15 min read
Dancing Her Way To The Top - Interview With Christa Albert
We sat down with Nuzest Ambassador and Professional Hip Hop Dancer, Christa Albert, to chat about her dancing career, goals and how she maintains her performance.
How did you discover dancing? Who brought you to it?
When I was younger, I would always dance around the lounge, making mum and dad sit down and watch me while I danced my own choreographed routines.
When I was in intermediate there was an audition for the school hip hop team, and I had a friend that insisted I should do it. I wasn’t really interested at all, I said no, that’s not something I want to do, but she kept insisting. So, I did it, started dancing and got into the team and basically haven’t really stopped since. It was kind of a weird way of getting into it, someone forcing me to do it and me saying no. It was just a bit of fun at the time, I was only 11, and at that point it was just fun to move around, dance to the music and be around other friends. The hip hop teacher had her own hip hop team outside of school and asked me to be a part of it. I was super excited and just went for it. I carried on and was able to move through groups as I got older, such as ReQuest and The Royal Family Dance Crew, so that has been an exciting journey.
I was originally with The Royal Family who won the world champs, I was with them for three years, and then decided to go off and do my own thing for a little while. Now I am not as such in a group, I do jobs with a choreographer that I know really well, Kiel Tutin, he is incredible and he has a lot of job opportunities that come through, so I’m working with him and his team called NZX. I’m doing a solo thing, but also able to get into all of these other things at the same time which is nice to have the freedom to still be able to do what I want to do, but also get these jobs and perform with this group of people.
What does dance mean to you?
I love it, I love everything about it. I love training and I love being around people that you are dancing with. I would say my favourite part about dance is being on stage, I just feel so happy and so empowered when I am on stage performing to crowds of people, the rush you get is incredible, so indescribable. You are filled with so many emotions, you are happy, but you’re scared and you’re nervous. You’re so excited and you are having this mini freak out and as soon as you walk out on stage you forget all of that and the muscle memory takes over. You just start performing and it is just so incredible and I am very grateful to have been able to have those opportunities to do that and then to continue to do that as well.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am waiting on the confirmation about the next leg of the tour that I have just been on, I was over in Taiwan on tour with Jolin Tsai. We did six shows in Kaohsiung in Taiwan, which was incredible. It is meant to be a world tour, but because of Covid-19 they have had to postpone most of it. They want to do another leg in Taipei, Taiwan, so just waiting on confirmation on that which should go ahead at the end of March.
We do a lot of submissions; this is where we put together choreography in New Zealand and send it over to Korea and around China. Kiel Tutin also does a lot of work for Blackpink. We send off the submissions, the artists learn it from the videos and put it in their music videos. We have sent submissions off to groups like Blackpink, Twice Jeongyeon and ITZY.
What’s the next big goal for you?
I have a few goals, I have been lucky enough to accomplish a few of the goals that I had when I was younger, but a few of my bigger goals is to dance on stage with artists like Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, and also my favourite New Zealand band Six60, I would love to be on stage with them.
What has been the hardest moment in your career so far?
There was a moment in time (22) where I kind of lost faith in myself completely and the skills that I had gained overtime. I was very self-conscious and negative towards myself and that made it hard for me to continue dancing. I was constantly doubting myself and anything that I did which was not a nice feeling to have while trying to do something that you love. It was just this weird mix of emotions and it wasn’t nice to not feel good in something that used to make me feel so good. I ended up having to take myself away from dance completely, step back and work on myself and my confidence, to ensure that I was in a good place before I could come back to dance and be confident enough to be able to actually dance in front of someone or dance on stage or just feel good about dancing in general. It took a while as well; it took me a long time to figure that out and I didn’t have anyone around me that had experienced similar things, so I felt like I was doing it by myself. I ended up out the other side, so I am happy to have found that confidence and to come back around and come back into dance and find myself again.
It comes in waves as a confidence thing, I assume it would be like that for any sports person or any person in general really, with the confidence it is something you must continuously work on. You are putting your heart on the line constantly and you have judgements back from that. It’s really hard to have your career and your passion in the same boat, but it is a constant thing that I have to work on. I am glad that I have been through that so I can learn from it so I can at least try and help myself through it again.
What does your training schedule look like?
It’s very up and down, if we are doing submissions or training for the tour or have a job coming up, we could be in the studio for 8 hours a day for weeks, depending on how many jobs there are. Then when we are waiting on jobs it can be very minimal and I am not really in the studio that often, so it just depends on the music market and how often they are putting out new songs or needing new choreographed dances. When we are able to go on tour, we just have to go with the flow really, there isn’t really a strict schedule that I stick to.
What do you do to recover?
