Adios to Arco…

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This is the final season the NBA’s Sacramento Kings will be playing at Sleep Train Arena…formerly known as Arco. Arco Arena, as so many will affectionately  refer to it, is the place where my pro sports dance team career started, just a few months removed from my college graduation at San Jose State. The team is now moving to a brand new, state of the art arena in downtown Sacramento that is currently under construction. And — since “Arco” will be no more, the Kings invited us (all the team’s Alumni dancers), to perform one last halftime.

The amazing show happened just 10-days after I hit the NFL field for a pregame Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders Alumni Reunion… I couldn’t be more pleased with myself (and how my body held up..lol), or the dedication and commitment all the ladies put into making the halftime come together. We all learned our choreography from a video, then whoever could make it would get together for non-mandatory weekend practices, before the day of, final fixes. I never expected to continue dancing after I hung up my “poms,” years ago, but it has been an amazing blessing to not only pick up where I left off and dance alongside so many talented dancers every so often, but really embellish in the unique sisterhood and bonds formed with every team I have had the pleasure of being on.

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Below are some of the photos from our “Adios to Arco” event…yet, I’ve joked – you never know they could have us back in March or April for a final, FINAL farewell dance…hehe

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It’s a FastBreak Reunion

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One of the things that people always like to “remember” about me is that I am a former Oakland Raiderette…and I am. However, before I ever stepped foot on an NFL sideline, I had the honor of dancing among some of the most beautiful dancers I have ever shared the stage with…as a member of the Sacramento Kings FastBreak Dance Team. It was the first professional (sports) dance team I had ever been part of, and it was a very memorable experience, from the great friends I made, to the the excitement of dancing on an NBA court and being part of the Sacramento Kings community.

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Well, this past weekend we had a “reunion,” where the Kings invited back FastBreak Alumni to once again hit the hardwood and dance for the crowd during its game versus the Washington Wizards. Not all the ladies made it back, but there was about 30 alumni who were able to make it for the performance. It was such good times…a real sisterhood and pleasure for me to stand among the same beautiful dancers.

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We did a minute and a half dance routine to “Uptown Funk,” during a second quarter timeout and overall, we all still “got it!” 🙂 And — one of the things that made this extra special for me was to have my family by my side, because for me, there’s no point in doing what you love if you can’t share it with the ones you love! <3

Watch a video of our performance, and see some pictures from the event below…

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Throwback Photo: Sacto King’s Dancers

1998-99 King’s Dancers with Magic Johnson …you can tell this is pre-digital/camera phone photos! LOL

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On another note, wish I could be in Sacramento today to take the stage and perform alongside my fellow King’s Alumni dancers for the “Long Live the King’s” rally…

2012 Audition Prep Classes

Every year, hundreds of women pour their heart, mind, soul and body’s into auditioning for various Pro Sports Dance and Cheer Teams. I have worn an audition number, stood in line with the masses for my chance to dance, and so I KNOW what the experience is like. Thankfully I have been successful and have reached my goals of being selected for a coveted spot on one of those teams. Now that I’ve hung up my dance shoes, I work as a consultant and regional director for Going Pro Entertainment…and every year the company puts on “dance conventions” all over the country, designed to help audition hopefuls be ready and be their personal best for these once a year NFL, NBA, AFL, etc.. auditions. This year I am again coordinating events in the Bay Area (Northern California) and Miami, FL.

Another GREAT benefit of our workshops is that there are open to current dancers as well. Perhaps you are on a college dance team or semi-pro team that doesn’t have a big budget for choreography, however…by attending our events, you will learn 2 routines and 4 sidelines to take back and use for your own performances, so we encourage teams to send a couple if not all their dancers to be part of this exciting day! And — it’s always a wonderful refresher for alumni who’ve taken time off and want to get back in the groove before auditioning again.

All our events are staffed by former dancers, director and choreographers from Pro Sports Teams and we have the advice, tips and insider info you need to put your best foot forward! Of course we encourage you to always attend the “prep classes” for the specific team that you are interested in being part of, to be audition ready. Going Pro conventions offer that extra “edge” and additional help some of you may seek and it’s another opportunity to meet like-minded women who are also going through the process. Plus, since we are not the actual team reps for specific auditions, it’s no pressure, ask any questions and have fun!

West Coast (Bay Area) Pro Dance is Sunday, January 29 in San Jose!
For more info & sign up >> http://westcoastprodance2012.eventbrite.com/

Miami (South Florida) Pro Dance is Sunday, February 19 in North Miami!
For info and to register >> http://miamiprodance2012-eorg.eventbrite.com/

All other Going Pro Conventions, including DC, Atlanta, Arizona…
For the complete list >> http://procheerallstars-eorg.eventbrite.com/