Scarlett Bella Song

Scarlett Bella Song – Texas
Nomination by Sasha Song
Photography by Tonya Turner Photography
Issue 52 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Scarlett Bella Song is a teen with a passion for dance, fashion, and advocating kindness. Scarlett is your relatable “everyday girl” who has her finger on the pulse of what’s trending. She loves spreading positive messages that promote compassion/empathy/inclusivity as well as enhance humanity. Scarlett recently collaborated on a teen jewelry collection with Annie and Sisters called “Annie x Scarlett.” The jewelry reflects an ethos of kindness and encouragement with words like "happiness," "courage,” "strength," and "love." Among other motifs, the pieces include yin yang symbols to represent harmony/interconnectedness and dandelion charms to evoke hope and joy.

Photography by Tonya Turner Photography

​What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would enjoy being interviewed about the collaboration Annie X Scarlett teen jewelry collection launching this month.
I would also be interested in discussing my passion for dance. As an emerging artist, I lead a dual life: I attend in-person independent school during the day and then head to the dance studio to train five hours (in contrast to many of my fellow pre-professional dance company friends who are home-schooled)
I would also be interested in discussing my fierce and unwavering interest in promoting kindness, advocating for inclusivity, and fighting the exploitation of others.

Tell us more about the collaboration with Annie X Scarlett teen jewelry. How did you get involved and what does it mean to you?
The Annie X Scarlett collection is my greatest accomplishment to date. It was an unexpected surprise that my initial discussion with Annie Chen (founder and owner of Annie and Sisters) would eventually resulted in the “Annie X Scarlett” teen jewelry collection.
Nine months ago, Annie had initially reached out to me when she came across my Instagram account (@scarlettbellasong). Annie DM’d me to invite me to collaborate with her company Annie and Sisters. The offer was pretty standard: free product in exchange for a social media story or post.
I researched the company and was impressed with what I learned. However, I respectfully declined because I didn’t feel I was the best fit influencer because the target market for Annie and Sisters target was 8-11 year olds.
As I always appreciate companies who reach out to me, I offered my opinion that I felt Annie might want to grow with her customer base and add a teen collection down the road. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine Annie would invite me to partner with her to create, design and launch her first teen collection. I felt so honored and said yes because I always had a strong interest in owning my own business and I knew I would learn so much from the experience.
When we started talking nine months ago, we were still in the midst of the global pandemic and I had been on online school for over a year in Los Angeles. My friends and I were feeling isolated and disconnected because we socialized online. We supported each other during this time by being optimistic and positive and I realized that it was important to extend that support to others.
When Annie and I had our first official meeting to determine what we hoped to achieve with the teen collection, it was a true meeting of the minds. We share the same values and aspirations: We both wanted to create a collection that was infused with meaning and that would uplift and empower tweens and teens. We wanted people who wore the jewelry to feel loved and supported by an inclusive community that fosters confidence, self-esteem and self-love. So, ultimately, the Annie X Scarlett jewelry collection was designed with love to unite people through friendship, positivity, and kindness.
I am so honored that Annie and Sisters chose to partner with me to design, produce, and launch their new Annie X Scarlett Tween & Teen Jewelry Collection. Ultimately, my experience turned into an internship in jewelry design and entrepreneurship.
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Why did you choose Tonya Turner Photography as your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I chose Tonya Turner Photography as my photographer because she is a brilliant talent, she has good character, and she embodies so many characteristics that I admire, including: professionalism, kindness, vision, patience and creativity. As a content creator, I partner with Tonya on different projects and I appreciate her as an artist and as a female entrepreneur.

Share with us your dance history. When did you get started, what do you love about it and what forms of dance do you love the most?
I joke that I was born to dance because I love to perform and entertain. Some of my earliest memories are of me dancing around to emulate my favorite popstars! My parents enrolled me in dance classes when I was two or three years old (so I wouldn’t hurt myself at home and I haven’t stopped dancing yet!
Initially, my parents had no idea that I would become serious about dance. They wanted to expose me to a variety of sports/arts/activities because what two year old really knows what they want to do with the rest of their life?!. So, in addition to triple threat classes (dancing, acting and singing), my parents enrolled me in art, soccer, swim, skiing, and ice hockey. However, once I joined dance companies and competition teams, I had to forgo these other activities due to the time commitment involved in pre-professional dance training.
I train in many dance styles and I’m always looking for opportunities to try something new and add to my dance vocabulary. Also, I go through “seasons” when it comes to my favorite dance styles. When I lived in Los Angeles and signed with MSA dance agency, I mainly trained in industry studios and focused on commercial dance. Now that I relocated to Dallas and joined DV8 The Company, my preferred styles are: Contemporary, Jazz Funk, Hip Hop, and Ballet.
My favorite things about dance are the feelings I get of unrestricted freedom and the opportunity for self-expression. I can tell a story and share my emotions when I dance. Also, the movement itself helps me release stress. I take academics very seriously and stress out about college and my future. Going to the dance studio for five hours after a full day of school somehow helps to relieve my stress (even though it makes my days very long and I am often up late studying and doing homework).

What is a major accomplishment for you with dance?
My earliest accomplishment has been my most memorable so far. When I was seven years old I had my first opportunity to perform with professional NFL cheerleaders for a fundraising event. It was a beautiful way to leverage my talent while giving back to the community. The experience made me realize that both entertainment and service are my calling.

