Isabella (Bella) Schmitt grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and began dancing at the age of 4. In 2020, she moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance from Point Park University. While in the conservatory, Schmitt trained under professors such as Jae Man Joo, Jesse Factor, Kiesha Lalama, and Susan Stowe.

 

Her artistry and dedication at school allowed her to work with choreographers such as Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa, Twyla Tharp, and Yoshiaki Nakano, among others. Closing out her senior year, she had the opportunity to perform as the “Jumping Girl” soloist in George Balanchine’s Who Cares?.

 

Before and during her time in college, Bella invested many hours performing in fundraisers in her hometown. She helped support local charities and businesses while performing for events such as the CARTI Festival of Fashion, Wardrobe Wednesday, and “Thriller” at the Little Rock Zoo, all in collaboration with Allison Stodola Wilson at Shuffles and Ballet II.

 

Following her college graduation in 2024, she joined Saint Louis Dance Theatre (previously The Big Muddy Dance Company) as a trainee and explored contemporary and experimental movement. Bella is thrilled to be her first season with Ballet 314.