Get to Know Tiny Pretty Things and Cats Star Daniela Norman

Hapa Mag - MARCH 10, 2021

By Matt Blank

The past year of shutdown can be measured by many of us as a series of TV streams, some superb and many regrettable. Speaking personally, for every masterwork like a Queen’s Gambit,  there have been countless hours of Tiger King, Cheaters reruns and more 90 Day Fiance spinoffs than I can keep track of.

One recent show that I found absolutely captivating is the ballet-based drama series Tiny Pretty Things. A hybrid of Black Swan, Pretty Little Liars and Riverdale, the story follows a group of elite dance students as they navigate love, loyalty, personal responsibility, family pressure, and a truly treacherous casting process all while trying to crack the case of a horrific crime. At once a work of high art, a sexy thriller, and a bit of a guilty pleasure, TPT caught my attention in a big way. A few hours in and I found myself giving literal meaning to the very essence of the “binge-watch” as I devoured episode after episode in an obsessive need to see what would happen next.

There isn’t too much I can say about Tiny Pretty Things without risking some fairly major spoilers, but those new to the show can expect 10 episodes of nonstop mystery, intrigue, betrayal, breathtaking dance sequences and one major reveal after another.

In an ensemble of breakout performances, a true standout is London-born Daniela Norman in the role of June Park. Playing one of the more complex and layered characters you’ll find in the dog-eats-dog landscape of the show and its fictional Archer School of Ballet, Park’s performance is at once plucky, fierce, resilient, powerful, and heartbreaking. Relatable to anyone who has ever had a dream worth jumping any hurdle for, Park goes through true hell in pursuit of excellence and the recognition she deserves and, in the process, turns in some of the most stunning dance performances you’re likely to see on any streaming platform.

A relative newcomer to the small screen, the multi-talented performer has been seen in multiple roles with English National Ballet, in the West End production of An American in Paris, and as Demeter in the recent film adaptation of Cats.

Norman, who is Singaporean and British, recently took the time to chat with us about her life and on-the-rise career.

Tell us a little about your background. Where were you born and raised, and how did you get into performing?

I was born and grew up in London. City girl through and through! When I was younger I was super fidgety, so my mum put me in dances classes when I was 5. I danced a few times a week after school and weekends for years, then my dance teacher invited me to be professionally trained when I was 11, and that’s when I realised, “Yes, I love this and want to work hard to become a professional.”

What do you parents do? Is anyone else in your family in the arts?

My dad is an ex pro golfer, and they’re both now in the golf business. My younger brother is in the U.S. with a soccer scholarship doing his master’s and my older brother is in finance... not quite the arts, but we’re definitely a family who works hard and hustles for what we’re passionate about!! My parents are my biggest supporters.

Do you have any favorite role or productions from your youth? Was there a particular moment when it went from a hobby to being what you wanted to do for a living?

I danced the role of Clara in The Nutcracker whilst I was training professionally with Anna Du Boisson, and there was definitely a moment onstage where I realised I wanted to do this everyday. Not just ballet, but the feeling of performing. I knew I had to be in the creative industry, whether it was acting or dance... or perhaps I’d get to do it all!

Moving on to Tiny Pretty Things, we are obsessed! Haven't binge-watched anything so fast in a long time. Tell me about your audition experience. What did the audition consist of, and where were you when you found out you had booked it?

I was in Barcelona on holiday when I booked the role! Crying on the beachfront to my agent because I was just so happy, it really was a dream come true. I’d sent one self tape and a dance video for June and didn’t hear for months. So I was pretty sure I hadn’t got it, which I was gutted about. But cut to being on holiday and my agent’s saying they’ll be sending one more self tape and you have a test offer. They ended up not needing the other self tape. It was one of the easiest audition processes I’ve had actually!

You play a character who is at times fairly meek and reserved, but dances with such fierceness! How did you relate to June on a personality level, and how did you reconcile this divide between character and artistic expression? How much are you June?

Playing a character like June was so exciting for me because it was so close to home in terms of how hard she works for what she cares about which is very similar to me, especially towards ballet. It was also exciting because her personality is very different to mine. So I really got a chance to become a different person! I’m very outgoing, a bit of a clown, not super serious.

For those who have yet to watch the show, how would you describe June Park?

June is constantly proving herself to everyone, but especially to her mother who doesn’t believe in June’s dreams. She wants to prove ballet is where she belongs, prove it’s her time to finally take the spotlight and that the Archer School of Ballet is her home. She’s kind and reserved, but 100% a fighter.

