By: The Don
Nadia Neubert is an actress, dancer, fitness expert, and model in the City of Brotherly Love. Being from the Caribbean and of Indian heritage, Nadia has integrated her cultural background into her dancing. She has won pageants, modeling in different Fashion Weeks to acting in minor roles… Nadia has no plans of slowing down her entertainment career. She has also done commercials and short films that has boosted her passion for the arts. You can catch Nadia modeling all over Philadelphia on her instagram page @nadianeubert_model or on her Facebook page NadiaNeubert. Nadia balances working a 9 to 5 job to spending time with her family, while finding the time to do what she loves. She is confident, motivated, dedicated and loves what she does. I had so much fun talking with Nadia. She has so much passion in what she does and will stop at nothing to achieve her dreams in Philadelphia and beyond.
Check out her websites at:
https://www.zumba.com/en-US/profile/nadia-neubert/461924 – Nadia’s Zumba Profile
https://bollytrim.godaddysites.com – Nadia’s Portfolio
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb80_oye8ErcOyZIPqkAb7w – Nadia’s YouTube Page
Interview
What is your name?
Hello, my name is Nadia Nalini Neubert.
Where are you from?
Trinidad and Tobago.
How long have you been in the Entertainment industry?
Including modeling/dance time, I have been dancing for almost 35 years and modeling for maybe 6 years.
What got you into dance?
My mother brought me to my first dance class, which was an Odissi Indian Classical dance and it was love at first class! I have never looked back since then.
What age did you start dancing?
I began learning Odissi classical dance at the age of 8 in Trinidad and Tobago.
What type of dances do you love to do?
All! I am one of those people that dances anywhere, anytime like no one is watching. I love the language of dance! I feel you can emote and show so much through dance. Cultural dancing is so interesting to me. I have danced various styles of African dance, tribal being my favorite as it is so free and I love the drums that you can dance to. Latin dance is also very sensual and a lot of footwork. Bollywood dance is a part of me and my go to comfortable zone. Soca and dancehall is also a part of me as I was raised in the Caribbean. Ballet, Ballroom and Irish dance I love looking at. But all dances are beautiful.
What type of dances do you not like (If any)?
Cant think of any. If I cannot do it, I am pretty sure I like watching how others dance.
What got you into modeling?
Winning beauty pageants gave me the opportunity and courage to adventure into the fashion modeling world.
Did dance help you thrive in your modeling career?
Dance has helped me a lot in terms of balance, core strength, body movement and expression.
How did it feel to be modeling for the first time?
I was extremely nervous trying something new, but was willing to embrace and face the challenges.
What is it like to be on the runway?
Magical! I love being on stage. Having to model a design that you can bring to life is sort of empowering because the design needs the model to really bring the concept alive. I love showing off the art of a designer.
Are you excited for fashion week in Philly?
Fashion week in Philadelphia is so exciting! I am always excited to model for them! Great energy and designers! Well run show and the founders are a joy to work with. Very approachable and creative minds.
What is your dream that you want to accomplish being in modeling? Like do you want to model in Italy, Paris or NYC fashion week?
I would love to walk in Paris or Italy Fashion Week or to shoot fashion editorial in one of these countries and have it published there.
How competitive is the modeling business?
Very competitive. There are amazing models of all age and sizes. But you have to be the best at what you can offer in order to stand out.
What was your favorite modeling moment so far?
Being selected to be a showstopper for a designer. They usually choose a model to show off the last piece which is their favorite and being chosen to show off that beautiful design, knowing it’s the love of the designer is an honor. Walking for Orlando Caquias has been my favorite modeling moments.
What was your least favorite modeling moment so far?
Having to showcase something that is transparent or delicate, that as you walk, you are not confident the seams will stay stitched. It is the fear of a wardrobe malfunction.
Have you ever had a wardrobe malfunction?
YES! Oh horrifying, it was a small local show in Philadelphia and the top of the dress came apart and the designer had to run up on the runway to help me keep it together. Not a good look.
How did you overcome the malfunction while on stage?
I kept a straight face and full composure while covering what I could salvage.
Has modeling helped build your confidence?
Yes! Especially having success with the work that I put into myself to learn my art and technique. Having my style, being appreciated and acknowledged makes me feel accomplished and more confident, yet truly grounded and focused on working even harder.
