Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nadya Zeitlin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Nadya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

I’ve tried many hats before becoming an artist: office manager and receptionist, project manager in advertising agencies, marketing manager in a movie distribution company. All these positions have one thing in common: a lot of important paperwork. Contracts, invoices, receipts… It was a huge part of my life: prepare or request them in time. I think now the received experience helps me tremendously while working on grant applications and later – reporting process, if any. At least, mentally, which is the best starting point for starting any paperwork!

Nadya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a choreographer and founder of Bautanzt Here, a site-specific dance company based in Atlanta. In my works, I weave dance and theatre into the environment, creating a unique language to tell meaningful and visually engaging stories in unconventional spaces.​ I get inspiration from abstract visual art, architecture, fashion, artists I collaborate with and spaces we produce in. My goal is to create valuable art experiences for audiences, putting their routine on pause, suggesting them a gift of wonder and a food for thought. I am interested in creating performing art moments for people when they least expect that: on their way to lunch, walking with their kids in the park etc.
Bautanzt Here was founded in May, 2020. Since then, we presented our works at Art on the Atlanta BeltLine, ELEVATE, 7 Stages Theatre, Synchronicity Theatre, Atlanta Contemporary as a part of Dance Canvas choreographic residency, Fall for Fall Dance Festival. Just recently we completed a series of performances in Downtown Atlanta, inspired by Central Library and supported by Arts & Entertainment Atlanta, a neighborhood activation and economic development project for Downtown Atlanta.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

We were just talking about it with friends recently. Simply show up to various art events. Add dance and theatre to their leisure activities list, which usually consists of music concerts and visual art. Open their hearts to new types of art and artists, tell their children about the importance of arts. The main thing for artists, I think, is to get their works to audiences, provoke emotions or new thoughts, and spark conversations. We can’t do it without our community showing up!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I am very passionate about public art. I strongly believe that the art of dance and performance is a powerful tool for connection within community, communication, inspiration, teaching empathy. I see one of the ways of achieving it is through free public performances, aiming to connect with audiences right where they are: parks, streets, even malls or grocery stores. Because… why not? Imagine watching a short dance right in front of you while choosing the laundry powder or packing fruits into the shopping cart. This would definitely brighten my day!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bautanzt.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bautanzt_here/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BautanztHere

Image Credits
Snap2Studios, Arvin Temkar, Kimara Dixon