In the last few years, we’ve really started to see a change in the characters on television. Instead of just the quirky neighbor or the crazy best friend, we are starting to see women in powerful jobs, women making a difference in their community, and even young girls taking a stand against the status quo, like the character Bella Dawson on Nickelodeon’s
Bella and the Bulldogs. The lead character Bella, played by Brec Bassinger, is a spunky, intelligent, athletic girl who decides to leave her cheerleading squad to become the quarterback of her school football team. On the field, she’s one of the best. Off the field, she’s not just “one of the guys” but is actually one of the most stylish girls on campus.
She’s a strong girl and a wonderful role model for her viewers.
The same goes for the beautiful girl who plays Bella. Brec was every bit as sweet as she appears to be on television and on the red carpet. She was also bright, direct, and bubbly which is all probably thanks to her adorable mother who was also on set with us. Unlike a lot of stage moms, she stayed out of Brec’s way but was there to support her.
She was just as open and kind as her daughter.
Over the last two seasons, we’ve seen Bella’s wardrobe evolve from the epitome of the feminine beauty who just happened to play football to a more attainable relatable athletic chic. On this set visit, we talked to Brec as well as the costume designer for
Bella and the Bulldogs,
Dahlia Foroutan, who also happens to have been the designer for a little show called
Hannah Montana.
Find out how Brec originally prepared for her role of Bella and how her style differs from Bella’s. Also, Dahlia talked to us about how she created the concept for Bella’s wardrobe for season one and how it evolved in season two.
Interview with Brec Bassinger
How did you prepare for the role of Bella? Was there anyone in your life or a woman in history that inspired you?
I’m from Texas so I knew a lot about football and different aspects about it; but Nickelodeon put me in a training camp for football with my co-star Coy [Stewart]. We just worked on being a quarterback and the form. That helped me get into the mindset of Bella. And someone that inspired me.Elle Woods [from Legally Blonde]. She was confident and even though people told her she couldn’t do it because she was a blonde, she defied all odds and did it anyway and did it better than the boys and everyone else that was [considered] smart.
As you’re also from Texas, how much of your upbringing did you incorporate into your character?
There’s definitely some parts of Bella that have been influenced by my childhood. Bella had to quit cheerleading to become a quarterback. I had to quit cheerleading to follow my dream of acting. The emotion behind that was very similar.
Bella is obviously a wonderful role model for young women as she goes against the status quo. Did you feel any pressure before taking on this role? Have you gotten any great responses on social media from young girls?
Yes! I was very nervous! When we were filming the pilot episode, I cried after every single scene because I felt so much pressure. I was so scared. I wanted to make everyone happy and represent this inspirational character right. Coming back [to shoot season one], I was calmer and found out more about who Bella was and how I should portray her.
I’ve gotten some really cool Instagram comments from girls saying they’re trying out for their football team because of Bella. Reading things like that, that is the most rewarding thing of all of it.
