How is she posed? There are two poses this year: Fashion Clea, and Dance Clea. The Acting Clea has one straight and one bent arm with a cupped hand that actually can hold accessories. She has typical fashion doll feet for high heels. The dnace Clea has ballerina pointed toe feet and graceful slightly curved arms to allow dance posing. The arms are interchangeable between the dolls. Please note that knees and elbows do not bend.

Will her clothes/patterns fit Gene/Tyler/Alex? For the most part, YES! Most of Clea's clothes fit Gene and Alex. A few fit Tyler. Every doll has their own unique fit. You know, snug here, loose there. But Clea's figure is very close to Gene and Alex's.

When is delivery expected? Deliveries are expected to start in late September/Early October of 2002. We'll keep you posted.

Will there be new outfits next year? Yes! Clea will have new productions in her dance company each year, plus new stage shows to act in. She will also have new events happening in her real life. All these give ample opportunity for costumes from any era.

Are the shoe and jewelry sets period or modern in style? They are modern.

Biography

Clea began her career at two years old when she appeared in her father's independent film, "Little Angel". She quickly became Hollywood's blushing sweetheart, charming her way into every part she played. By the time she was eight years old, she was a common household name and well on her way to becoming a legendary film star.

But when she was ten, her cousin Anna dared her to tryout for a local musical. Clea's skills were not refined enough to win her the leading role, which went to Anna. But she was cast in a supporting part and was quickly exposed to the rigorous demands of live theatre ... as well as the rewards. On opening night the cast received a standing ovation. Clea was overwhelmed by the thunderous applause and immediate admiration. She was hooked for life.

She stopped doing films and plunged herself into her craft. When she learned only an elite group of performers achieve triple threat status she vowed she would become the greatest triple threat ever to step onto a stage. With her mother and father's unfaltering support she vigorously studied acting, ballet, tap, jazz, voice and music from some of the greatest coaches in America.

At the vulnerable age of 16, Clea's mother, a renowned opera singer, was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. Clea wanted to give up the theatre and take care of her, but her mother wouldn't hear of it. Instead, she helped Clea focus on her most challenging role: a serious play about the great dancer Anna Pavlova. The show was a smashing success and Clea's mother accompanied her on the world tour. In every country they visited the critics proclaimed "The World's Her Stage."

When her mother died, Clea was devastated and couldn't perform for a couple of years. Her father supported her through her grief and put his energies into helping her become a graceful and compassionate young lady. When Clea stepped back onto the stage she had a newfound and contagious understanding: only a love for life can transcend an actor's technique and make the audience's heart feel joy and sorrow.

Today she dedicates every performance to her mother and father. And although she continues to perfect her craft she wakes up every morning determined to share her love and passion with the world.

Did You Know?

When Clea visited Russia in 1999, her old dance partner Boris gave her a dwarf Dutch flopped eared rabbit for her birthday. She named him "Ziecheck", which is Russian for little bunny. It wasn't hard to house break Ziecheck, but it did take some extra attention to teach him not to chew on the phone cables. Today, she doesn't hesitate to take her little friend with her to rehearsals and shows. Luckily, Ziecheck is a good bunny and no one seems to object to Clea's doting attention ... or at least, no one has said anything.

Clea's real name is Cleapatra Shannon Bellimissimo. She was named after her beautiful grandmother Cleapatra O'Connor who was an accomplished prima ballerina.

Clea's mother loved to sew rag dolls for Clea when she was a little girl. Today, Clea is an avid doll collector. She too loves making one of a kind artist dolls and sewing doll clothes for the many members of her vast collection.

Clea plays the piano, flute and harp.

Clea's favorite place in the whole world is the three story Cape Cod style house she grew up in in Pasadena, California, especially the gardens. In the spring, the Jacaranda trees bloom with bright lavender flowers which fall like snow when a good breeze comes along. And her father built a a waterfall and steam, complete with koi and goldfish, which winds through the back yard. Every Mother's day, her cousin Anna holds a tea party for family and friends. And every Christmas Clea takes a break from her stage life to help her father decorate the thirty foot blue spruce in the front yard with lights.

Clea's favorite getaway: London, England

Clea's favorite color: purple

Bio and "Did You Know" courtesy and property of Clea Bella Dolls.