One to watch: Christa Albert on dancing and living a healthy lifestyle
Already, at 25 years-old, Christa Albert boasts an impressive resume: multiple gold medals, World Hip Hop Championships, ReQuest Dance Crew, and dancing alongside the likes of Parris Goebel and international pop star, Jolin Tsai, and starring in a Chris brown music video. Now, the professional dancer and health science student has turned her head to inspiring the next generation of dancers. Remix caught up with the up-and-comer and Nuzest ambassador, to see what’s next in her world…
What inspired you to pursue dance?
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. It was always something I had fun with but never thought I would pursue professionally. At 11 years-old, a friend convinced me to audition for the school hip hop team. From there, one thing led to another, I then went onto join ReQuest and The Royal Family Dance Crew.
Credit: @christaalbert
What does dance mean to you?
I love everything about it. The empowerment that comes with being on stage is indescribable. It’s a whirlwind of emotions – nerves, adrenalin rush, happiness, fear – but as soon as you’re on stage, that all disappears. Your muscle memory takes over and you just perform. It’s incredible.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve been in Taiwan on tour with Jolin Tsai [a Taiwanese music sensation boasting over 4 million followers], so am waiting on confirmation about the next leg of that tour.
Credit: @christaalbert
What has been the hardest moment in your career so far?
At about 22 years-old, I lost confidence and faith in myself. I became very insecure and negative, constantly doubting my abilities, which made it hard to continue dancing. It was a strange mix of emotions, considering dance used to make me feel so good. I ended up taking a step back from it completely to focus on myself and regain confidence.
Credit: @christaalbert
What does your training schedule look like?
It’s very up and down. It depends on the demand and output in the music market. If we are doing submissions or training for a tour, we could be in the studio eight hours a day for weeks. Then, on the other hand, when I’m waiting on jobs, I’m not really in the studio that often.
Credit: @christaalbert
What do you do to recover?
Yoga, sleep and selfcare are pivotal to my recovery, as well as seeing a chiropractor. You put your body through a lot when you are on stage throwing yourself around, so a sound recovery programme is equally important as the training. When I was away in Taiwan, I had a bath in my hotel room so I would add Epsom salts and soak after every show – I found them amazing.
How do you maintain peak performance?
I am very big on nutrition and clean eating. I ensure I have a nourishing breakfast every day, like protein pancakes. I blend all the ingredients together with Nuzest Clean Protein, which provides all the building blocks for vitality, repair, recovery and muscle growth. I also always have the Nuzest Good Green Vitality in the morning, as well as fish oil and a shot of apple cider vinegar. If I’m short on time, 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’ve got all my friends and family hooked on it! It sets me up for the day, giving me an energy boost – I even notice a difference mentally.
Outside of Dancing, what do you love to do?
I love nutrition and natural medicine. I am currently studying to become a naturopath. I’m passionate about helping people develop a healthy lifestyle and a positive relationship with food.
Any advice for up-and-coming dancers?
Believe in yourself. Be your own biggest supporter! Don’t rely on others for validation and by the same token, try not to let others' opinions affect your self-confidence. There are so many incredibly talented dancers in New Zealand. Just go for it.
Credit: @christaalbert
What is the next big goal for you?
I have been lucky to accomplish a few of my goals already, but there’s always more to tick off! A few of my bigger goals are to dance on stage with artists like Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa and my favourite New Zealand band Six60.
Follow @christaalbert
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