ADA Alum Spotlight: Catherine Krebs, Bella Mittenthal & Olivia Zator Reflect on Friendship, Dance, and the Journey Ahead
- Academy of Dance Arts
- May 16
- 4 min read
From childhood rehearsals to professional stages across the country, the bond between ADA alumni Catherine Krebs, Bella Mittenthal, and Olivia Zator has grown stronger with time, distance, and experience. In this special blog post, they each share heartfelt memories, career updates, and advice for the next generation of dancers from The Academy of Dance Arts.
From Studio Floors to Lifelong Friendship
How did the three of you first meet at ADA?
Catherine: Bella and I met in elementary school — one of my earliest friends and someone I’ve known since those early New York days. I didn’t meet Olivia until a few seasons into training, but we clicked instantly.
Bella: I met Catherine in kindergarten and Olivia in Ballet B with Miss Irina.
Olivia: I first met both of them on the intermediate team. Being younger was scary, but we connected quickly and started dreaming about careers in the arts together.
Favorite memories of dancing together?
Catherine: Rehearsals in Studio Seven before NYCDA with just one light on. Showcases where professionals like dancers from River North or Hubbard Street came to watch—those moments shaped us.
Bella: I’ll always cherish after-school choreography sessions in the baby studio.
Olivia: Coming early to dance just to find a studio and mess around, or rehearsing duets with Bella that turned into travel opportunities.
How has your bond stayed strong through the years?
Catherine: There’s something special about people who knew you before anything took off — before the wins, the losses, the industry. That grounded support is everything.
Bella: Our roots are in the same pot, even if we grow in different places.
Olivia: We’ve supported each other from day one. That shared start keeps us connected no matter what.
Career Highlights & Current Projects
Catherine, you’ve been working with the Verdon Fosse Legacy Foundation and ADM21. What’s that been like?
Working with the Foundation has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my NYC journey. Honoring legends like Chita Rivera was surreal — a full-circle moment I’ll never forget.
We loved your “Jessica Rabbit” solo — tell us about it!
That piece was given to me my senior year. Ricky told me it would be unlike anything he’d ever choreographed. Sabina custom-made my costume, Ricky rhinestoned it as a thank-you — it was a full-circle family effort. Five years later, it’s still one of my most-watched pieces.
You also recently signed with Wilhelmina Models — congrats!
Thank you! I submitted materials when I moved to NYC, and they reached out the next day. It took a year to book my first major campaign — persistence is key. I’m proud of that milestone and excited for what’s ahead.
Bella, what’s happening in your freelance life in NYC?
Always something new! Recently, I’ve danced in showcases, assisted Mary Ann Lamb on “Little Sparrow,” performed in Urinetown at New York City Center, and even danced inside a giant oyster puppet. You might also spot me in the Elsbeth season 2 finale on CBS!
Olivia, congrats on graduating early from the University of Arizona! What’s next?
Thank you! I’m moving to LA in June to pursue commercial dance — training, teaching, and auditioning. I’m excited to see where it all leads.
How did MSA come into the picture for you, Olivia?
Back in 7th grade, I won a scholarship and meeting with MSA at Energy. I stayed in touch, attended their summer intensive, and officially signed during my first year of college. That intensive changed my life!
Where are you teaching now?
Last summer I taught jazz funk and heels at The Eighty Eight Studios. I used to avoid choreographing, but now I love it — college helped me find that confidence.
Advice for Young Dancers
What’s your biggest piece of advice?
Catherine: Never give up. Be intentional, work hard, and always believe in yourself.
Bella: You have time. Give yourself grace. And as Valerie Pettiford once told me, “When the industry says pivot, be ready to PIVOT.”
Olivia: Keep training, stay passionate, and go for the opportunities that scare you — they’ll stretch you the most.
Looking Ahead
Any upcoming projects or personal goals?
Catherine: I recently auditioned for the Rockettes and will return to Radio City to refine my technique and reaudition for the line. I’m also collaborating on campaigns with several major makeup brands launching in late 2025.
Bella: :)
Olivia: Big plans in LA! I’ll be auditioning, performing, and teaching while continuing to grow in commercial dance.
Rapid-Fire Fun
Favorite dance style to perform?
Catherine: Jazz, heels, or hip-hop
Bella: I love when I get to bring silliness into a piece
Olivia: Jazz funk or heels
Dream role or company?
Catherine: Dancing for Beyoncé
Bella: :)
Olivia: Performing with a top commercial tour or company
Song you can’t stop dancing to?
Catherine: Banana Clip by Miguel
Bella: Anything by Jungle or Olivia Dean
Olivia: Constantly changing!
Favorite NYC class or studio?
Catherine: Open Jar — it’s home for me now
Bella: Steps on Broadway (conveniently close!)
Olivia: Anywhere my friends are dancing!
Most memorable stage moment?
Catherine: My NYC debut at the Chita Awards — unforgettable and humbling
Bella: Giving myself a concussion in a Ricky Ruiz solo (yes, really — it’s on Instagram!)
Olivia: Every performance where I find myself laughing with my friends onstage
One word to describe your time at ADA?
Catherine: Formative
Bella: Valuable
Olivia: Supportive
If you could dance anywhere in the world…
Catherine: New York City
Bella: The Amalfi Coast
Olivia: LA — and eventually, the world
From giggles in the baby studio to professional gigs in NYC and LA, Catherine, Bella, and Olivia prove that talent, tenacity, and true friendship can take you anywhere. Their journeys inspire us all — and their roots at The Academy of Dance Arts continue to nourish their every step.
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