Timeout: How This Tiger Girl Makes It All Workout!

TIMEOUT! Let’s take a minute to really get to know Bella Ferrara!

First of all - Congratulations on placing 2nd at Nationals! What was the first thing you felt when you walked off that floor?

Thank you! The first thing I felt when walking off that floor was just pure joy. We were so content and proud of the work we put in that it was just a collective feeling that everyone did their job on that floor!

What does a typical day in your life look like and how do you balance school, sorority, dance, etc.?

My day-to-day varies, and I like to kind of go off of how I feel depending on events we have coming up. During the fall, it’s definitely busier because we have a football games to dance at almost every weekend, plus promos and other things, along with nationals season approaching. I have practice Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from roughly 7am to 10:15am. From there I go to class, and I love to go eat lunch at Chi O and have some time with friends! On my off days, I love to go to a workout class and use it as a catch up day to clean or just do other things that fill my cup. Spring semester is a little more chill, but we still have basketball and baseball games to cheer at, as well as gym meets. Practice is reduced to only Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so I get 2 free mornings! It can get overwhelming with all the things, but getting in a routine helps a lot and teaches you how to manage time and sacrifice certain things if needed!

How do you personally handle the pressure and expectations of being a Tiger Girl?

Personally, I believe that expectations and pressure are often created within us and once everyone realizes that we all have something different to offer to the team, being on your own journey and happy with where you are as a person and dancer makes life so much more enjoyable. We love to also remind each other that we are also in college and need to experience all the things life has to offer in that aspect. Comparing yourself to others is what will drive you crazy!

What's something people don't see about being a Tiger Girl that you wish they understood?

I think what people don’t see as much about Tiger Girls is the kind of people we are outside of practice. Everyone always thinks that this is all we do or all we have to our life. But Tiger Girls isn’t who we are; it’s just something we love to do. We always talk about how it isn’t our identity and it’s so important and true to know that. That’s why I love my sorority too because it offers something different than Tiger Girls, and those things really elevate my college experience!

What does recovery look like for you, physically and mentally?

Recovery is huge for me. We have access to Broussard Athletic Training facility on campus where we have athletic trainers that can give us what we need like dry needling, cupping, scraping, etc. Mentally, I love to journal and do my devotional every day. It’s just an important constant in my life, and we also read a devotional every day as a team, which always helps ground us! Also, something huge is just getting enough sleep and being smart about hydration and what we are putting in our bodies so we can perform our best!

Was there a specific moment this season where you thought, "This is why I do this"?

There are always little moments randomly throughout the season where I think “this is my why moment,” and it’s usually in sentimental moments with teammates. We spend so much time together and know each other on such a personal level. We don’t even have to say many words, and we just know how to be there for each other. I would say those friendships are one of the best things that come out of this team.

Being part of a team on this big of a stage requires a lot of trust. How has this team shaped you as a person?

This team has shaped me in the way of knowing how to be a good teammate. It’s not always about you, especially when you get on this team, your mentality shifts a lot. This team has taught me so much about hard work and what I can reach as an individual and as a dancer. You get to learn so much about yourself and grow so much.

Outside of dance, what helps you feel grounded during a busy season?

Outside of dance, I love going to workout classes whether that’s at Tone, Evolve, or Yogalates, as well as walking or running outside! Another thing I do that I love is teaching dance! I teach at Tari’s School of Dance where I grew up dancing, so it’s really special to give back to what gave so much to me! I always prioritize time with friends as well, whether that be random dinner dates or just quality time!

What's one habit or routine that you swear by during competition prep?

During competition prep, the habit or routine I swear by would be my journal and devotional. I sometimes get off track but every day during nationals season, I made sure to do it. It just starts my day off on the right foot and helps me brain dump anything I’m feeling or need to get off my mind.

What has this year taught you about resilience?

This year has taught me that each day is truly a chance to start something new. Your mindset is so important on teams like this. When you put your mind to something and put the work in to achieve it, something good will always come out of it, and that doesn’t always come in the form of a trophy. It could be a learning lesson or simply just amazing memories to look back on. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you!

When you look back at this Nationals experience years from now, what do you think you'll remember most?

I think I’ll remember the moments with my teammates and memories that we made inside and out of practice. Without each other, none of this would be worth it. There’s no “us” without each other. We have so many ups and down through the seasons, and the special part is that no one can relate to it except us; we hold this so special to us.

What is something that you are passionate about outside of dance?

Outside of dance, I am really passionate about my faith. It keeps me going in times of doubt and grounds me in all the times I need it. When I feel out of sorts, I always find my way back to my faith. Something I started doing this year is occasionally going to daily mass. It’s super quick and just such a good opportunity to find quiet time for God in your day.