NATALIA ROTENBERG - A PERSON WITH A ROYAL SURNAME
A person with a royal surname, an iron will and strict principles. Her manners and greatness can be felt in every detail - in her thoughts, speeches, gait and even glance. Before you is a Strong Woman, and her rod is deep-deep inside, and completely calm outside ...
Gymnastics and ballet require a lot of effort, but, nevertheless, have you ever worried that the whole path would be in vain? In your childhood, did you dream of achieving recognition?
From an early age, I was raised strictly enough and conservatively. Being the oldest child in the family, I had many responsibilities. One of them - was visit to the art school. In most cases, I was not chosen for the performances, but if they chose me – it was the second line. The main roles were given for others ... I always had to fight for my «place in the sun», to prove to others that I deserved better. Since then, the will and patience have arisen. It was important for me to monitor whether I was growing professionally. The more I grew up, the clearer I became that I could grow infinitely, and the further, the more. I was silent, tolerated and worked even harder because I believed that one day they would notice me.
Natalia, do you think your interest in creativity in a conscious age is due to the fact that you have grown up in the art world since the early years?
I think that’s partly related. In Soviet times, as in general and now, ballet, and sport as a whole was the subject of national pride and represented the country abroad. The feeling of beauty should be brought up from childhood, perhaps sometimes even against the wishes of the children themselves. It changes the worldview and broadens the horizon. In life, nothing happens for no reason, any experience can be invaluable in the future.
You conducted a multifaceted activity in Russia, being the
founder of the children’s school for art and preparation for school in Moscow, Pokrovsky-Glebovo, the Cultural and Leisure Center «Pokrov», the design of NR Group, NR Events, NR Foundation. But with the move to London, you had to leave all the things in the past, and start the business again. How did you cope with the new difficulties?
It was not easy to accept this decision, everyone persuaded me to stay. But the choice was made. The move to London was also not easy. I had to learn the language and open a business, get used to the laws and rules of a new country. I made many mistakes, but this is a good experience. I am in eternal search for myself, and therefore all these organizations and companies are the search and knowledge of oneself and one’s qualities. I try every time something new to understand what is close to me in spirit. Over time, a new comprehension and understanding, and this process is endless, as we change endlessly: we grow up, we learn, we discover ourselves and others.
The book about the Bolshoi Theater was a long-awaited project, which thanks to you still saw the world. Why did this idea resonate in your heart, and what feelings did you have holding the first edition?
I considered many projects related to art, but when Sasha Gusov came to me with this idea, on which he spent 20 years of his life, I simply could not refuse, since it was close to me. The book was planned to be printed in English and spread throughout the world. Such amount was difficult to miss and not notice. And when first sample of the book was published in London - we were able to feel this power in our hands and enjoy the beauty of the beautiful world of ballet. I was proud of being part of the history of this book.
The excitement from the publication of the book was just enormous! Despite the fact that it
The book actually became very popular in the World of Art and Culture Abroad. Many people dream of buying it, but unfortunately we printed it in a small print run and therefore, not everyone will be able to own a unique publication. Creating the book as a national property of the Russian nation, I wanted to show the reader all the beauty of our Russian ballet, grace and plastics, mood and the Russian soul. After all, to this day the Russian ballet is considered the best in the World. Of course, this book was intended for an audience that is not indifferent to art and creativity, but I also wanted new ballerinas and dancers who are only dreaming to step onto the Bolshoi stage, were inspired even more for new achievements.
You have successfully implemented a number of charitable projects aimed at the development of culture, art and sports in Russia. How do you see the importance and value of these projects?
It’s hard for me to think about it from the side of society. But I will say one thing, for me it is important not only my own, but also the attitude of those around to these areas: to monitor whether the new generation is growing in a creative sense. The more experienced we become, the clearer we see that art is everywhere, it is in us. But as I said before - someone must bring this message to us.
Are your projects a profession or a way of life? By the way, do you have free time, not dedicated to work?
Of course, working on projects takes a very long time. And even when you are not at work, but doing something else, the thoughts still come back, I constantly analyze, trying to find my interpretation and understanding of what is being performed. But I also realize that there must be time for myself to be an integral part of life. Therefore, I like to read a lot in my spare time. On the one hand, it does not require too much effort - and on the other, whole worlds open before you.
You have two wonderful children growing up.
How do you see them in the future?
I want they to be proud of their mother. After all, if we want to teach children something, we can only do this with our own example. For kindness to fill their hearts and do not leave indifferent to the needs of others. In order to, despite the difficulties, they do not give up and go on. I want they have always lack of something in life, and feel the desire to achieve this. As long as you go - you’re alive.
What are your plans for the future.
Have you thought about taking a break?
The work is boiling and there some interesting projects in mind. But even this is not the limit of my aspirations, I always want more, more global. For example, do something for the Russian people, children, for the country. I am now open to suggestions and projects, I want to be useful and leave my name
in the History of Russia.