Aran Bell

Aran Bell (born October 7, 1998) is an American ballet dancer. He rose to prominence after being featured in the 2011 documentary First Position. Born in Bethesda, Maryland, Bell was homeschooled due to his father's career as a U.S. Navy doctor, which required him to live in various locations, including Naples, Italy. He began studying ballet at the age of 4 and trained at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet as well as with private teachers, learning styles such as the Vaganova method and Balanchine technique. Bell's dedication to his craft led him to Rome six times a week to train with Denys Ganio, a former dancer with Roland Petit's company. He later studied under Fabrice Herrault in New York City and participated in American Ballet Theatre's summer intensive for several years. At the age of 21, Bell achieved the prestigious position of principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre.