Spotlight On: Zoe Bedell

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1. How do you build a performance from concept to final polish?

For me, every performance starts with the music. I spend a lot of time listening before I even think about choreography because I want to understand the emotion, the structure, and the story the song is telling. Once I feel connected to the music and have a clear sense of the emotion/story I want to convey, I always begin by improvising my first run-through. This allows me to move authentically to the music without overthinking. The movements I use in the improv run then become the foundation for my choreography. Once the choreography is established, I shift my focus to refining the details—smoothing transitions, enhancing stage presence, and ensuring every movement has intention and purpose.

2. As a multi award-winning dancer, how do you keep competition from shaping your artistic voice instead of sharpening it?

Competition has definitely challenged me to grow, but I've always reminded myself that awards aren't the reason I dance. They're a reflection of one performance on one day—they don't define my artistry. I use competitions as opportunities to receive feedback, refine my technique, and push myself outside my comfort zone, but I never want to lose what makes me unique. My goal is to leave the stage feeling like I represented the music, the culture, and myself honestly.

3. Your heritage is an important part of your identity. How does it inform the way you approach raqs, both onstage and off?

My heritage gives me a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude for this art form. Raqs Sharqi isn't just movement to me—it's part of a living culture with history, traditions, and emotional depth. Onstage, I strive to perform with authenticity and respect for the music and its cultural context. Offstage, I believe it's important to continue learning about the music, studying the history, and helping others understand that raqs is much more than what many people assume.

4. There's a conversation happening in the dance world about representation and cultural ownership. Where do you see your role within that dialogue?

I think everyone who studies and performs raqs has a responsibility to approach it with respect, humility, and a willingness to keep learning. As someone with Middle Eastern heritage, I feel fortunate to have a personal connection to the culture, but I also believe that preserving and honoring this dance is a collective responsibility. My role is to represent it authentically, continue educating myself, support artists from the culture, and encourage conversations that celebrate rather than erase its origins. The more informed we are, the better we can honor the dance and the people who created it.

5. What has been the most misunderstood aspect of your journey as a dancer—especially at the level you're performing?

I think people often see the performances, the awards, and the polished moments without realizing how much work happens behind the scenes. There are countless hours

of conditioning, taking classes, studying music, revising choreography, and working through moments of self-doubt. Growth isn't always glamorous—actually, it rarely is. Every accomplishment has come through consistency, discipline, and a genuine love for the art. Success in dance isn't just about talent—it's about showing up every day, even when no one is watching.

6. When you step into a teaching role, what are you most intent on passing down?

More than anything, I want my future students to understand the "why" behind the movement. Technique is important, but so is musicality, cultural appreciation, and developing your own personal style. My goal is to create dancers who not only move beautifully but who understand and respect the art form they're representing.

7. Looking ahead, what kind of legacy do you want to build—not just in titles and accolades, but in impact?

I hope to be remembered as someone who honored this art form with integrity and passion. Awards are wonderful milestones, but they aren't what lasts. I want to inspire dancers to pursue excellence while staying connected to the culture, the music, and themselves. If my performances encourage someone to fall in love with raqs, or if my teaching helps someone become a more confident artist, then that's the legacy I hope to leave. Keep up with Zoe! Facebook and Instagram @zoe.bedell