Have you ever thought about designing your own brand?
I have thought of designing and have unique ideas, but I cannot sew and I have not figured out the logistics of designing. But it is a thought on the back burner for me.
How did you fall into the pageant lifestyle?
I think since winning a pageant, I have certainly kept that standard and class that goes along with the title. I view a crown as a role model, and if chosen to be a role model, I try my best to keep that lifestyle of being someone a younger generation can look up to.
What was your first ever title you won in the pageant?
Mrs Bollywood USA 2017.
What age did you win your first pageant?
Technically at age 10 in Trinidad, here in America in 2017 I won Mrs. Bollywood USA in Houston, Texas.
How competitive is the pageantry lifestyle?
Very competitive as is every competition. We all enter to win it. So we approach each aspect of the competition very seriously and focused.
Is it possible to be a model full time, especially in Philly?
It is possible. Definitely for younger models who do not have a full time job or school so they have the freedom to travel.
You also did some Bollywood acting appearances, how did it feel to do acting?
I love acting! It allows you to become a different person… To get into character and have someone direct you to utilize your talent to bring their vision to fruition is exciting.
What films did you appear in?
Short film industry is eager to have new actors, a couple Indian films in NJ and some promotional ads for jewelry and Indian foods in NJ.
What did you love about acting?
The alter ego I get to explore!
What did you not like about acting?
The long time it takes to just do a short scene.
Would you go back into acting?
Acting is always here for me to indulge. I just have been more focused on dance and modeling.
Do you have any upcoming gigs?
There are so many events coming up especially as we come out of covid and slowly getting back into some sort of normalcy. I continue to be a part of the community, as I teach dance and fitness culturally locally and being a part of local events like leading up the Juneteenth parade for the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association. Another is being the cultural ambassador for the Atlantic City Carnival. I also work with the American Caribbean Alliance Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago that has given me an award and Citation from the City of Philadelphia in 2020. I am also the show host and emcee for all Atlantic City Fashion Week events. I continue to model and have many published magazine work releasing weekly.
Tell me about your upcoming Atlantic City Fashion Week that you are hosting.
I have modeled for Atlantic City Fashion week for a few seasons and I have enjoyed my journey with them. I was offered the part of being their show host which I embraced the opportunity so as to expand my voice and talent. While I know their runway and what to expect, I look forward to being the voice backstage and being a part of the Atlantic City Fashion Week team, which is ran by an amazing power couple that inspires me Lamont and Jeana Bowling. Mr. Bowling was actually my model coach a few years back and a huge part of the reason I took a dive into the runway scene. Their shows are fun and exciting with amazing designers and fantastic models. I am truly excited to be their emcee!
You also teach Zumba too right? Where do you perform?
I teach Zumba in South Jersey at gyms, Edge Fitness, Westampton, private parties and some virtual. I have hosted some fundraisers and collaborated with local and international people from India and Trinidad.
What do you love about Philly?
The City, the people, the opportunities, the fun, the diversity and culture!
What’s your favorite place to go to in Philly?
Waterworks behind the museum.
What brought you to Philadelphia?
Work.
Do you have a 9-5 job?
Yes, I work in law in Center City.
How do you balance work, model, dance and family life?
Great time management, a strong and loving support system at home allows me the time to explore my passions in the entertainment industry.
Are you a first generation model in your family?
Yes I am! First ever published and successful model in my family.
Who is your favorite celebrity?
I don’t have one favorite because acting is so broad and diverse, people have different ways that appeal to me. Shah Rukh Khan for his emotional scenes and simplicity in real life. Keanu Reeves for his acting and his simple and generous persona. Tom Hanks I think is a brilliant actor. Bon Jovi – childhood crush. Gal Gadot is just gorgeous!
Do you have an inspiration for entering the business?
Not really, I have just always had dreams that life kept me from living through.
What is your favorite movie?
Forrest Gump (1994), The Notebook (2004), and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998).
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I try to have short term goals. I feel that life is not guaranteed and what I want now, may not be what I want 10 years from now. Hence, I keep my goals within 6 months to a year frame. I feel more accomplished when I achieve goals that I set within a short term.
What advice do you have for others who want to enter into modeling?
Work hard, do your homework, invest time and effort into you and making yourself a diligent model that is unique yet staying through to yourself at all times.
