Bella Saclolo
Bella was born in Manila, Philippines and has lived most of her life in Northwest Arkansas. Bella received her training from the Northwest Arkansas Conservatory of Classical Ballet under Mariah Bordovsky and Jennifer Davis. She has attended summer programs at Kansas City Ballet and The Joffrey Ballet, training under teachers such as, Larissa Ponomarenko, Sarah Lamb, William Whitener and Tiit Helimets. With NWA Ballet Theatre she has performed in works by Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, Jennifer Owen, Karen Castleman and Jennifer Davis. She has performed featured roles in Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye’s “Come Together”, “Petite Seat” and “Oh Sweet Time".” She performed the leading role in Gillmer Duran’s “Restless” and was also featured as Clara in “The Nutcracker.” In addition to her contributions on stage she has served as assistant ballet mistress for NWA Ballet Theatre, staging, and coaching works like Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye’s full-length production of “Cinderella” and Stephanie Martinez’ “Otra Vez, Otra Vez, Otra Vez.” This is Bella’s third season with NWA Ballet Theatre.
get to know the dancer
1. What do you like to do outside of dance (hobbies, interests, etc.)?
I tend to spend time reading or doing my schoolwork. I enjoy studying, especially history. I also enjoy baking and hiking!
2. What is your favorite role that you have performed? Have not performed?
I loved getting two opportunities to perform Clara in The Nutcracker. I got to really grow the character through the years. I would love to dance a principal role in William Forsythe’s “Infra” and, of course, Odette in Swan Lake would be a dream.
3. What are some of your indulgences?
My favorite guilty pleasure is late night breakfast at Lucy’s Diner in Rogers. Their onion rings are so good!
4. Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I need good music (I typically have a playlist for each show) and solitude. Those moments to collect my thoughts away from the hustle going on backstage helps me stay grounded in all the excitement.
5. If you weren’t a dancer, what would you be?
I think I would be a photographer. My mother is a professional photographer and her work is so beautiful, and the moments full of feeling and emotion are priceless. Seeing how much her photographs affect people is inspiring.
6. Do you remember the first ballet you ever saw? What was it and how did it affect you?
The first ballet I watched was “Carmina Burana” by the Kansas City Ballet. Before this, I had zero ballet training, but seeing this beautifully dramatic performance with a live choir was enchanting! I knew it was exactly where I wanted to be if I could, and there started my training.
7. How do you spend your summer breaks?
Summer intensives almost every summer! I am still in the training stage of my career so going away for intense training is so good for me! This summer I get to say here training with NWA Ballet Theatre. Dream come true!
8. If I could visit any country in the world it would be….
I think it would be the U.K., specifically London. I love the city and it’s a dream to see the Royal Ballet perform in the Royal Opera House. It’s stunning.
9. What does Northwest Arkansas mean to you? Why is it special?
NWA is my home. I have lived here all of my life, in the same home for years. I have been able to watch it grow from a tiny town, to a booming, blossoming area. Getting this opportunity to be a part of the first professional ballet company is the icing on the cake and it means the world!
10. What are three things people might not know about you?
I am the middle child of seven siblings. Regardless of how many years between us, we are all so close. I love them wildly!
I was born in the Philippines and moved here as a baby.
My favorite morning is making coffee for me and my mom and sneaking back into bed with my coffee and a good book!
ADOPT-A-DANCER:
Creating beautiful performances that will thrill audiences is every dancers dream. It takes them many years of training, long hours in rehearsals, and a lot of pointe shoes and performance wear.
NWA Ballet Theatre invites you to help keep our dancers on their toes by taking part in our Adopt-a-Dancer program.
All you have to do is choose a dancer (or type in “most in need”) and your donation will go directly to assisting their various performance needs.
Help our dancers realize their dreams -- join our Adopt-a-Dancer program today. .