Natalie Bassingthwaite - One Woman Show

Q: What was it like leaving the Rogue Traders and going solo?
A: It was weird at first to go out on my own. I really wanted to go back to what I was like when I was a kid and try and remember what I liked to listen to then. I just experimented and played around. I was lucky. I got to write with people who had worked with Madonna, Britney (Spears) and Cher. Rogue Traders was a lot of fun and a decision like that is never easy, but I think it was the right decision. We did the last tour and it was great and then on the last night we were crying and like, “This is it,” but we really celebrated it.

Q: Will you stick to singing for a while or pick up acting again?
A: It’s sort of strange. I don’t think acting has ever left, but I’m focusing on my solo album at the moment and So You Think You Can Dance. I see it in my future, but at the moment it’s just solo stuff.

Q: You’ve been on Neighbours, you host SYTYCD and you sing! Do you get bored of doing one thing? Is that why you take on so much?
A: Yeah, I think so [Laughs]. It’s always been like that. I like the variety. I’ve been told before that you can’t do everything and that you have to focus on one thing, and I’m a bit feisty and competitive so I’m like, “Yeah, I will, so watch me!”

Q: What’s the most glamorous and daggy parts about your job?
A: The most glamorous would be getting to meet celebs and famous people. You get little bonus things. My favourite thing is getting gift packs! [Laughs] That’s the best part! The daggiest bits are the early mornings and video shoots sometimes. They can go for 22 hours and you just get exhausted. Also, now I feel like I have to put makeup on and do my hair all the time. I like putting on my uggies and bumming around just like everyone else.

Q: If you can choose one, what has been one of your best memories from the last few years?
A: I guess at this point I would still say what I said six months ago, which is the ARIAs moment where we were able to show people that we were a real band and I was a real singer. We got some respect from the industry, which was really nice and that was a pretty cool moment. There’s been a lot that I’m excited and proud about.                                                                                

Q: What’s it like filming SYTYCD for the second time around?
A: We’ve had some special guests come over, which is really exciting. It’s good to have that energy and it was great for the dancers. We also had an amazing choreographer visit us. We’ve had a few injuries though so we’ve had really happy times and really sad times.

Q: If you were an aspiring dancer, would SYTYCD be something you’d audition for?
A: Oh my God, I think you’d have to. It’s the best opportunity!

Q: What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened during an audition?
A: We had someone dress up as a lemon and tomato... It wasn’t as crazy this year with the costumes! [Laughs]

Q: Do you have any tips for dancers who want to audition next time around?
A: Yes! I would say make sure you get to as many classes as possible. Really try and diversify yourself. Do some ballet or contemporary classes. Try and learn as much as you can and go in there full speed ahead!

Keep up to date with Natalie's news at her MySpace page: www.myspace.com/nataliebassingthwaite