Meet Natasha Pyeatte | Dancer, Choreographer, Artistic Director, Dance Instructor & Pilates Instructor

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

Hi Natasha, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in Los Angeles, California, with two incredibly creative parents who instilled in me the belief that I could be anything I wanted to be. They encouraged me to pursue my passions and find happiness in whatever I chose to do. My mother, who was an amazing seamstress from a young age, became the costumer for our dance studio to help pay for my dance classes. She loved creating costumes and made sure I had everything I needed to pursue my interests. My parents always had an art project going on around our house when I was growing up. Sometimes they involved us, sometimes they didn’t, but there was always creativity happening. Growing up, I was surrounded by a community of creative individuals in the theater, dance program, gymnastics, and Girl Scouts. This diverse environment helped shape me into a well-rounded individual. I discovered my love for people and using creativity as a tool to inspire and uplift others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey in dance began at the age of 4, and from that early age, I never imagined doing anything else.

At Weehawken Creative Arts, particularly Weehawken Dance, we offer more than just a traditional dance studio experience. We don’t participate in dance competitions. Instead, we focus on the community, creating magical performance experiences for and with our community.

We are most excited about where we started and how far we have come. We are completing our 17th year this spring. I worked very hard to make the program a success and become what it is today. We started at the Wright Opera House in Ouray with 12 students, and now we have over 300 students. In the first decade of the program, my mom and I used to sew all the costumes and had a very limited budget. Now our shows have around 600 costumes. Our semester-long programs culminate in fantastic shows that emphasize community-building through the arts. We focus on using the arts to enhance lives and foster personal growth, teaching children the values of teamwork, excellence, inclusivity, and acceptance of diverse backgrounds. Our approach empowers students to manage themselves backstage, promoting independence and self-reliance.

We stage two shows annually. In the winter, we feature themed performances like ‘Polar Express’ or ‘The Nutcracker.’ In the spring, we rotate through various productions. Each production is complete with set pieces, costumes, choreography, backdrops, and rigging. Our offerings include a full aerial dance and circus program alongside traditional dance styles including tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and lyrical.

Operating out of Ridgway, Ouray and Montrose in southwest Colorado, we’re deeply rooted in our small communities. Despite the distances, students from these towns gather for Sunday rehearsals in Montrose, sometimes traveling up to an hour and a half each way. This collective effort results in truly magical shows that bring together our diverse student body. Additionally, I am proud to be a Level 7 American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum Certified Teacher, bringing a high standard of dance education to our program.

Weehawken is a Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We offer classes all week long with over 90 classes on the schedule any given week in all of these communities. With a full teaching staff and classes offered at 7 locations, we strive to make dance accessible and enjoyable for everyone in our community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a memorable week-long journey through our picturesque region, we’d embark on a scenic drive along the San Juan Skyway, renowned for its breathtaking vistas and quaint mountain towns. A stop in Telluride for lunch, perhaps indulging in Brown Dog Pizza’s famed Detroit-style pies, would set the stage for our adventure. Upon settling into The Peaks Resort & Spa, we’d immerse ourselves in Telluride’s Main Street, enjoying the unique shops and art galleries.

Days 2 and 3 would find us in Ouray, where we’d luxuriate in the natural hot springs and traverse the Perimeter Trail for awe-inspiring mountain views. Adventurous spirits might opt for a jeep tour with Colorado West or tackle the Ouray via ferrata with expert guides from Base Camp or Mountain Trip. Evenings would be savored at The Brickhouse for a refined dining experience or The Outlaw Restaurant for a more relaxed, yet equally delectable, steak dinner.

Day 4 would commence with a breakfast and lattes at The Artisan in Ouray before journeying to Silverton. A ride on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad would treat us to captivating views of the Animas River and its mountainous surroundings. For a satisfying meal, Handlebars Food & Saloon would be our go-to spot, known for its flavorful burgers and brews.

Our exploration on Day 5 would lead us to the enchanting town of Ridgway, where we’d explore Ridgway State Park for a leisurely hike or idyllic picnic by the reservoir. Afternoon delights would include perusing the Ridgway Creative District, where we’d admire local art galleries and shops, including the must-visit 610 Arts Collective. As evening descends, we’d relish in a dinner at Bella Vino, celebrated for its exceptional Italian cuisine and signature martinis.

Day 6 would see us venturing to Montrose to explore the awe-inspiring Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic views. As the day draws to a close, a visit to the Camp Robber Café would be in order, offering an array of dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

Our final day would culminate with a scenic drive to the Dallas Divide, where we’d soak in the majestic vistas before bidding farewell with a delightful dinner at the Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery, renowned for its craft beers and hearty pub fare.

Throughout our journey, we’d embrace every opportunity to immerse ourselves in the region’s natural beauty, indulging in hikes through the Uncompahgre National Forest and relaxing soaks in the nearby hot springs. Should the weather be less than ideal for hiking, or if we simply crave an extra workout, we’d head to the Montrose Rec Center to enjoy its indoor pool, exercise classes, and equipment, all while soaking in the stunning mountain views. Personally, I always find time for at least one Pilates class, and I’d make sure to join a session at either Ridgway Pilates, In Sequence in Telluride, or Statera in Montrose. Perhaps a class in each down during the journey.

If our visit aligns with a Friday, we’d make it a point to explore the vibrant Ridgway farmers market. Alternatively, if it’s a Saturday, a visit to the Montrose farmers market would be a delightful way to experience local flavors and crafts.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am incredibly grateful to my parents for their unwavering support, inspiration, and creativity. They have been the driving force behind my journey and have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. I also want to extend my thanks to my little sister, Stormy Pyeatte, for her unwavering support and advocacy. She has been a constant source of encouragement and a listening ear through all of my endeavors.

I would like to dedicate a heartfelt shout-out to Weehawken Creative Arts for their steadfast support of all the creative endeavors I’ve pursued as the Artistic Director. Their unwavering support for the diverse forms of magic I aim to create through their organization has been truly inspiring. Weehawken Creative Arts’ commitment to accessibility through scholarship programs and their dedication to fostering creativity and inclusivity have enabled me to achieve my artistic goals and ensure that the arts are accessible and enjoyed by everyone. I also want to express my gratitude to my boss and director of Weehawken Creative Arts, Ashley King, for her guidance and support, as well as the entire Weehawken team and teaching staff for their endless support, enthusiasm, and teamwork.

Additionally, I want to thank my husband, Kevin Koprek, who has been my rock since day one of starting Weehawken Dance. His unwavering support and dedication, from rigging my shows to enduring show weeks, have been instrumental in bringing my creative visions to life.

Website: weehawkenarts.org

Instagram: weehawken_dance

Facebook: Weehawken Dance

Youtube: Weehawken Creative Arts

Image Credits
Personal photo by Dave Frank. The photo on the red silks was taken by Matt Genuit at Ouray at Night, the white bunny rabbits photo was given to me, All the other photos were taken by Erika Story