The show has been such a sensation, and your social media memes have exploded. Any fan interactions or letters that really stand out?

Honestly it’s been incredible, the love and support we’ve had for the show! Especially on social media from the younger audience. I’ve had some wonderful DMs saying the show has given them motivation to get back into dancing and that June’s helped them find the power to fight for things they love. Those have been beautiful to read.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I counted three mixed Asian performers in Tiny Pretty Things: you, Michael Hsu Rosen and Nicole Huff. Did this ever come up in filming? I ask this because the shared half-Asian experience has been very unifying for members of our staff, and that element really stood out to us.

On the show four of us [actually] had Asian heritage. Nicole, Michael, Alexandra [Bokyun Chun] (my mother on the show) and myself. I actually lived with Michael whilst filming and we definitely shared stories and experiences with each other and bonded through that, we had very similar upbringings, and that was extremely unifying, to relate to someone so closely. I hadn’t really had that before in the industry.

Now that she has so beautifully found her own power, what would you like to see for June in future seasons?

At the end of season 1 June definitely finds her inner lioness, and I’m so excited to see how she battles to stay at the top. I’m also very intrigued to see how she deals with certain plot twists that are absolutely going to unravel in front of her!

We almost lost it when Tiler Peck showed up on the series! Tell me a little about the experience of meeting and working with her!

Tiler Peck is an absolute powerhouse... what an amazing woman! I had actually met Tiler a few times because of a job I did awhile back, so it was wonderful to have our paths cross again and to actually be on screen with her. Younger Daniela wouldn’t actually believe it if I told her... I used to watch Tiler on YouTube a lot.

Pulling it back a little, having now worked in the worlds of ballet, musical theatre, film and TV... what can we expect from you in the near future?

I absolutely love being on set and on screen, I’m so excited to be able to explore that more! I’m always excited to learn new things whatever my job requires!

I don't mind saying that I loved Cats. Tell me a little about your experience and days on set. Was there anyone you full-on fan-girled over working with?

A day on the Cats set was crazy haha, but in the best of ways. Spent all day in Lycra mocap outfits crawling on oversized furniture!!! I don’t get starstruck, but meeting Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen are moments I will never forget. I have a photo of Judi holding my dog when she was a puppy in a green Lycra suit, and it’s the most epic thing on my phone!

Tell me a little about your Asian background, on your mom's side. How did it most influence your upbringing, and are there any traditions or dishes that you particularly love?

My mother is from Singapore, and her heritage is Malay - as Singapore is a beautiful place of all different cultures and heritage! I attended an international school in London from the age of 5 and was surrounded by students from all over the world so I never felt out of place or that I didn’t fit in! I did have a strict upbringing, but nothing I would change. It’s made me the hardworking person I am today. I also love visiting Singapore and seeing where my mum grew up, but mostly for the food. Some of the best food in the world... even street carts have Michelin stars. I do love a laksa or a nasi lemak. My mum and I eat Malay food all the time. It’s the best.

We absolutely love your Instagram and your personal style! Who would you count as your fashion icons?

Fashion is a huge part of my life, and actually my mum has been a big influence. I’m constantly stealing her vintage pieces. A model called Elsa Hosk also wrote a response to someone saying you should invest in pieces. Don’t buy fast fashion, invest in vintage or good quality pieces that will be around for a long time, and that’s good for the planet. That’s definitely how I’m trying to form my wardrobe! I follow some gorgeous secondhand Instagram pages that give loads of inspo.

How has quarantine been treating you, and how are you filling your days?

I’m currently in quarantine here in London. We are on a very strict lockdown! A typical lockdown day consists of a lot of working out, if I’m honest. Fitness is such a big part of my life. It brings me so much happiness: the challenges, pushing myself, and the endorphins... it’s the best! I especially love spinning, I do it every day. I also go on a lot of walks with my dog Luna, journal, research for work, training and fine tuning my skills, bingeing shows and talking with my family and friends.

What is one role, in any medium, you would count as your Dream Role?

A dream role would definitely be a Disney or Marvel film. I’m a nerd when it comes to those two!

Finally, any words of advice for aspiring performers of any age or type?

If I could give any advice it would be to always listen to your instincts. Don’t let other people’s words put you down. Don’t take it to heart, and keep listening to what your body is telling you!

Follow Norman on Instagram and be sure to catch Tiny Pretty Things on Netflix now!