Usually talent and an abundance of confidence go hand-in-hand in the dance world, so with the obvious excess of talent that seventeen year old dancer Bella Pennimpede possesses, demure and quiet is the last thing you’d expect to find when meeting her for the first time. Yet that’s exactly what you’ll get. In fact the self-admittedly shy Bella credits dance as being the mechanism that helped her gradually come out of her shell, ever since first becoming mesmerised with it at the age of three. Whilst an un-inflated ego might be a rarity in the world of performance art, Bella is navigating our industry of big talent and bigger personalities with success after success, proving that talent will always shine, whether it’s loudly declared or not. More impressive yet is that Bella’s transformation onstage is so absolute that it seems as if dance has enabled her to bring out an alter-ego with such commanding stage presence and boldness that any trace of shyness dissolves immediately. This is why she’s been racking up awards and getting noticed ever since her very first solo performance at the tender age of four. Fast forward several years and Bella was being crowned the winner of Get The Beat’s regional competition, with the overall highest score for her student choreography solo (choreography being another passion Bella is excelling at), and working with Marko Panzic and a slew of the dance world’s finest after being selected for the Dream Creative. Something that has led to many great opportunities for Bella – this photoshoot and interview with Energetiks included! We caught up with Bella in New South Wales at a gorgeous location to talk about her dance journey, goals for the future, and to catch the stunning dancer in action. See below for more!

E: What is your first memory of dance, and how did your dance journey begin?

BP: I was three, watching my sister perform and I remember telling mum ‘I really want to do this when I grow up’. So my sister was really an inspiration to me when I first started.
I started at KC’s (KC Dance Academy) then later my sister and I both moved to Dance Factor, mostly just for fun. I really didn’t think I was going to make a career out of it. After I started taking more workshops and classes with different teachers and instructors that’s when I got more serious about dance. It was actually my cousin that got my sister and I into dance, I was always shy but she really encouraged me, so she was a big reason, I was inspired by her.

E: What for you is the most rewarding and most challenging aspect of dance?

BP: The most challenging part would definitely be having to do ballet! Because it’s compulsory. The more I do it the more I like it, but it’s definitely never going to be my favourite! The most rewarding part would be just the feeling that you get; getting to express your emotions and release everything through movement. I love getting to perform in front of people. Also the feeling of getting inspired by all the amazing dancers and people around you … and the achievements as well. Awards and competitions help give you that sense of recognition.

E: What styles of dance do you most enjoy?

BP: Definitely commercial jazz and contemporary.

E: Who or what inspires you as a dancer?

BP: Paris Cav (Cavanagh), definitely. She’s my number one inspiration. Blake John Wood, Marko Panzic… everyone involved with the Dream Dance Experience honestly!

E: How amazing was Paris’ piece at ADF 2019 for the NEXT Choreographer?!

BP: Oh my god, I was literally speechless, that was so incredible to see live too.

E: What have been some of the standout moments for you as a dancer to date?

BP: I have had so many amazing moments and some great achievements in dance as I have been dancing most of my life. One of the unforgettable experiences in dance for me was performing on Australia’s Got Talent with my VPA dance team and getting all 4 yes’s. Also my first solo performance on stage at the age of 4. I will never forget how it made me feel. I have loved competing in many Eisteddfod’s over the years where I met friends for life and have achieved awesome results. There are so many achievements I am proud of, but the sweetest one of all was winning ‘Get The Beat Regional Champion’, as well as ‘highest point scorer’. That was really special. I got it with my own student choreography. That was a big moment for me. I think this year though is my last year of comps.

Definitely one of the other biggest highlights was when I got chosen to be in the Dream Creative. I am also very proud to say and so grateful for the opportunity to be in the Dream Creative again this year, run by the amazing Marko Panzic and the Dream Team who are my biggest inspiration and mentors - I’ve been lucky enough to be taught by some of the best choreographers in the world. Marko also chose me in last year’s Dream Creative for this opportunity for which I am so incredibly grateful. 

E: What are your goals for the future?

BP: I really want to be a choreographer, like Paris Cav (laughs). I just think it’s amazing to inspire people with your own ideas. Getting to teach your movement to people and see what others do with it, and how they perform it… I think that’s amazing.

E: What’s something that always makes you laugh?

BP: Umm… my mum! (Laughs) With her accent!

E: What’s something people may not know about you?

BP: I have really bendy thumbs! *proceeds to demonstrate*

E: Oh my GOD they’re like rubber!!!

BP: Yeah!

E: Name one guilty pleasure:

BP: Oh, cheesecake…. every kind!

E: How would you describe your personal dance style?

BP: I would describe my style as very intricate. Whenever I freestyle at home I just find myself doing really tiny movements that build up to something bigger. I’m focused on the movements that make you feel something.

E: What helps you keep motivated when you’re having a particularly challenging day or week?

BP: Definitely music, and also talking to my mum. Also having a bath with the salts and everything! And just having a freestyle at home.

E: Speaking of challenges, last year was a very challenging year for many, but particularly so for many in the dance industry – what was the biggest challenge about 2020 for you as a dancer?

BP: 2020 was extremely challenging for all of us. As a dancer, for me personally one of the hardest things was not being able to dance in front of a live audience. I was also missing dancing in the studio with my dance friends and doing what we love best. Seeing them on my computer screen for a dance lesson each week was so surreal. I truly hope it’s all behind us now. 

E: What’s something you learned from the past 12 months?

BP: Definitely never to take anything for granted, and how much I love what I do.

E: Has COVID and everything happening in the world at the moment shifted any of your priorities or goals, where would you like to see yourself with dance in two years time?

BP: COVID has definitely had an impact on how I look at life and the future. It’s made me prioritise what’s important in life and no matter what happens to always choose happiness. Dancing is my passion and my happy place. I have been inspired by some amazing dancers and dance teachers who have given me the incredible will to inspire others. In the next two years I’d love to be doing full time and eventually travelling the world doing what I love. I am grateful for every opportunity and hope to be teaching my own choreography one day.

E: What’s a quality you think is important for dancers to have in order to succeed in this industry, at this time?

BP: I think if you have love and passion for dance that alone gives you most of the qualities you need, but to survive in this industry at this time you really have to have a great work ethic, work hard and no matter what never give up your dreams.

E: What’s something that you’ve learnt about yourself through dance?

BP: When I was little I always used to be so shy, I would never stand at the front, I was always hiding at the back, observing. But as I grew up I started to take more dance classes and workshops and meet more people, and they really inspired me to put myself out there and be more confident. It’s because of dance I’ve learnt to never give up and just always try my hardest. So whenever there is a combo or something I always push myself to the limits. I’m not really a confident turner for example, I used to always change that part of combos, but now I’m learning to just go for it, keep pushing.

E: Lastly, do you have any final words of advice for other aspiring dancers out there?

BP: Just always give your all. Don’t give up, and be confident in yourself.

Follow Bella’s journey on instagram here: @bellapennimpede

Interview and photography by Elly Ford

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