. We are creating movers, artists, and confident young adults. Whether they become professional dancers or dance teachers one day, or not. I want them to be able to go after life and not be afraid to be vulnerable, confident, emotional, and strong.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh how fun!

Firstly, gotta take them to a beach! I like Laguna Beach best. There’s a lovely rooftop bar that over looks the ocean.
Dinner time! I’d take them out to LA to Crossroads Kitchen, the best vegan restaurant around. Maybe some site seeing at the Getty. Maybe grabbing some drinks at Death & Co, this super cool underground bar with the fanciest and fun cocktails.

I live in RSM, and my boyfriend and I love the canyon. It’s a beautiful drive. We love this Mexican restaurant called Rose Canyon Cantina, it has the best ambience. For high end food and drinks, we love to take people to Hanna’s steakhouse!

Shopping day! Gotta hit up Fashion Island, beautiful outdoor mall in Newport Beach. And Roger’s Gardens to see some beautiful flowers and grab lunch at their restaurant. Then some more walking around shops at Corona Del Mar.

Site seeing at my best friend’s work, Casa Romantica in San Clemente. They have these beautiful gardens and amazing view of San Clemente pier and beach. Walking around Del Mar street, grabbing some lunch at any of those restaurants.

Thrifting day! In Costa Mesa at the Lab and the Camp, there are some great shopping and some second hand shopping like 2nd Street and Buffalo Exchange! Some rad coffee stops and lunch spots too, including another vegan spot I love, Seabirds.

Gotta go to Long Beach. So many one of a kind places like the Fourth Horseman, its a metal pizza restaurant! And they have an amazing art gallery in the back! Check out some shops on 4th street. See if Alex’s Bar has any live music.

So many fun things to do!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I couldn’t have done this without my good friend, I also call her my work wife, Shawn Vitale. She is just so dedicated to the kids and loves them so much. Her energy in the classroom and backstage at competitions and performances truly keeps the moral up! Our first competitive season was last year, I went through a terrible loss of my father, and Shawn was there every step of the way when I couldn’t be. She is not only my very good friend, her loyalty to our students means the world to all of us. A thank you under the dedication part, to my boyfriend Seth who is nothing but encouraging, supportive, and the sweetest partner I could ever ask for!

Website: www.jamesondancecompany.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesondancecompany/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jamesonandcompany

Image Credits
KAR competition. Countdown competition.