Page 30 - Demo

30 || MOST FITNESS || JUNE / JULY 2016MFM: What was it like working with such huge names in %u201cExpendables 3?%u201d How did you prepare for your role?NB: I was nervous at first to meet these big names that have been around since I was a kid. Never in my life did I think I would get to meet all of them at the same time. It%u2019s an incredible movie to be involved with, even if my scenes were cut down. It was great watching all those legends work and prepare, which helped me and gave me a lot of ideas on how I can prepare for my roles. I was happy I could be a part of it and just experience the whole thing; I will remember it for the rest of my life. My scenes were with Mel Gibson, and he was so nice. He did a lot of improvising with me prior to shooting so we could get a real feel for the characters and their relationship with each other. It helped me become more comfortable while performing the scene and not to be so nervous. He is a truly amazing actor and a great inspiration to young actors.MFM: Dream role or character you would love to portray one day? Actor or director you really want to work with on a project?NB: My dream has always been to do a dance movie. I would love to portray a part like Natalie Portman%u2019s in %u201cBlack Swan%u201d or Jennifer Grey%u2019s in %u201cDirty Dancing.%u201d Since dance was such a big part of my life, I feel I have a responsibility to share it with others through a film. I would be privileged to work one day with Martin Scorsese; he is so brilliant, and I love his work. All of his films have such driven characters that are connected, and their purpose is beyond that of what other directors have achieved. Maybe he could cast me alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in one of his movies. That would be a dream come true!MFM: What was the most difficult part of learning acting and getting started in that profession, even though you already had the performance background and discipline from dance?NB: Acting is a whole different art form. With anything, you have to learn not to judge yourself and completely let go by not being in your head. Just being relaxed in front of the camera and separating yourself from the character to tell the story, so you can perform naturally and be in the moment, is the key to great acting!MFM: What is your best advice for someone starting dance later in life?NB: I would say to practice as much as you can, because many dancers start as early as three years old, like I did. So you should practice twice as hard, and most of all believe in yourself! That is very important. Having natural talent doesn%u2019t make you the best; there are a lot of talented dancers out there. It%u2019s also a lot to do with how you perform on stage. What separates you from the others, is that fire in your stomach and the passion you have for dance which makes you have that special connection with the audience. That%u2019s the biggest part of being a great dancer and not just a talented one.