Nathalie Nordquist is a celebrated Swedish prima ballerina, renowned for her wide repertoire that spans from iconic classical roles to works by groundbreaking modern choreographers. Known for her sincere emotional depth and the elegance of her movement, she brings a profound sense of truth to every story she tells.
Nathalie began dancing at the age of four and joined the Royal Swedish Ballet School when she was ten. Her early passion soon grew into an international career, from winning the Eurovision Contest for Young Dancers to becoming one of Sweden’s most celebrated ballerinas.
Known for her emotional depth and precision, she has performed leading roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, and Manon. With performances on stages across the globe, she has shared her artistry with diverse cultures, aiming to inspire joy and connection in every audience. Whether performing live or on screen, her radiance will leave no heart untouched.
Her journey reflects both discipline and freedom, a lifetime of balance between beauty, expression, and the body’s natural alignment.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what your everyday life as a dancer looks like?
I am a principal dancer with the Swedish Royal Ballet. I’ve been dancing my entire life, and I still am. It’s a very physical job, more so than you people might think. We’re more or less athletes, but with an artistic expression. Our bodies need, and our health is everything, so we need everything possible to keep our bodies well, and shoes are incredibly important.
What was your first reaction when you were asked to join the campaign for Stinaa.J? Had you heard of the brand before?
It was funny, because years ago I was looking for a pair of shoes that were both elegant and good for the feet, that combination is rare. I was browsing stores and the internet, and that’s when I discovered Stinaa.J. I actually went into this beautiful store to find something that would fit an event I had, and I remember thinking, “Wait, these are shoes that are actually good for your feet too?”. Then I learned about the philosophy behind them, and I thought, “This is the perfect match”. When I heard about this collaboration, it felt perfect; it had come full circle. As dancers, we’re always looking for shoes and really anything that supports our health. So I was very excited about the collaboration.
How did it feel to dance in Stinaa.J Shoes? Were you surprised by the support? When you first saw the location and the shoes, a 9 cm heel at a gravel pit, what were your thoughts?
Well, I didn’t want to ruin the shoes! I was tiptoeing around, trying not to scratch them or get the heel stuck in the gravel. I must have looked quite funny walking to the spot for the photos. Then I was asked to do these quite elaborate movements, all in very high heels, but my main concern was the shoes, not my feet. Later, when I switched to the flat ones, the photographer asked me to pretend I was jumping over a lake, and it actually felt like dancing, light, effortless, almost like being in ballet shoes. They felt so light and bouncy. At that point, I completely forgot about the shoes and just moved.
What excited you the most about participating in this collaboration with Stinaa.J?
For me, I was curious to see how supportive the shoes feel, especially when doing dance movements in heels. It’s rare to find high-heeled shoes that are truly comfortable, usually, your feet hurt after five minutes. So I was excited to test them. I wanted to find out if it was true, if the shoes were really as comfortable as everyone said. The ultimate test was dancing in them, of course. It’s not common to dance in high heels like that. Usually, you’re just standing or moving a little at a party, not performing. So I was curious, “Would I feel supported and aligned, and not in pain?” I tried all the different heel heights, and I was surprised at how comfortable they were. We all know what it’s like to wear heels for five minutes and feel exhausted, but these were completely different.
And how did you feel?
Actually, great! I tried all the different styles and heel heights, and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s never easy to balance or kick your leg in a high-heeled shoe, but I didn’t feel pain. I was really impressed.
As dancers, body alignment and movement are everything. How did the shoes support you in that?
As dancers, we’re taught that the body is built brick by brick – alignment is everything. If the posture is off, you eventually get injured. Many people unknowingly tilt their head too far forward or arch their back, which, over time, leads to pain or injury. What I noticed about these shoes is that they immediately help you walk differently. You feel supported, your posture improves, and that, over time, leads to better overall health. That’s what I found so interesting about these shoes. When the foundation, the feet, is aligned and supported, the rest of the body follows. It made me realize how much proper support can change the way the body moves. It’s subtle, but powerful.
Do you have a favorite moment from behind the scenes?
I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was excited. When we arrived, it was this beautiful place by the producer’s summer house, and the whole team was so warm and kind, we immediately felt it would be a great day. The photo shoot location by the lake was magical, it had just rained, and the water was completely still, like a mirror. Balancing on that pole above the water felt almost spiritual. We spent the day chasing the light, from bright sun to clouds and a hint of rain, and worked through four locations before the day was over. It was intense, but so worth it.
What was it like modelling for a brand that puts wellness at the core of fashion?
The world today is very focused on taking care of the planet, which is great, but we also need to take care of ourselves. What I love about Stinaa.J is that it starts with us. The shoes support our bodies, helping us feel healthy, aligned, and beautiful at the same time. As dancers, we’re very aware of our bodies, but for those who aren’t training every day, it’s even more important. Most jobs involve standing or walking all day, supportive shoes can make a huge difference. It’s an investment in health and in your future.
How would you describe the concept “New Shoes, New Life” in your own words?
We’re always striving to improve ourselves, to feel uplifted, physically and emotionally. A “New Life” through health and wellness feels wonderful. If we can invest in that for ourselves, of course, we should. Like you said, we only have one life, we might as well make the most of it.
In one sentence, how would you describe the collaboration with Stinaa.J?
I love this one, it’s so easy! It was inspiring, engaging, and it made me curious to learn even more about Stinaa.J. I leave this collaboration feeling happy, it’s been such a positive experience, both personally and professionally. And I have to admit, I want more shoes. Once you start wearing them, it’s easy to understand why so many customers come back. I’m one of them now.
