Dramatic Ruffle Gown by ELOQUII
Earrings by Nicole Amato
Shoes by Dolce Vita Shoes

“Sometimes I feel like an alien, because I’ve only ever felt like I’ve moved throughout the world as a dancer and not a ‘regular’ human,” says Arianna Davis—musician, dancer and actress from Indianapolis. “But it’s that alienness that I would never trade for anything, because it allows me to understand all of the characters I encounter that also don’t feel ‘regular’.

Although Davis has been dancing since a young age, she’s just recently stepped into the world of acting. And NBC’s Stumble is no soft launch.

A mockumentary exploring the highly competitive world of junior college cheerleading, Davis stars alongside Kristin Chenoweth, Taran Killam, and Jenn Lyon. In the series, Davis plays Madonna—a character who has narcolepsy, a chronic neurological disorder. This condition causes her to suddenly fall asleep, sometimes even in the middle of a cheer routine or a tumble.

In a recent interview with PhotoBook Magazine, Davis opens up about dance, acting, and where these passions may lead her next.

IMA Puffer Coat by Alice + Olivia by StaceyBendet
Drapey Faux Leather Mini Dress by ELOQUII
Earrings by Nicole Amato

Arianna, you began dancing at just two years old—a talent that clearly remains a core part of your identity. How does your background as a dancer inform the way you inhabit characters on screen?

The vulnerability, discipline, and resilience I learn from dance translate into every other art form I do. When I act, I do everything in my power to breathe into the vulnerability of the character and the situation that they are in—and without dance, I don’t know if I would have ever been able to be that open.

As someone who acts, dances, and writes music, how do these creative disciplines feed one another? Do you feel most like yourself in one medium, or in the space where they intersect?

When I dance, I feel confident and powerful. When I sing, especially my own songs, it's the only time I truly feel understood. When I act, I feel vulnerable and invincible at the same time. When they all intersect, I am the best version of myself.

Faux Fur Coat by Hilary MacMillan at Viva Voce
Sweater by Akira
Earrings by Nicole Amato

You’ve spoken about wanting to spread joy through your artistic passions. What does joy look like to you now, and how do you intentionally build it into your creative work?

Joy looks like trusting myself enough to tell my story and be honest about my experiences through my art. I have to believe that some of the hardest challenges I’ve faced in life happened because someone out there would be able to relate to my story one day. My art makes me feel understood, and I believe that it will make other people feel understood as well. I believe true joy comes when one feels like they are not alone. It’s my duty to be myself, so that others can as well.

Your pets get a version of you that audiences never see. Who are you when you’re with them?

When I’m with my fur babies, I speak a completely different language. My voice gets really high and to any humans around me, it probably seems like I’m speaking incoherently. My pets’ nicknames have nicknames, and they will forever be babies to me no matter how old they get.

**Left:**
Dress by Renee Cafaro Atelier at Viva Voce
Earrings by Ralph Lauren
Shoes by Steve Madden
**Right:**
Dramatic Ruffle Gown by ELOQUII
Earrings by Nicole Amato
Shoes by Dolce Vita Shoes

Madonna is such a refreshing presence in the cheerleading canon: curvy, Black, complex, and living with a chronic illness. What did it mean to you to portray a character who challenges so many long-standing stereotypes at once?

Madonna and I are very similar in the fact that we embody more than one identity that carries stereotypes. It means everything to me that I got to play Madonna as a multidimensional, complex, beautiful, and funny individual that defies all odds against her. I wish I had someone like her on my screen when I was little, and I’m honored that I can be that for people now. I carry Madonna very close to my heart.

Stumble is being positioned as NBC’s next big comedy. How has this moment shifted your perspective on what’s possible for you moving forward?

This is my first acting gig, believe it or not. I have worked very hard and have been very blessed to book this dream role. I believe if I can do this, then I can do anything I put my mind to!

**Left:**
Faux Fur Coat by Hilary MacMillan at Viva Voce
Sweater by Akira
Earrings by Nicole Amato
Boots by Steve Madden
**Right:**
IMA Puffer Coat by Alice + Olivia by StaceyBendet
Drapey Faux Leather Mini Dress by ELOQUII
Earrings by Nicole Amato

Are there moments in Madonna’s journey that surprised you as the season unfolded—scenes that revealed something new about her to you?

Without giving too much away about the rest of the season, I can say that I was excited to uncover different insecurities and anxieties that Madonna holds. From the outside looking in, Madonna presents as someone with this seemingly unbreakable confidence. I was excited to showcase her softer and more vulnerable side, which I feel like will represent a lot of the complexities women in sports have.

Working alongside Jenn Lyon, Kristin Chenoweth and Taran Killam brings together generations of comedy and musical talent. What did you absorb from being on set with performers who are such forces in their own right?

I feel like being on set with performers like Jenn Lyon, Taran Killiam, and Kristin Chenoweth is like being in a constant state of creative inspiration. You can see the years of experience oozing from their veins every time they deliver a line, or improve, or even casually joke around during lunch. They operate at a level of professionalism, and skill that I can only aspire to have.

**Left:**
Lip Print Mesh Top by ELOQUII
Wrap Front Faux Leather Midi Skirt by ELOQUII
Shoes by Altura Siete at FLYING SOLO
Earrings are Vintage
**Right:**
Dress by Renee Cafaro Atelier at Viva Voce
Earrings by Ralph Lauren
Shoes by Steve Madden

What conversations do you hope Stumble sparks around who gets to take up space—in sports, in comedy, and on screen?

I want Stumble to spark more conversations about how talent and athleticism can come from anywhere and look like anyone. I want to see more understanding and respect for diversity in all sports and media. Everyone has a right to be represented and feel seen. After all, it’s easier to have empathy and respect for people when you can actually see them on your screen.

When you think about the next chapter of your career, what kinds of stories—or versions of yourself—are you most excited to explore?

I am currently working on releasing some music this year. I’ve been a songwriter since I was a young girl, and I’ve been excited to share that part of myself with the world. I also would love to tackle some dramatic roles in movies and television shows. This is the year where I have to become my own biggest cheerleader, and not accept no for an answer when it comes to my dreams. Wish me luck!

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Arianna Davis
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Hair: Andrea Wilson at Next Artists
Makeup: Deney Adam using M·A·C Cosmetics
Set Design: Jasin Cadic
Assistant Fashion Stylist: Sabrina Diaz
Assistant to Creative Director: Mia Aponte
Photo Assistant: Dani Sax
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Brya Sheridan, Assistant to Editor-in-Chief, PhotoBook Magazine
Studio: LOFT ELEVEN TEN

“If I Can Do This, I Can Do Anything": Arianna Davis on Her First Acting Gig in 'Stumble'