It Was Hot!
posted: Friday, November 17, 2006 at 9:05 AM
Last week Wednesday was the game against the Lakers, which made for an exciting night. Not only was the game a success but the dancers had their own little excitement going on. For the first time, the Blazer Dancers teamed up with the hip-hop squad to perform together. We danced to "Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlake, a routine I learned and re-taught from Pro-Dance. The original choreography, taught by Chio, was hot itself, but after combining with the hip hop team’s choreography, we were amazingly hot! It was a great performance all around and I know both teams highly enjoyed it.
I could sense the intoxicating energy from when I first stepped in to the room at practice. My coach, Dee, had asked for a few of us dancers to attend the hip hop team’s practice and help with the whole process. I had no idea I would end up teaching them a few eight counts! These dancers are the best at that particular style and how intimidating it was to teach them! It was a moment of shock and slight panic, but I was fortunate to pull myself to grips.
I caught myself staring at them, watching in awe, and I also found myself observing how they interact with each other. Their world seems so different from ours. The dancers have such strong personalities and their practice seemed so laid back, yet they still dance really hard. In the world of the Blazer Dancers, we do joke around and have a great time however we are definitely more strict and focused during practice. They were quite entertaining to watch! I do hope we get to perform with them again.
What a way to start the season!
posted: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 at 12:14 PM
WOW! What an exciting game to start the season off! Opening night truly felt like a playoff game. The almost packed arena was smoldering hot from the excessive body heat, the adrenaline rush had taken over not only the players and dancers but the fans as well. It was one of those moments you can remember in slow motion. An exciting game from start to finish. The announcing of the players, which we refer to as "opening" was our first chance to show off our new uniform. The outfit was hot- flattering, attention grabbing, sexy but classy ;-) And what more perfect but to add white stiletto boots and a huge crystal necklace! The crowd loved it, we loved it. It was perfect.
Our half time show was definitely entertaining. We did a country theme this year, wearing daisy duke shorts, a jean vest, cowgirl boots, a hat, and a lasso to complete the uniform. We show cased our two rhythmic gymnasts, Melissa and rookie Michelle. Each dancer performed the routine with a lasso, which was quite difficult and took some getting used to. We pulled off a great show.
But with all those memorable moments, the intense last quarter of the game is what I remember the most. Seeing the passion our fans still had for our team, the excitement of the game, it was a moment I will never forget. The time we spent preparing for that night, the late night practices, the countless hours with barely any energy to get by, it was all worth it. Its memories like opening night that remind me of why I am a Blazer Dancer- because I love our team, I have great faith in them, and no matter what the score, my heart is there....just like our players...
I hope all you fans out there look forward to sharing more of these memorable moments with us. I know I do! The fans truly play a tremendous role in game nights. Your faith and support keeps this team alive and strong. Speaking of which, you can now purchase a
BLAZER DANCER PACK which includes 4 games and an opportunity to meet my fellow teammates and I! How cool would that be! I look forward to meeting all you wonderful fans! So don't just read my blogs, come meet us in person and continue to support our team! Go Blazers!
Opening Night is almost here!
posted: Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 8:57 AM
Just 3 more days till opening night and the dancers are anxiously waiting to perform the traditional energy-draining half time show. Although, while excited, we are scrambling to perfect our recently learned routines. It almost seems expected of us to use a different theme each year, and I am confident the crowd will enjoy what we have brewing. I won't spoil the surprise, but I will hint that an apparatus will be used by all of the dancers, increasing the difficulty level of our routines as well as adding a million times more stress. In my personal opinion, our half time show is more entertaining than technical although I am thankful for this being an apparatus is involved.
I, personally, am a little stressed and nervous. It is up to each dancer to pull her own weight during this stressful time and make sure that each routine is drilled and completely memorized. Do I feel I'm there? No, not yet. Therefore, I am not as confident yet still trying to be optimistic. I have no clue what our outfits will look like and such thoughts like "Will we look hot? Will we look goofy? How the heck will I be able to dance in boots? Will I remember all the routines and formations?" The answers to my questions are clear at this point- I DON'T KNOW!