I do yoga to stretch out my body. You put your body through a lot when you are on stage throwing yourself around. I like to see a chiropractor, it helps me a lot for recovery, that one would probably be my number one. When I was away in Taiwan, I had a bath in my hotel room so I would put epsom salts in the bath and just sit in there after every show, it was just amazing for my body. I don’t have a bath at home, but anywhere there is one I definitely take the opportunity. I also make sure I am getting enough sleep, I am very strict on 9 hours of sleep, that is what works well for me.
How do you maintain peak performance?/ How does Nuzest help with your performance?
I am definitely very big on nutrition, I make sure that I eat clean every day and that helps me to maintain that peak performance. I make sure that I have a good breakfast, a lot of the time I have protein pancakes with Clean Lean Protein, because it covers everything, so I just blend all the ingredients in a nutribullet and cook it up. I make sure that I am eating enough goodness to really fuel my body. I always have my Nuzest Good Green Vitality shot in the morning as well as fish oil and a shot of apple cider vinegar. If I miss out on the protein pancakes, because I am in a rush, I will just chuck my Clean Lean Protein in a smoothie and take it with me.
The Good Green Vitality I literally swear by, I can’t go a day without having it. I have told all of my friends and family about it; my partner is taking it with me and for a section of time he was taking it and not having his morning coffee because it was making him feel so good. I will take it and it gives me a boost of energy and it helps me get through the day, my partner said the same thing as well. It has all the nutrients you need for the day and obviously I still eat healthy on top of that, but it is such a good boost and I definitely feel a difference in my energy and my mental state.
Outside of Dancing, what do you love to do?
I love nutrition and natural medicine, I am currently studying to become a naturopath, so outside of dance I would say that is my biggest passion. I love listening to what someone is going through and try to help them with nutrition and to have a better lifestyle and just to be happy and healthy it just makes me feel so inspired to be able to help someone else feel like that is even better. I love spending time with my family and my friends and being in the sun.
Any advice for up-and-coming dancers?
Believe in yourself. Being your own biggest supporter, I think is so important, you shouldn’t look to get confirmation from outside, you need to be confident in yourself, you need to be passionate enough to follow what you want to do, setting goals and going after them. Try to not let other people’s opinions affect you in any way. Know that it is possible to make dance a career and do everything that you want to do. There are so many incredibly talented dancers in NZ that have proved that. Just go for it.
Interview February 2021
The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is general advice. It should not, nor is it intended to be, relied on as a substitute for individual medical advice or care. If the contents of this, or any other of the blogs in this series raises any concerns or questions regarding your health, please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Related news
min read
6 Things You Need To Know About The Keto Diet
6 things you need to know about the keto diet.
min read
Raising Gluten Free Kids
You find out your child is allergic to gluten.... now what?! It can be a shock to your routine, but don't worry, we got your back!
min read
Go Hard Or Go Home - An Interview With Eroni Leilua
Eroni Leilua, Samoan Sailing Champion and 2020 Olympian.
min read
Your Simple Get-Started Guide for Gluten-Free Living
New to the gluten gang? Scroll down to learn the basics of living a gluten free life.
min read
Why Aren't You Recovering From Sickness?
Some of us are a bit too eager to jump back into things after being sick, but this isn't always the best for your recovery.
min read
How To Get Rid Of Stress With Nutrition
Good Green Vitality conatins vitamins, minerals, and vital nutrients to further support your body's ability to manage stress, and increase your energy levels throughout the day.
min read
The Best Protein Bliss Ball Recipes
The most delicious protein bliss balls. Made with Nuzest.
min read
How to Kick Start Your Energy
Top tips on how to fight fatigue and get your energy back on track.
min read
The Best Protein Pancake Recipes
The best protein pancakes ever! Made with Nuzest Clean Lean Protein and Kids Good Stuff.
min read
Top 10 Best Protein Porridge Recipes
A list of our favourite porridge recipes of all time, using Nuzest products.
min read
All You Need To Know About Pea Protein & Pea Protein Benefits
Everything you need to know about Pea Protein Powder and it's benefits.
min read
International Women's Day - Tips for Womens Health
Top tips for supporting your health as a women.
min read
How to cope in times of sickness
There is so much information about preventing yourself from getting sick, but what about when we do get sick? It is bound to happen at some point, so it's good to also prepare yourself for times of sickness.
min read
Veganuary - Tips for adding more plant-based foods to your diet.
Benefits of adding more plant-based foods to your diet.
min read
An Interview With Claudia Kelly
We sat down with Claudia Kelly to chat about her life as a New Zealand athlete.
min read
Top Tips For Mindful Eating Over The Holidays - Less Stressed, More Blessed"
6 tips for a happier and healthier holiday.
min read
Kids Good Stuff for Brain Health
Key nutrients in Kids Good Stuff to support brain health in kids.
min read
How Can Something So Small, Be So Nutritious?
