Bella Gruber: Athlete of the Month

All photos submitted by Gruber.

Rachel Rank

Isabella Gruber, a Hamilton High School junior, is ranked 37th in the world out of some 6,000 participants for competitive Irish dancing. Just a few months ago, Gruber went to Montreal, Canada, to compete on a global scale, with dancers coming as far as New Zealand to Mexico. This World Championship is also known as the Olympics for Irish Dancing and is considered to be a prestigious event that not only showcases the best of the best, but also brings awareness and celebrates the long history of the unique dance.

CLRG, formally known as An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, is the organization that hosts the competitions yearly. Every world competition is in a different location and hosts 80-200 international dancers. Gruber added, “...my other favorite locations that competitions have been held in are Belfast, Ireland, and Phoenix, Arizona. Each location has something unique to offer and makes attending major competitions even more exciting.”

Developing her passion, Gruber started at a recreational center after experimenting with ballet and tap dancing as a kid, later letting her friends influence her to move to various styles of dance in order to dance more competitively. She began her competitive Irish dancing career at the unusual age of nine, which is much older than when her peers began, but she did not let it hold her back. She joined Bellator Academy of Irish Dance and currently dances there.

Now, her passion has never been stronger. She instantly fell in love with her sport and viewed it as less of a hobby, quickly moving up competition levels. She worked and practiced to keep up with her friends and shined enough to be hand-picked for Worlds, where only 1% of people actually get selected. Gruber also added that her own potential motivates her to be a better dancer. She is constantly trying to improve, not only just for the competition, but also so she can develop into a better person who has faced adversity and overcame roadblocks. To illustrate, she added, “With those rounds that I am capable of, I know that the results will follow consequently.”

Pictured with teacher and founder of Bellator, Chelsea Holloway

Practice for any sport can be mentally and physically draining, but competitive Irish dancing takes the trophy at 2.5 hours a night, five days a week. With competitions sprinkled in the mix, Gruber has minimal free time. When she does have free time, she is still expected to dance. While dance can be draining, Gruber has a lot of inspirational figures to look up to, but mostly looks up to her coach, Chelsea Holloway. Gruber notes that her coach’s strength is admirable, and she has remained by all her dancers' sides. [Holloway] also understands what it’s like because she has gone through everything and was a dancer herself when she was younger too. Gruber also honors other dancers who have faced adversity and climbed up the ranks after being doubted and not taken seriously. She finds their attitude and charisma inspiring in her eyes.

Something unique about Irish dancing is the costume process, which consists of two hours of professional makeup and then extra time to correctly put on the wig and secure it so it does not fall off. Having the best hair, best smile, and best dancing all seems so stressful and difficult to achieve; however, Gruber accomplishes it in every competition. She receives the recognition she deserves and makes everyone around her proud.

Group picture of some of Bellator’s regional competitors last year (right).

Gruber is an inspiration for student athletes and someone who put in so much work for her well-earned accomplishments. She understands success comes from hard work and grit, and she is a prime example of a strong character who also demonstrates a humble attitude. Though she is currently ranked 37th, she has had ups and downs in her sport as most student athletes have had. She gets stressed and overwhelmed by school and other outside factors, but still manages to do her part in collaborative projects and go above and beyond.

Nationals 2022, pictured with a friend of 11 years.

This year has been a massive test on the dedicated dancer because this year, she manages her school, work, and dance schedule. She discovered she can complete her homework in the library after school or use her time wisely. Additionally, Gruber works ahead in her classes to ensure everything gets done, and she truly prioritizes her academics and values her education. These skills also aid her in competitions and maintaining a healthy/happy mindset. She explained, “Whether it’s a local competition or on the world stage, I keep my mind set on what I can control, rather than the uncontrollable factors like my competitors. I know I can control applying technique that I’ve worked on to my dancing, but I know that who I end up dancing with is not in my control. Additionally, I know that the results are only controllable in that the better I dance, the more likely I am to place as I hope to, but I cannot control how much the judges watch me or like my style of dancing. As my teacher has taught me and my class, a mantra is often helpful too when nerves come into play, like reminding yourself how far you have come or how bright your passion burns for dancing itself.”

Remaining active in the dance community is a very crucial part included in her future as she plans on involving herself with teaching younger dancers the passion and gift of dancing as well as leaving her legacy behind. Next year, as a senior, Gruber will continue to dance competitively. She adds, “I also hope to complete all twelve of my grade exams, which are certifications for teaching prior to the official teaching exam that follows the grade exams. Since my sister also dances, I would like to continue to see how she progresses even after my career has ended.”

Although going professional is not far out of reach for Gruber, after high school graduation, she plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison or Marquette University to enhance her academics with a major in psychology. She explained, “I haven’t been too immersed in the show side of dancing other than performing at Irish Fest annually, so I’m not sure if I would enjoy the professional side, especially because it involves dancing for hours on end almost daily. I wouldn’t mind dancing in occasional performances with my school after my competitive career is over, and I would love to attend the Riverdance summer camp in a year or two.”

Like many athletes, Gruber believes her success is also part of her strong support system. ”My entire level at Bellator is like a team in how we support each other. Everyone is friends, and it’s always nice knowing that even though we are dancing as soloists, we all have each other’s backs through the rough patches of training. I also can’t thank my teachers and family enough, for my entire dance career wouldn’t be possible without their support and guidance.”

Congratulations to Bella Gruber–Hamilton’s Athlete of the Month!