Natalie Reid trained under the tutelage of the legendary Reginald Ray Savage, whose mentorship profoundly shaped artistry. Her professional journey began when she joined the Savage Jazz Dance Company as an apprentice while still in high school. Natalie later returned to the company as a dance artist where she was featured in celebrated repertory works and performed at prestigious venues across the San Francisco Bay Area.

Natalie graduated from the Oakland School for the Arts, where she was honored with the school’s inaugural Award for Academic and Artistic Excellence, a recognition created to celebrate her outstanding achievements. Natalie’s training also includes studying under renowned artists Elvia Marta and Gregory Dawson whose mentorship deeply influenced her artistic development. She was trained in the Vaganova method of ballet, which shaped her technical understanding. In addition to her background in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and modern dance, Natalie performed Polynesian dance at an award-winning level, receiving accolades in solo and group competitions. 

Beyond performing, Natalie is a dedicated educator, with extensive experience working in public and private schools and nonprofits. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Pomona College and a master’s degree in Human Development and Education, with an emphasis in child development, from Harvard University. With a strong commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, Natalie’s teaching emphasizes not only the development of technical skills and artistic expression but also the cultivation of persistence, confidence, and work ethic. Her approach is rooted in the belief that dance is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and lifelong learning.