Aside from having to learn how to use an apparatus, I've been dealing with an injured foot. I'm not alone on this one. Several of the dancers, in fact, are dealing with their own pulled muscles and injuries. But I bet not one fan will be able to tell while we are performing. Overall, I am extremely proud of our team, my coach especially, for putting a half time show together without the help of our usual choreographers. I'm extremely excited and equally nervous for this Saturday because I know that we will pull it off regardless! I can't imagine how the rookies might feel!
First Pre-Season Game
posted: Monday, October 16, 2006 at 3:26 PM
Wednesday was our first pre-season game against Seattle. We had practiced so much and drilled our routines a million times during the off season that we were so ready to perform. I felt the familiar adrenaline rush as the lights faded and our team was announced. The fans seemed excited to see us as we made our usual entrance.
My favorite part of the night was performing Old Time Rock and Roll. We wore a men's white dress shirt, with little red shorts and tube socks. The game itself was fun to perform, but the outfit was the icing on the cake. I am pretty sure the fans enjoyed it as much as we did. I mean, how often do we get to slide across the court in socks! The other two routines we performed were Shakira, which we nicknamed “aiy, yai, yai”, and Push It. All fun routines.
The entire night involved running around visiting and surprising people in the audience. One of those special individuals were one of our coach's sons, Daniel. We surprised him with 5 boxes of pizza and a big cake for him and his friends. We sang happy birthday to him, took pictures and even kissed him on the cheek. Our goal was to embarrass him on front of his friends, but to our surprise, he was proud and not at the least bit embarrassed. I'm sure he'll find it hard to forget this birthday! Another special person we visited was my teammate MaryEllen's mom. It was her birthday as well. We hardly sat on the court, but what we did see of the game was definitely exciting to watch. I felt it was a great game and was convinced we had it, until the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter.
The next morning I woke up with extremely soar muscles and a stiff neck (self induced whip lash from a lot of hair flinging). I might also add that I was about 4 1/2 hours late to work, making it in to the office by 11:30 instead of 7am. But despite my exhaustion and aching body, I had no choice but to pull myself together for yet another busy day.
Rookie Channelle: The Quiet One
posted: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 5:48 PM
Chanelle, another one of our rookies, is a 20yr old who rocks at ballroom dance! Her dance back ground consists of Jazz, hip hop, lyrical a little ballet and all American style ballroom dancing. Being that Chanelle dances and teaches ballroom, I asked her what made her decide to try out for Blazers Dancers. She replied with, "I love to dance and I REALLY missed the comradary of being on a team and all thememories and friendships that are built. It has been a goal of mine as a dancersince I can remember to be a Blazer Dancer because it is such an accomplishment, noteveryone can say that they dance on a professional NBA dance team."
Chanelle is more on the quiet side, seeming a bit shy. "I think that I am a hard person to get to know just because I am quietest, but once you get toknow me you find out that I'm a very open, opinionated goofy and a loyal person." She continues, "I feel pretty good physically. Emotionally, I still feel like an outsider just because I don't really know anyone that well but I know that that will change with time." Although Chanelle is a bit shy, her dancing is not. If I could describe Chanelle with one word, I would choose Saucy because of the way she performs. She adds about herself, "I think inside I am like an 80 year old woman... I love antiques and scrap booking and staying in the house... haha I'm an old soul for sure."
Chanelle’s expectations for this year are, "New friendships, lots of memories, improving in dance and getting out in the community to help with charities." I asked Chanelle what she thinks of the Blazer Dancers and she replied with, "I think that everyone works REALLY hard and there is so much talent within this team it's amazing. I never imagined I would be practically crawling out of practices." She continues, "It is made up of some of the sweetest, most hard working and funniest women I've ever met.
Chanelle’s thoughts on our uniforms were, "HOT, HOT, HOT....treadmill, crunches...oh and Dad don't look!" Dancing for the blazers is everything she expected it to be and more. She’s also very excited to dance at her first game.
Rookie Michelle: aka Gumby
posted: Friday, September 29, 2006 at 10:13 AM
For those of you who attended this year's Blazer Dancer tryouts, you are guaranteed to remember Michelle. The reason I'm convinced of this is that Michelle did an abnormal leg hold with abnormal flexibility at the beginning of her solo routine. From that point on, it was obvious Michelle was a rhythmic gymnast.
