Based in LA | Rooted in movement | Creating for stage + screen
Explore the Work Behind the Movement
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Dancer. Choreographer. Storyteller.
Bella Murrieta is a well-rounded performer in various dance styles. Bella has been dancing for as long as she can remember in her home state, Arizona, and began taking her training more seriously by building her foundation at CanDance Studios under the guidance of Chris Zuehlke, Candace Montez Zuehlke, and Kassidi Sasser. Bella continued her artistic journey as a dancer by attending Chapman University and learning from the renowned faculty, including Steven Sofia, Wilson Mendieta, Danyel Moulton, Kayla Kalbfleisch, Drew Gliwa, and more. Bella is a recent graduate from Chapman University with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, Advertising, and Entertainment Marketing. Throughout her time at university, Bella discovered her love for dance film. She was the President of the Dance Film Club, choreographed and directed eight dance films, and choreographed two film theses at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Her most recent self-produced dance film, “again&again,” was accepted and screened at CineVox’s 8th annual Dance Film Festival. Now, Bella is currently located in Los Angeles, California, and is ready to embark on her next journey of pursuing a dance career in the entertainment industry. She has goals of dancing back up on tours, festivals, and award shows. Bella is a strong and confident performer with an undeniable drive and passion to make her dreams come true!
Artist & Teaching Statement
The Artist
My choreography for dance on fi lm is rooted in a contemporary fusion style, blending grounded and sharp movement with an explorative spirit. Each piece becomes a visual experience where physical intensity meets fl eeting moments of unexpected beauty—like seeing a rainbow in the dark. My work seeks to translate dance's raw, tactile nature into the intimate, immersive world of film.
The Educator
I am passionate about teaching because it allows me to guide young movers in discovering their creative voice through movement. My goal is to inspire self-discovery, critical thinking, and confi dence by providing thoughtful exercises and encouraging refl ection. I create a welcoming and energetic environment where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow, while also fostering a strong sense of community and support among peers. To support learning, I adapt my teaching methods to each student’s needs, encourage collaboration, and celebrate progress. I engage students with questions about their challenges and refl ections to promote self-awareness and deeper understanding. My aim is to help them see dance not just as performance, but as a powerful form of expression that connects us to the human experience.