Ariana Berlin facts for kids

Ariana Alyse Berlin Rotstein (born October 29, 1987) is an American artistic gymnast and dancer. She was a talented gymnast who competed for the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins gymnastics team from 2006 to 2009. Ariana is also known for her amazing recovery after a serious car accident.

Early Life and Gymnastics

Ariana Berlin was born in San Diego, California. From a young age, she loved gymnastics. She trained at special gymnastics schools in Southern California. In 1999, Ariana became the Level 9 All-around champion. She also placed second on the uneven bars at a big competition called the Western National Championships.

Overcoming Challenges: Car Accident and Dance

In 2001, Ariana was in a very serious car accident. She was badly hurt and doctors thought she might not be able to do gymnastics again. It was very hard for her to get back to her intense gymnastics training.

But Ariana didn't give up! She found a new way to move and express herself. She joined a breakdance group called Culture Shock in San Diego. They performed at SeaWorld San Diego.

While performing at SeaWorld, Ariana met Valorie Kondos Field. Valorie was the head coach for the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team. She was choreographing a show at SeaWorld. Coach Kondos Field saw Ariana's talent and encouraged her to try gymnastics again. She even invited Ariana to try out for the UCLA team!

UCLA Gymnastics Career

Ariana started at UCLA in 2005. At first, she joined the gymnastics team as a "walk-on." This means she wasn't offered a scholarship right away. But she worked incredibly hard!

For the 2006–07 season, Ariana earned a full scholarship. She became one of the most consistent and successful gymnasts in UCLA history. She was named an All-American four times! This is a big honor for college athletes.

Ariana studied World Arts and Cultures at UCLA. She focused on dance, which helped her combine her love for movement. She graduated in 2009.

Film and TV Work

Ariana's amazing story even made it to Hollywood! She worked as a stunt performer for several TV shows. This means she did the difficult and dangerous moves that actors can't do themselves.

Some of the shows she worked on include:

• Three Rivers (2009)
• NCIS: Los Angeles (2010)
• Shake It Up! (2010)
• 90210 (2010)
• Make It or Break It (2010)

She was also a stunt double for actors in shows like Switched at Birth and The Fosters.

Ariana's inspiring journey was even turned into a TV movie! It's called Full Out: The Ariana Berlin Movie. Famous actors like Jennifer Beals and Ana Golja starred in it. Ariana herself played an assistant UCLA coach in the movie. She also did the gymnastics stunts for Ana Golja, who played Ariana in the film!