Portland, meet our new Gumby. Michelle is a 20 year old, currently a student at Portland State University. She describes herself as Driven."I know that when I make a goal, I will work very hard to make it and I never give up" she says. Indeed, Michelle's goal was to make the team and that she did with flying colors, in my opinion. Michelle has the sass, the personality, the looks, and the talent. She also loves food and has quite the sense of humor. I think she'll fit right in with the rest of us! I asked Michelle what she has learned from the team so far and her reply was, "I have learned that we can have fun and laugh about things, but when it comes to dancing or working out, we get down to business. It's good to learn this kind of work ethic." I asked Michelle if practicing in the bowl at the Rose Garden makes her nervous. She replied with, "It makes me more excited for the big day to come. I know I will get nervous right before, but I can't wait." Like all the other rookies, Michelle's biggest challenge so far is remembering all of the routines. There has not been one practice this season that we didn't learn a new routine. No wonder the girls struggle a little.
Michelle likes to take funny pictures with her friends and thinks she's a bit weird, but who isn't? She adds about herself, "My dad is my hero. He was in Iraq for a long period of time during the war. He is back now and won't be doing that anymore. My mom is always there for me and is my main support. My sister is close with me. I am going to go to PSU and I am studying theater. I want to be an actress. I don't want to get married for a long time. And I am allergic to snap peas and carrots. Haha!" She continues to add about the team, "I am so happy to be apart of this great group of girls. Everyone is really nice and just fun to be around and dance with. I can't wait to get on the court with everyone!"
Another Rookie
posted: Monday, September 25, 2006 at 11:46 AM
Rea, another one of our rookies, is a 22 yr old from the Mariana Islands but raised in Portland, OR. Rea describes herself as “positive” because her dad taught her to think that way as often as possible. She ads about herself, “I'm pretty laid back, I think. I'm happy when I'm busy. I'm in love with my cute boyfriend (who I live with). I have two dogs and 1 cat. I love my family to pieces, my friends are my saving grace. I love the beach and being in the sun. I also have no problem wearing flip flops year round (I blame that on the island girl in me!)”
Rea is our very own Halle Berry look-a-like. Watch out guys, you are going to fall in love with her! What I appreciate about Rea is her calm and mature yet spunky personality. I personally look forward to getting to know her more. As for her dance back ground, Rea was classically trained, growing up with ballet, jazz, & modern as her staple classes. But despite all the training, Rea still feels emotionally exhausted trying to keep up with Blazers. When asked about her thoughts on the Blazer Dancers, now that she has been able to get to know us a little, she replied with “I'm really enjoying getting to know the people on the team. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. It has been a pleasant surprise, I kind of expected people to be too busy to really take the time to help me the way they have.”
I asked Rea what she has learned about this team so far and her response was, “I've learned that I'm not the only person who lives the way I do. Other people in my life think I'm crazy because I have too much going on in my life. But now I've met a whole group of other people that choose to be just as busy as I do. It makes me feel not so crazy.” It sounds like Rea will have no problem fitting in with the rest of us. Rea can’t wait for the season to begin. She is excited to experience a game when the seats are full and the crowd is roaring. I continued to ask Rea what made her try out for the team. She replied with, “I enjoy being a part of a team, I enjoyed it in high school and have been missing the benefits of being a part of a team. I grew up in Portland, I've always known about the Blazers, it just seemed like the right time in my life to try out.”
RSS FEED
Last week Wednesday was the game against the Lakers, which made for an exciting night. Not only was the game a success but the dancers had their own little excitement going on. For the first time, the Blazer Dancers teamed up with the hip-hop squad to perform together. We danced to "Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlake, a routine I learned and re-taught from Pro-Dance. The original choreography, taught by Chio, was hot itself, but after combining with the hip hop team’s choreography, we were amazingly hot! It was a great performance all around and I know both teams highly enjoyed it.
Wednesday was our first pre-season game against Seattle. We had practiced so much and drilled our routines a million times during the off season that we were so ready to perform. I felt the familiar adrenaline rush as the lights faded and our team was announced. The fans seemed excited to see us as we made our usual entrance.
For those of you who attended this year's Blazer Dancer tryouts, you are guaranteed to remember Michelle. The reason I'm convinced of this is that Michelle did an abnormal leg hold with abnormal flexibility at the beginning of her solo routine. From that point on, it was obvious Michelle was a rhythmic gymnast. 
The Blazer Dancers are the best dance squad in professional sports.
I know the feeling. I catch myself staring at the dancers all the time.
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