Why I’m loving the new Good Green Vitality bars – a personal review by Michelle Yandle
min read
End The Food Fight - How To Work With Picky Eaters
Would you describe your child as a fussy eater? Are mealtimes stressful? Do you worry that your child isn’t getting enough nutritionally? Let's end the food fight!
min read
The Importance Of Protein For Hair, Skin & Nails
There is often an emphasis placed on taking care of your hair, skin and nails from the outside, but what about nourishing from within?
min read
The Link Between Gut Health & Skin
Did you know that the health of your gut can affect the health of your skin? The word 'microbiota' refers to the group of beneficial, and pathogenic micro-organisms found in a fixed environment, like the gut. In this blog, we explore the link between gut health and skin health
min read
Kids Good Stuff for Skin Health
How can you ensure your kids have healthy skin? A part from the obvious, what nutrients can we provide our kids to ensure their skin stays in tip top shape?
min read
Why Is Protein So Important As We Age?
Humans are living longer and longer. How excellent is that? However, if we are not taking care of our bodies the best we can, our bodies may struggle to perform their best as body composition begins to change as we grow older.
min read
The Brain Boosting Benefits of Panax Ginseng
Ginseng, an herbal medicine in widespread use globally, is one ingredient in Good Green Vitality chosen for its brain-boosting potential.
min read
How To Optimise Brain Heath & Function
To optimise brain function we must consider the health of our second brain – the gut! But how do we make sure we are feeding our gut the right nutrients it needs?
min read
Moving Beyond Diets, An Interview With Michelle Yandle
We sat down with Michelle Yandle, HPN Certified Nutrition Coach and got a little insight into who she is, what she does and why she is so passionate about it!
min read
Nutrients For Immune Health That Aren't Vitamin C
While vitamin C can certainly help, there are heaps of other foods that contain powerful properties to keep our immune system healthy, some of which may be surprising.
min read
Protein For Kids 101
Why is protein so important for growing kids? How much protein does a child need? What are the best sources of protein? How can I increase protein in my child’s diet? We get up close and personal with protein and why it is so important for our little ones.
min read
How To Keep Your Gut Happy
A happy healthy gut needs a few things to continue to function optimally - a healthy balance of bacteria, a strong immune system and naturally, an intact lining. So how do we make sure we have all these things? Michelle Yandle explains.
min read
Is Protein Only Good For Sports Recovery?
You may have heard a myth that you need to consume protein immediately after a workout to maximise muscle growth. Is this the same with preventing recovery? Are the gym goers and fitness fanatics who chug shakes immediately after a workout doing so for muscle repair as well? Well we have the answers.
min read
Pea Protein Vs Whey Protein? Why we use European Peas in our Clean Lean Protein
Protein powder supplements aid the supply of amino acids to the body and can support individuals to reach their health goals. They are a nutrient dense and convenient way to support your daily protein intake. Clean Lean Protein is made from the highest quality European Golden Peas and provides the building blocks for vitality, repair, recovery and muscle growth.
min read
Creative Ways To Upcycle Your Nuzest Tubs
Nuzest tubs use #2 HDPE plastic and are 100% recyclable when the labels are removed, and the powder is cleaned out. Recycling is great, but how about upcycling? There are some awesome ways you could upcycle your Nuzest containers, which can be super fun, stylish and save you money.
min read
Good Green Vitality For Energy
So, what is it that makes Good Green Vitality and Kids Good Stuff such a powerful energy booster? Besides the obvious benefits of having all your daily requirements for vitamins and minerals there is a secret sauce to the ingredients in both Good Green Vitality and Kids Good Stuff that gives an extra kick.
min read
Getting Started With A Gentle Approach To Nutrition
Here are some simple steps to getting started with taking care of your body in a way that feels through gentle nutrition.
min read
Nutrition & Lifestyle for Ultimate Health & Wellbeing
Good health is the foundation for our mental and physical performance. It also allows us to be in a good position to deal with health conditions and the many other things that life throws our way. Despite many of us being confused about the best way to shape our nutrition and lifestyle behaviours for optimal health, there are many simple changes that can be made to enhance our overall wellbeing.
min read
What Makes Clean Lean Protein so unique?
All around the world, the shelves are flooded with protein powders – whey, soy, pea, insect, you name it, it's available. So, what makes our Clean Lean Protein so unique in a sea of worthy competitors?
min read
Maximising Mood In Your Kids
Almost 1 in 7 children and adults aged 4-17 had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Amy Butler discusses good nutrition and lifestyle modifications, that can help to reduce the risk.
min read
Long-Lasting Energy For Kids
Children and adolescents are going through massive periods of growth and development. To keep up with the demands of school, extracurricular activities, sports and friendships, kids often need a bit of an energy boost. In our latest blog we break down some specific nutrients for energy, to help support growing kids, and the best places to source them from.
min read
Setting Health Goals & Staying Motivated in 2021
Use this tried and tested goal strategy to set smaller, specific goals to avoid the overwhelm of unrealistic and vague health objectives.