BIOS

A French citizen born to Portuguese parents, Nathalie Gomes grew up surrounded by partner dance at every celebration. But it wasn’t until she attended her first swing dance class at age 11 that she was hooked. As a teenager she earned a national championship and was a World finalist in acrobatic rock ‘n’ roll, a European sport that focuses on partner aerials.

Nathalie moved to New York City in 1994 after completing a master’s degree in international relations. She poured her energy into dancing, both as a student and as a teacher. In New York she encountered lindy hop for the first time, as well as other varieties of swing dance new to her. During this time, she had the opportunity to study with Frankie Manning, one of the originators of lindy hop who gained fame as a dancer, performer and innovator in the 1930s.

Like Frankie during his early years, Nathalie began incorporating some of her own innovations into swing dance. Drawing from the skills and style variations she had learned in Europe, she created a distinctive style of choreography that includes elements from several forms of swing and from acrobatics. The result was breathtaking and original, distinguishing Nathalie as a modern innovator of the dance. Today, her eclectic approach to swing dance continues to influence dancers worldwide.

Nathalie is a World Swing Dance Champion and has repeatedly won every major U.S. swing dance title. Known for her gravity-defying aerials, Nathalie has taught and performed in more than 26 countries. Her vibrant performances have earned Nathalie many stage, film, and television appearances. She performed and served as a consultant in the original Broadway production of Swing!, and has appeared at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. She was a featured dancer in the 2003 Julia Roberts film Mona Lisa Smile and was a model for the dancing elves in Robert Zemeckis’ 2004 animated feature The Polar Express with Tom Hanks. Her national television appearances include repeat engagements on The Today Show, as well as Entertainment Tonight, The View, Good Morning America, and on MTV.

Nathalie’s other notable credits include choreography and performances for Will Smith’s Willennium CD-release party, and a performance for President Bill Clinton at American’s Millennium New Year’s Eve Party, produced by Quincy Jones and Stephen Spielberg. Nathalie frequently teaches, choreographs and performs for corporate functions. Some of Her past clients include British Airways, Sony, Samsung, Biore, the New York Knicks, and Seagrams.

Although her performances are awe-inspiring, Nathalie’s true love is teaching and coaching. Hop, Swing and a Jump, which she founded in 1998, is dedicated to sharing the joy of swing dancing, primarily as a social activity but also as a competitive endeavor that breeds self-confidence, teamwork and communication. Many of Nathalie’s students have gone on to win championships of their own and to spread the joy of swing dance in their own communities.