Meet Daniella Rae Beltrami | Professional Dancer and Choreographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniella Rae Beltrami and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniella Rae, how do you think about risk?
Risk is the very foundation of my journey—without it, I would not be where I am today. It is a habitual practice I look forward to now, as I know it’s the way to the magic of life and evolution. Artists are, by nature, risk-takers. To create art is to have faith in what has not yet materialized, to believe in the unseen and the unknown. There is little logic in this process; it demands a leap of trust, a willingness to fall and surrender. I took a risk when I moved to London,UK with no job & no money but a deep inner knowing I needed to for my artistic journey. I take risks reaching out to choreographers I admire to assist and learn from. Every time I enter a battle, or put out my work I risk being judged. The other option however is to hide myself, and to never give myself a chance to become the artist I am meant to be. What sustains me is the understanding that if I give myself permission to evolve and remain authentically me, I will inevitably inspire others to do the same. I’ve learned about risk through experience—by avoiding risk, by taking it but holding back, and by fully embracing it and witnessing the transformative power it holds.

Risk is my constant companion in choreographing. It is in the act of creation that I allow myself to be a conduit for something greater, to create authentically, from the deepest part of myself. Yet, there are moments when what emerges feels so unlike anything I’ve seen before, and doubt creeps in—will anyone understand it? Is it too unfamiliar, too radical? In these moments, the risk is to remain true, to resist the temptation to simplify or conform, and instead allow the work to unfold as it is meant to be. The real risk is in being fully yourself in a world that pressures you to follow predefined paths. And that, for me, is a risk I will always take—a risk I live by, both in my artistry and in life itself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m most excited about how curious I’ve become over the years. There is so much to continually learn in this art form, from the lessons of life it provides, to the endless amount of ways to move, and approach music & movement. There are so many styles to learn. I am a big music lover of so many genres and that is what has made me a versatile dancer and choreographer. I’m excited to continuously explore this and stay curious – in dance, art and life. I wasn’t always this curious in my early 20’s so having expanded in this way through travel, meeting people and experiencing life, is something I’m grateful to have learnt and am excited to keep opening my mind. What sets me a part is my desire to always be a student and constantly dive deeper into this craft & myself. I love to mesh styles and concepts together. I have always been told that my movement & choreography is innovative.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First things first, we are definitely going to aroma cafe on Tujunga ave. It’s been my favourite cafe since the first time I went to LA. It feels a bit European to me which I love. The Melrose market would be next, I love vintage everything + live music, it’s the perfect day in LA. Santee Alley is definitely a staple if they haven’t been. Finishing the day off out of the city, usually in Malibu, watching the sunset on the beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My main sources of support have been my parents and friends. I was fortunate to grow up in a home surrounded by art and creativity, as both of my parents are artists. When I considered pursuing a traditional education rather than continuing with dance, my parents encouraged me to follow my passion, recognizing the deep love I had for it. Throughout my journey, the friends I have made have become like family, offering unwavering support and encouragement. They inspire me to keep going. We are on similar paths so it helps to be surrounded by people who are on similar journeys as yours. My friends have stood by my side through every step.

However, my mother has been particularly instrumental, guiding me through the challenges and uncertainties of my path. Her constant encouragement helps me navigate the twists and turns of my journey, reminding me to embrace each one and never give up. I am incredibly lucky and grateful to have her in my life.

Another person who deserves much recognition is a mentor of mine, Rhapsody James who saw me at 21 and instilled in me that I have what it takes to live out my dreams. She helped me see myself, my potential and that I was already ready and enough. It is her words that still sit in my head to believe in myself.

Website: www.daniellaraebeltrami.squarespace.com

Instagram: @itsdaniellarae & @daniellaraebeltrami

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@daniellaraebeltrami?si=-IvDOehRy2XStj2m

Image Credits
@gabegaledo
@megstrainer