ODDlight Teacher Feature: Natalie Burtney

In class, Natalie is your stability sage, leading balanced, steady, and strong sequences and repeating some aspects week to week, so you can build your body and your practice. Outside of class, Natalie doesn't shy away from stability training in her day to day, from lifting weights and personal training to hiking, biking, and even line dancing! Despite the active lifestyle of a Taurus, Natalie knows how to slow it down by cooking, making music, appreciating loved ones, and taking cat naps – in this case, a nap with her cat, Pickle, and not just a short sleep. Born and raised outside of Detroit, like Jessica Rosen, the owner of One Down Dog, it's almost as if Natalie was destined to find her fam and foundation here, and the best way to understand what she brings to class is right in the name of the unique 200 Hour YTT she completed: Awakened Heart, Embodied Mind. Learn more about Natalie below before dropping into FLOW, FLOW+, or FLOWDOWN (wow, that's a whole lotta flow).

What are your "Big 3?" 

Taurus sun ♉ Scorpio moon ♏  Cancer rising ♋

Five words to describe yourself?

Loyal, funny, hard working, hustler, loving

What's an ODD fact about you?

 I have a mole on my belly smack dab in the middle just above my belly button- it looks like someone chose to put it there. I used to be embarrassed by it in high school. 🤷🏼‍♀️

One thing you're working on in your practice right now?

Softening when tension arises. Noticing where I feel strong. Acceptance.

Where are you when you're not on the mat?

Floating around LA- hiking in Elysian Park, Lifting at the gym, going to auditions and self taping, eating and cooking.

What's your fave food or restaurant?

I’m a Taurus sun- food is my love language- don’t make me choooose!!! But also - some homemade pasta, tacos, pastry from Clark St bread, and pie from Michigan - where I grew up.

Something or someone that inspires you?

Anyone out there doing their thing despite the obstacles.

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

I was practicing a lot when I moved to LA 12 years ago and found ODD- i found myself so inspired by the practice and how I was able to feel refreshed and centered in a way I had never felt before. I realized about a year in that it was something I wanted to do- hold space for and cultivate for others. I wanted to share what I loved.

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

More dancing. And lately a lot more singing and playing music- my partner and I wrote a 6 song EP that comes out with the full moon in September!! It’s indie folk- Smoke Red Sun ❤️

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

That we are here to practice, not be perfect. The poses don’t actually matter, they are here to guide us home to ourselves and acceptance.

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

Chappell Roan - I can’t stop, help!

One affirmation you always come back to?

I am grateful.

How are you feeling good these days?

Finding time to rest has become a really big priority. Napping with my cat pickle. Cooking with my sweetie. Slowing down and enjoying the people in my life.

How do you incorporate fiery fitness or more intense movement into your practice, if at all?

I lift weights- I’m also a personal trainer- strength training became a part of my practice in 2021, and I’m obsessed. It’s also really about engaging and feel strong and steady. I love hiking, swimming and riding my bike. I recently did line dancing at Stud Country- which is more entertainment, but dang I was sore for days after.

Get to know Natalie more by finding her on the class schedule!