Hailing from Swartz Creek, Michigan, she began her dance journey at age two and received her classical training at Young People’s Ballet Theatre. She was fortunate to perform in Grand Rapids Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker during her high school years. Natalia’s dedication to her craft led her to summer training at renowned institutions like Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Charlotte Ballet, North West Dance Project, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet.

Her passion for choreography emerged early on, with her debut work “Shattered Reflections” winning a high school choreography competition. Over the past eight years, many of her original pieces have premiered in Michigan and Ohio. Ms. Retzloff’s pursuit of excellence earned her in-state tuition upon acceptance into Dayton Ballet’s Second Company while pursuing a B.F.A. in Dance at Wright State University. During her college years, she worked with esteemed choreographers and teachers such as Dwight Rhoden, Meg Paul, Glenn Edgerton, and Desmond Richardson.

Her love for choreography flourished, leading her to set original works on various esteemed institutions, including Young People’s Ballet Theatre, Fenton Ballet Theatre, CARE Conservatory of Ballet, and Wright State University Dance Ensemble. Now, as a member of FSPA’s Dance Faculty, Ms. Retzloff will serve as the Children’s Ballet Master for FIM’s annual production of The Nutcracker. She will also contribute her expertise to Children’s, Intermediate, and Adult Ballet classes while choreographing for Children’s Performance Workshop, Youth Dance, and Adult Ballet Ensembles.