Bella Shilliday
About Bella
Isabel trained in various styles of dance, including Ballet (Cecchetti, Vaganova, Classical, RAD and ABT); Contemporary; Jazz and Acrobatics as well as Rhythmic Gymnastics. Her training started at a young age in South Africa, where she grew up. Isabel trained at Cassandra Lambert School of Ballet as well as Attitudes Ballet where she completed her Cecchetti Examinations with honors. She received Her Acrobatic and Contemporary training at Life Performing Arts Connect – a performing arts school her family started in Somerset West, South Africa. Isabel moved to Michigan prior to high school, where she was part of a competitive dance team at Mary Skiba’s School of Dance. During this same time she participated in her High School Competitive and Sideline Cheer Team at Chippewa Valley High School. Isabel continued her Ballet Training at Christian Arts Academy, where she also started her teaching career, teaching Ballet and Jazz. She choreographed several pieces for Studio recital and community outreach programs. Isabel also joined The Macomb Ballet Company in Macomb, Michigan where she had the opportunity to perform in live stage productions including The Nutcracker and The Wizard of OZ. She received an invitation from The Link School of the Arts and The Ark Initiave to perform in several performances under the direction of Lauren Anderson from Houston Ballet. One of the most meaningful experiences of her training, was spent with Ballet Magnificat in Jackson, Mississippi.
After moving to Nashville, She spent her last year of High school dancing at Nashville Ballet Academy where she had the privilege of performing in the classical version of The Nutcracker. Her love for dance connected her with Unveiled Dance Productions where she had the opportunity to be part of a dance film and could explore her love of dance in a different medium.
When Isabel is not in studio, she can be found helping students find the best fit for their dance needs and pointe shoes at Bellissimo Dance Boutique. She loves teaching and loves to see them grow in their love for dance too. She spends her time off loving on her beloved pitbull, Blu and dresses her in little puppy dancewear too!
Take a class with Bella
class schedule
meet our
other dance mentors

other dance mentors
Teaching isn't just about learning techniques. Our students are led by passionate and well-trained professionals who recognize their greater role in students' lives. To refine your search for a music mentor, select your desired instrument from the options below.
THE ROOTS MENTOR PHILOSOPHY
Our mentors play a crucial role in shaping not just artists but well-rounded individuals equipped with a growth mindset, character, determination, confidence, and grit — skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
Join us today to embark on an artistic and personal journey that will shape you into the best version of yourself. Experience the difference of mentorship at ROOTS Academy — where performing arts education becomes a transformative life experience.
THE ROOTS WAY
Our mission is to develop extraordinary artists and exceptional humans through transformative performing arts education. Through music, dance, and theatre, we inspire creativity, nurture character, and empower our students to positively impact their community and the world.
mindset
matters
(How we Think)
We believe mindset shapes not just who we are in the studio, but who we become in the world.
excellence
matters
(What we Do)
We believe excellence flourishes when preparation and vision align with discipline and passion.
people
matter
(How we Act)
We believe in creating spaces where everyone feels safe to create, supported to grow, and inspired to excel.
questions?
If you have any questions about our dance program, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email us. Our hours are Monday – Saturday from 12pm – 6pm.
SASKIA HARMON – Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN – Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON – Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS – Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON – Dance Operations Coordinator
MEG DEARMIN – Dance/FIT Operations Coordinator
SASKIA HARMON
Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN
Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON
Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS
Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON
Dance Operations Coordinator