Arianna Davis On Learning Cheerleading And Navigating Her Complex Role In NBC’s ‘Stumble’

A performer you need to know!

Real-life dancer and actress Arianna Davis is quite the scene-stealer in the newest NBC comedy, ‘Stumble’. She’s fun, talented, and someone that we want to see on our TV screens for years to come.

We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Arianna about mockumentaries, holiday traditions, and more!

Congratulations on your role in ‘Stumble’! As someone who already has an extensive dance background, what was it like transitioning from traditional dance styles to learning all things cheerleading?

A: “The athleticism of cheerleading really reminds me of dance! I respect the hell out of cheerleaders. I’ve learned that there are so many similarities between cheerleading and dancing. A lot of the moves are the same, but they just use different terminology. It has been a blast, trying to recalibrate my brain to think
cheer instead of dance.”

You and the on-screen squad have such fun chemistry! Did you guys build an actual bond in real life?

A: “The cast has truly become some of my best friends! We spend so much time together doing things outside of work that it feels like we’ve bonded like a cheer team in real life. We are always goofing around, eating lunch together, planning events together, and supporting each other through everything. I love my Buttons.”

Your character Madonna has narcolepsy. What was it like bringing that awareness to the screen?

A: “My favorite thing about becoming Madonna has been learning her strength. In preparing for this role, I researched the different types and effects of narcolepsy, and I’m still learning about it every day. Madonna’s journey with narcolepsy is a true testament to her strength and resilience. It is important to
me that people see Madonna as a warm, complex, powerful girl, who can do anything, no matter what challenges she faces.”
 
Mockumentaries are slowly taking over the TV industry (Stumble is the cheer-version of Abbott Elementary!). How do you feel about mockumentaries and if you’re on board, is there a type of industry/job that you’d like to be seen as a mocku-style sitcom?

A: “One thing about me… I love a mockumentary. I’d love to see a mock dock series set on a cruise ship. I feel like there would be so much material to work with!”

We are committed to finding out what happens to the Headltston cheer team! Can you tease what fans can expect from the end of the season?

A: “I can’t say too much because I want you all to be surprised…but you may see a couple unexpected romances between characters.” 

As we are heading into the holiday season, what are some of your favorite things to do during Christmastime?

A: “I love spending time with family! I can’t wait to take a trip back to my hometown in Indiana and see all of the Christmas decorations in my parents’ house, and sit with them by the fire!”

Make sure to watch Arianna in NBC’s ‘Stumble’, streaming now on Peacock!

Photographer: Ben Ritter | Hair: Gayette Williams | Makeup: Mikey Clifton | Stylist: Mickey Freeman

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene Magazine, back in October 2020. When not helping her team and working on their print issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral TikTok recipe.