What is a favorite memory from a dance competition?
I just created my favorite dance competition memory so far this past weekend. Last weekend was my first time competing in group dances in four years. (Four years ago, I broke my leg skiing and I decided to focus on commercial/industry dance once I recovered.) This past weekend, the judges awarded our group dances high adjudications. As the newest member of the dance company, I’ve only been dancing with my peers for a few month while the rest of them have been competing together for several years. It was so rewarding to rise to the occasion and fit in. My greatest concern was potentially being a weak link and letting others down. I was so relieved and fulfilled when we danced together harmoniously and I contributed to our shared successes.

What do you love about your dance studio/fellow dancers?
What I love most about my dance studio and fellow dancers are the camaraderie and friendship we share. To dance together, we have to be in complete sync with each other. We also need to be vulnerable and trust one another. There is a strong connection among us and we depend upon each other to achieve common goals. Ultimately, we feel like a family.

How do you promote kindness and advocate for inclusivity?
I consistently leverage my social media platform to promote kindness and inclusivity. I am a brand ambassador for tween/teen brands (such as Annie and Sisters and Sugar LuLu) that advocate for kindness and inclusivity. I am also a co-designer and spokesperson for Annie X Scarlett which is an inspirational jewelry line that encourages kindness, inclusiveness, self-love and empowerment.
As a frequent “newcomer” to new groups, environments, and situations throughout my life, I know how vitally important it is to welcome and embrace others. As a member of the AAPI community, I personally experienced racism during the pandemic and it strengthened my resolve to advocate for inclusivity. I am a firm believer that diversity of thought and experiences enrich our community and it is my mission to embrace my humanity in all aspects of my life.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
One of my greatest opportunities in life has been to travel and experience different cultures. Prior to the global pandemic, I was very fortunate to visit 16 countries. Once the world is safe for fluid travel, I hope to visit many more countries because it broadens my perspective and understanding of the world.
I’ve lived in five States across the US and attended several different schools. These experiences taught me how to acclimate to new environments and foster new friendships. Knowing what it feels like to be an “outsider,” I never forget how important empathy, kindness and inclusivity are for humanity.

Where has been your favorite place to travel to and why?
My last international trip prior to the pandemic was to South Korea and it was turned out to be my favorite destination so far. My father’s side of the family is originally from South Korea (and they emigrated to the United States in the 1970’s). The trip was particularly meaningful to me because I developed a stronger connection to my culture and a better understanding of my family‘s origin. I also love the food, fashion, music and culture. (As an avid K-pop fan, I was particularly excited to train in an industry dance studio in Seoul.)
Now that I visited South Korea, I can’t wait to return to Asia and explore new countries. At the top of my list is Japan. My parents visited before and I was fascinated by their vacation photos and stories. I also hope to visit Switzerland and Zimbabwe one day. My mom studied abroad in Zimbabwe during college and she lived/ worked as an expatriate in Switzerland as a management consultant. I think seeing the places she visited would bring her stories more to life for me.

What is a favorite memory from travel?
During the pandemic, my family and I traveled to Mexico where we could be remote and safely social distance. One of my favorite memories from that trip was rappeling in cenotes in Cancun, Mexico. (Cenotes are natural sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater.) My second favorite memory from that trip was catching a trophy fish during a deep-sea fishing excursion. It took me 25 minutes to reel in the fish and I promptly fell asleep afterwards.

What states have you lived in and what about one of them did you find most surprising?
 I was born in New York but lived in New Jersey until I was three years old. Right before my brother was born, my dad accepted a new job in Massachusetts, and we moved there in time for me to start pre-school. After I completed kindergarten, we moved to northern Virginia (and lived outside of Washington DC). For my last year of elementary school, we relocated to California. Then, this past summer, we relocated to Texas.
What I found most surprising is that I could enjoy living anywhere if I have my family and I make good friends. I realized that my connection to people trumps geography.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
One topic I could discuss is bullying and exclusion. I can talk about it from my personal experience as the target of coordinated smear campaigns and blacklisting. By sharing my experience, I would try to offer others who are being bullied some support, insight, and hope.
Prior to moving to Texas, I had lived in Los Angeles where I trained in high profile commercial dance studios. Once I signed with agents, the backlash was immediate and terrifying. I had to endure bullying, intimidation, manipulation for three years and had to find inner strength to endure.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I ever had to accomplish was balancing all the priorities in my life. While I have a rich and fulfilling life outside of school, I am constantly juggling all my responsibilities. I take on a lot more than my home-schooled dance peers and I take on a lot more than my school friends. Sometimes I feel like a lead a double life, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice would be to believe in yourself and to exercise your autonomy. Living in LA, I observed people relinquishing their power and freedom to people who want to dominate, manipulate, and marginalize them. I fought the system, and I will continue to do so to protect others who deserve opportunities. I want to stand up against the exploitation of others.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years, I see myself in pursuing a dual degree in business (or journalism) and dance (or drama). I also see myself as an entrepreneur supporting herself through school and as an advocate for kindness.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I am an avid reader! I especially enjoy historical fiction.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I am an open book and tend to broadcast my talents, so I don’t keep many hidden. I guess one hidden talent is that I am very good with little kids.

3 Things on your bucket list
I would love to continue traveling the world. I would also like to start my own charity or foundation. Finally, I would also like to start a family one day.

Who do you find inspiring?
 I find so many people inspiring in all aspects of my life. I find myself gravitating towards female role models in dance, business, and entertainment.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
 I hope to inspire others who need a role model or proof point to help them take the next step in their own journey. I’m human, I’ve struggled, and my path hasn’t been a linear progression of success. I am real and genuine about my struggles, and I think my perseverance and humanity are inspirational and commendable. I am relatable, sincere, and vulnerable and anything I accomplished others can as well.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I would like to thank you for this opportunity to share my story with others. I think voices can be powerful and if my story can touch even just one person in a meaningful way, then I want to share it.


Look for Scarlett in issue 52 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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