Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabelle Muller.
Isabelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My dance journey began nearly two decades ago. As a kid, I participated in several extracurricular activities but dance and taekwondo were always my favorite. At age 14, I gave up martial arts and became serious about dance. I began heavy training in different dance forms to compete and perform. Rehearsals began early in the morning, two hours before classes started, and anywhere from 2-6 hours after school Monday-Friday. I made sure to get all my homework done at school, so it wouldn’t interfere with the training/performance schedule. With no regrets, I also sacrificed my social life. I can truly say that I loved every second, and I woke up excited to start my day dancing.
I spent most of my youth on the dance floor and it paid off because my team won national titles and recognition. At age 16, my teammates and I got the opportunity of a lifetime: to perform at the Super Bowl XLV halftime show. This experience fueled my motivation to keep pursuing this art. After graduating high school, I continued training and my need for improvement drove me to train and audition in LA and NYC. I became a student to some of the most elite in the commercial dance industry. My mentors helped me grow not only as an artist but as an individual. I had extreme success but also extreme failures. Both were equally as important in my personal and professional growth.
Back in Dallas, I had the privilege to cheer/dance in Pro-League and served as captain my last year. I am very grateful for the experience, for the friendships, and the opportunity to showcase some of my choreographies on the field. As an alumni, I’ve taught Pro-League workshops and served as a judge in the audition process.
In the most recent years, I partnered up with Roberto Lay, a professional Latin dancer from Panama. Together we run a Latin dance company of dedicated and talented dancers. We are very proud of our students and all their accomplishments. Roberto and I also teach workshops and perform at Latin dance congresses in many different cities. When I’m not training my team, I work with several entertainment and talent companies. They have opened the doors for me to perform at the corporate, charity, private events, award shows, and concerts nationally and internationally. This global pandemic has forced me to navigate uncharted waters. However, I’m not complaining. My journey is far from over. I’m looking forward to working with more artists I admire and allow my work/creativity to evolve.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has come with more challenges than I was prepared for. I’ve had painful injuries that have put me out of work for months. It’s no secret that dancing and training can take a toll on the body but it’s the mind that can make or break you.
It’s nearly impossible to get things done while focusing on self-doubt, fear of failure, and listening to people’s negativity. I had to train my mind to focus on the things that will aid in my growth. I had to recognize that I’m enough, failure is essential to my development, and that I needed to distance myself from those who had destructive things to say. I had to stop comparing myself to others. This is hard in the performance industry, but not impossible. Comparing yourself to others is not only cataclysmic but also a waste of time. We are all unique and we can all win. The only true competition is YOURSELF.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Independently, I focus mainly on commercial and Latin dance. I’ve also done a lot of modeling and have been a brand ambassador for fitness clothing lines. I choreograph and direct both student and professional stage performances. And I have a true passion for teaching motivated individuals of all ages and levels.
In addition, Roberto Lay and I are the directors and choreographers of a Dallas based Latin dance company. We are known for our Latin fusion in our social dancing and shows. We’re very strict and hold the team to high standards. Roberto and I always set the bar higher each year and expect our students to continue growing. I’m proud our team always takes on these challenges and prove that they are capable of anything. We are also one big family who deeply care for each other and love to have a good time!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
As much as I’m passionate about dance, I am also passionate about traveling. Being a professional dancer has blessed me with the opportunity to do both, and that makes me very proud. I am also proud and grateful to collaborate with incredible artists that I admire. It is a privilege and an honor.
Lastly, I am so infinitely proud of my students. It is great seeing their hard work pay off. One of my greatest joys is watching them conquer their insecurities and realize that expressing themselves on the dance floor or stage is one of the greatest experiences. I am well aware that I don’t know everything, so I always encourage them to explore their dance goals and learn from other people. Many of them are now skilled in several dance forms and have become instructors as well. All of this makes me very proud, and it’s difficult to choose one moment.
Contact Info:
- Email: isabellemuller.info@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabellecmuller/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/isabella.muller.18
Image Credit:
Dacio Rivera, DFW Latin Dance, Ravi Melaram Productions, Premios de la Radio.
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