Today we’d like to introduce you to Belle Alexander.
Belle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Well, my journey is a little different than the “norm” when it comes to dancers. I did not start dancing at age three like most and I also did not grow up in a studio. Dance has always been there, but it was tucked away because of everything else I was involved in. I started dancing around age 9/10 while attending the Boys and Girls Club in my hometown. I would constantly gather all the girls and we would rehearse for hours. There were times we would rehearse for a performance and times we would rehearse simply for the joy of it. I am a HUGE fan of Beyonce and my passion for dance developed very quickly after watching her.
Of course, life happens and there are different obstacles that start to reshape your vision, meaning, and overall being. This, in turn, is where dance became my peace. I always credit one of my dance professors as to how she welcomed and opened my mind about the ideal dancer. I remember her referring to me as a natural talent. She said, “Everyone can dance, but very few can tell the story.”
One year later and now I have graduated college, moved to Houston, had my hand in dancing with different companies and now I am making a name for myself as an independent artist. It is only the beginning of what has been a crazy yet blessed journey.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As beautiful as this art form is and as “easy” as it may seem, it definitely has its challenges. One of my hardest challenges thus far was making the decision to leave Louisiana (home) and move to Houston, TX. I did not know one person in the dance community here. Not one! I had to dig deep and really define myself, my name, and my craft. There are so many talented dancers in Houston that I honestly used to doubt my abilities and my reason. Houston is a technique-driven city and I knew I had a lot to learn before anyone would give me a chance. All of the long days and even longer nights have definitely paid off. I look at my first few years here and definitely appreciate my “lows” which paved the way for many “highs.”
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a freelance dancer, choreographer, and teacher. My genres include contemporary, modern, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, musical theater, and liturgical. Connecting and maintaining professionalism with people has afforded me so many opportunities to showcase my work.
My drive for my art is what I am most proud of. I am thankful that I am not only able to fuel my desire but also instill that work ethic into younger dancers. “I’ve learned to love dance because of you” was written in a card that a child wrote to me one day. Nothing gives you more reason than that. Nothing!
What were you like growing up?
Fun fact: I have always been athletic. I actually grew up playing sports (softball, basketball, ran track). It was not until a little later when I decided to pursue dance.
Contact Info:
- Email: alexanvb2013@gmail.com
- Instagram: destined_belle_
- Facebook: Belle VA
Image Credit:
Jordan Leon
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