This past summer, an Instagram flier caught the attention of fourth-year 窪蹋勛圖厙 student Bella Caruso. The event? A dance workshop hosted by the . Drawn by the teams dance style, Caruso decided to attend, where she was later given a fast pass to audition for the team.
It was some of the most challenging dancing I've done since high school and I felt really out of shape, but I found myself having a lot of fun, said Caruso, who studies biological anthropology on the pre-med track. I realized that I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I had to at least try.
Following four long days of auditions and cuts, Caruso became one of 18 individuals to make the 2024-2025 Cavs Dance Team.
From learning to perform in heels to solo dancing to Fergalicious by Fergie, read on to learn more about her experience.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
1. Can you share what the CDT audition process was like?
For me, the audition process was really daunting. It was nice having the fast pass to give me confidence through day one, but it was certainly intimidating to be surrounded by so many talented people. I think the scariest part of auditions for me was on day two when we had to improv one at a time in front of all the judges and everyone else trying out. We weren't told ahead of time what music would play, and we had to just make up a dance on the spot.
Thankfully, the atmosphere at auditions was very supportive. All the girls I met were very kind, and I made some great connections throughout the process. Overall, I would say auditions were one of the most mentally challenging things I've doneeven more than taking the [Medical College Admission Test]! But I'm glad I did it and I came out with a lot more confidence.
2. What do you enjoy about being part of the team? What are you most looking forward to this upcoming season?
CDT mostly uses a very feminine style of dance. Being a pre-med student, it sometimes feels that femininity and intelligence are seen as mutually exclusive. In my everyday life at 窪蹋勛圖厙, I dont often express my girly side for fear of being taken less seriously. But, dancing with CDT felt very freeing. I feel confident, empowered, and authentic to myself when Im dancing.
I cant wait to experience the energy of games and interact with fans. If youve ever been to a Cavs game, you know how fun they are. I cant wait to be one of the people that contribute to that experience. All the girls on the team are truly amazing, and Im looking forward to building strong friendships throughout the season. This is my first time dancing professionally, so I want to really push myself as a performer and see how much I can improve this year.
3. How else are you involved at 窪蹋勛圖厙 and throughout Cleveland?
I intern for [] where I work on various grant-funded projects that target main causes of injury for children in Cleveland, such as gunshot wounds, sleep-related deaths, and motor vehicle accidents. Its a super fulfilling job and Im learning a ton about socioeconomic factors of health in Cleveland. Im also a patient care nursing assistant for University Hospitals. This is my second year in this position, and its taught me a lot about clinical care and the patient experience. I'm also in where I currently serve as the director of health and wellness.
4. How do you manage your time between your studies at 窪蹋勛圖厙, CDT and other commitments?
Working while being a student is very familiar to me. Last year, I worked two jobs as a waitress and [patient care nursing assistant] on top of classes. Schedule wise, its not too different, but now my job is just really fun! Being a senior, I have a lot of my course requirements out of the way and have a much lighter schedule.
Sometimes things do feel pretty hectic, but Im lucky to be surrounded by very supportive and understanding people. I think the most important thing that keeps me going is the fact that I love everything I do. My classes are all really interesting to me, Im passionate about my internship, and of course, I love to dance. Having gratitude for my situation really helps the stressful times feel better.
5. Looking forward, what are your academic and professional aspirations?
I aspire to become a doctor. Im not sure what kind yet, but my internship has made me feel passionate about pursuing pediatrics of some sort. I would like to take another year or so to continue dancing and pursuing other passions before attending medical school.
