Portland Trail Blazers: BlazerDancer Blog

It Was Hot!

posted: Friday, November 17, 2006 at 9:05 AM

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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.

2 Comments:

Briman said...: The Blazer Dancers are the best dance squad in professional sports.; 2:28 PM
Westside Erik said...: I know the feeling. I catch myself staring at the dancers all the time.; 9:54 PM

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What a way to start the season!

posted: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 at 12:14 PM

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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!

2 Comments:

MadDogg said...: Wow what a performance, those outfits are gun smokin' hot. The atmosphere has been electric inside the Rose Garden. Way to go dance team, on really amping everybody up this year. Ione, as always, you look incredible. Keep us updated on the dance teams plans.; 3:03 PM
Knaussta Monsta said...: Just wanted to encourage all of you to go to as many Blazers' games as you can this year. I know they are in the rebuilding process and I don't agree with how management got them to that process in the first place, but what's done is done, and from where they are at now, I think that they are headed in the right direction, and no matter what they are always exciting to watch! I know that the Blazers, BlazerDancers, BlazersStuntTeam, and Blaze really appreciate the fan support! So let's cheer our Blazers on this year and maybe we'll have a good shot at the playoffs, which will be a huge step in the right direction! Fans you are the Sixth Man! So let's try and sell out every home game this year, aight? :-)

Posted by Knaussta Monsta at 5:00 PM; 5:20 PM

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Opening Night is almost here!

posted: Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 8:57 AM

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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!

4 Comments:

goblazers_18 said...: well good luck dancers i will be there to cheer you girls on!!! you guys do a wonderful job each year.; 5:22 PM
goofy2000 said...: good luck blazer dancers i love brittany she is my favorite; 12:08 AM
goofy2000 said...: how can i get an autographed picture of brittany and meet her?; 11:32 PM
MadDogg said...: Ione, you are still my favorite Blazer Dancer. We'll need you girls in top form this year. I can tell that the energy in the Rose Garden is going to be something special. So bring that intoxicating smile every game night. Go Blazers!; 11:55 AM