Interview with Kafi B. Bella

Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Kafi B. Bella was brought to New York City as a child, where she discovered her love for dance as she passed by a local ballet school everyday on her way home from school.  Her mother later moved the family to Los Angeles to pursue job opportunities. There Kafi excelled in her studies, and also explored creative outlets including writing, playing instruments and flag raffle spinning. 
Once out of High School, Kafi helped to maintain the family household by working 2 jobs and going to the local community college.  Eventually, she was offered a full time position and began her career as an at risk youth counselor at REACH LA.  After nearly ten years and numerous appointments and awards in her field, she landed her dream job as a researcher at UCLA and she hated it. 



La Libertad: How long have you been dancing?


Kafi: I began dancing gigs 8 years ago, since then I’ve danced professionally with a focus on Brazilian Samba over the past 4 years.  I now my own style of Brazilian Samba Fusion called Brazilian Shakedown.  You com find out more about classes on my dance website. http://www.mzkafi.com/


La Libertad: What styles do you dance?

Kafi:  Professionally, I do Forty-Deuce Style Burlesque, Bellydance, Aerial Tissue, Fire spinning and eating, in addition to Brazilian Samba.

La Libertad:  What got you involved in Samba and the Brazilian culture?


Kafi:  Being that I’m from Trinidad, Carnaval is in my blood. Becoming apart of the Brazilian community is like home to me. When I joined Oba Oba International, I knew I wouldn't stop there. I have been fortunate to have the mentorship of several great sambistas in Los Angeles including Valeria Ruggieri, Ana Laidley, and Jonia McClenney, as well as the Mimulus Cia de Dança at the Dance School at Jacob’s Pillow. 


La Libertad:  You are currently Santa Barbara Carnival Queen 2012, tell us more about Santa Barbara Carnival and your experience?


Kafi: Yes, it is a great honor. On June 23, 2012, I'll be proud to lead Santa Barbara's Summer Solstice Parade, alongside the legendary Mariano Silva.  Additionally, I will teach a dance workshop on Caribbean dance styles the next day at UCSB as part of Mariano Silva’s Solstice Carnaval. This month I am also featured in Brasil Soul’s 10th Anniversary issue and on the website. http://www.soulbrazil.com/

La Libertad:  As well as being a talented and accomplished dancer, you act and model, what are some of you favorite experiences as an actress?


Kafi:  A short film called “Sparring” was a great experience. It had an interesting twist. In the first scene I am attacked, only to find out that I’m  1/2 of a spy couple.

La Libertad:  Any highlights as a model you would like to share?


Kafi:  I love rocking the runway with my short self, and opportunities keep coming to fitness model. I think these are going to be awesome experiences.  Stay tuned ;)


La Libertad:  You keep in fantastic shape and created IF Training by Kafi. Tell us more about IF, or "Interval Fitness"


Kafi:  Interval Fitness, or IF Training by Kafi challenges the body by combining cardio-dance with a resistance and dynamic-core workout. This level of training burns calories fast while toning the body. As part of Microcosms Wellness Coaching,  Interval Fitness expedites the system you yield lasting results.  See more about classes at my fitness website.  http://www.ifbykafi.com/

La Libertad:  You are also Miss Brazilian Summer Beauty 2010. What is the mission of the Brazilian Summer Beauty Pageant?


Kafi:  Brazilian Summer Beauty is a charity pageant aimed at raising funds for the the betterment of the children of Brazil.  BSB gives all proceeds to Heifer International, this will help Brazilian women and children build sustainable villages, where they learn to be self-reliant.




La Libertad:  What were some of the highlights in your year as Brazilian Summer Beauty?

Kafi:  For me my year as Brazilian Summer Beauty was exciting! I was able to expand the pageant by recruiting potential contestant, working with the pageant, beneficiary, Heifer International, and increasing visualities through media. I got the opportunity to work alongside my husband, Rich Bella, of FocusBella Productions. He was so generous in donating over 30 videos to increase the web-presence of the event.  In addition, to enjoying some pretty awesome prizes. It gets better and better every year.

La Libertad:  Goals and plans for 2012 (and beyond)?

Kafi:  2012 is shaping up to be a big year.  Soon Microcosms Wellness Coaching will be available to assist in helping people in all levels of wellness & health. Microcosms Wellness Coaching will support in toning the mind and spirit, in addition to maintaining a fit body, through Interval Fitness . There will still be a lot of time for shows.  Most of all, I just got married this year and am looking forward to spending time with my new husband and family.