Becoming a Laker Girl

Mike Trudell
Lakers.com
7/21/2011

What does it take to become a Laker Girl?

How does one dancer distinguish herself out of a group of hundreds, with only 22 spots on the STAPLES Center hardwood to be claimed?

A two-year veteran of the Laker Girls, Veronica knows what it takes; but having already been a part of the team only made her that much more determined to secure a spot on the 2011-12 Laker Girls. In her attempt, she allowed us a full view of the process through a series of interviews commencing with last Saturday’s auditions, leading up to the final phone call she and the other finalists eagerly (and nervously) awaited on the following Sunday.

Here’s our look behind the scenes – in Veronica’s words – at the dance steps needed to ultimately earn a Purple and Gold uniform.

How Could You, Dallas!
At 9:00 a.m. sharp on Saturday, July 16, Veronica and more than 400 Laker Girls hopefuls made a huge line outside the Toyota Sports Center to kick off the audition process, many having arisen hours earlier to get make up and outfits in accordance. But for Veronica, the process started back in May.
VERONICA: Even though I’m trying to focus all of my thoughts this Saturday morning on this audition, I can’t help but think back to how our previous season ended. Knowing that everything concluded so abruptly against Dallas, several of us from last year’s team knew we were going to try out again, and a switch turned on that said we really needed to focus on getting our spots back. We realize that our spots are absolutely not guaranteed, and that’s the most nerve-wracking thing, because after you’ve been through the process one, two or three years, you know what you’re missing. That brings some additional pressure to it. And so, to be in the best position to make the team again, several of us took classes in advance of auditions; since the Laker Girls are more jazzy from a stylistic standpoint, we tried to focus on that. In addition, several of us also went to the gym frequently to be as fit as possible, and are on a pretty strict diet.

Don’t Forget the Food

When each girl that makes every cut will literally be dancing all day at a high level, burning significant calories every few minutes, it’s important to come prepared with a few key items in the ol’ gym bag from which to draw energy. Don’t forget to pack a breakfast … and lunch … and snacks…
VERONICA: I definitely have this part all planned out. Before tryouts, I had a banana, some peaches and a fiber bar to get the right amount of energy and nutrition, but not too much. The key is not to forget to eat something, because you do need an adequate amount of energy to perform. In general, especially leading up to tryouts, I definitely say no to fast food … although if I’m being honest, I don’t eat much fast food anyway. I try to limit all my carbs, and try to concentrate on buying and making my own food. That way, it feels healthier. I admittedly do have a big sweet tooth, so I have to focus on cutting that out. I was brought up in a family that eats all different types of foods, and while I like trying everything – Thai, Mexican, etc. – it’s important to me to stay disciplined.

What Should I Wear? Seriously!
Never underestimate the importance of selecting the right outfit, whether to try and catch the eye of the judges … as long as it suits your actual personality.
VERONICA: This is my third time trying out for the Laker Girls, and when I think back to my first year, I really wasn’t sure what to wear and what to do with my hair. I ended up just pulling my hair back so it was out of my face, picking a red top and showing up. I was fortunate enough to make the team that year (2009-10), but the next season, I came with full hair and make up as the veteran Laker Girls typically do. Some girls like to wear regular sports bra tops, and some like to put bows and rhinestones and such to glitz it up, but to me you should just wear what you’re most comfortable with. I’m a bit superstitious, and I wore red in both the previous two years, but switched to teal this year … so we’ll see how that works out. I will say that you know best what looks good on your own body, and I feel fine about the teal today. So we’re OK here!

The First Dance
Returning Laker Girls have the right to skip the initial “Across the Floor” segment of auditions, which is a 15-second combination that the judges use to make the first cut. In this case, just under half (192) of the over 400 girls made it through. Up next: Round 1 of choreography, to “Till The World Ends” by Britney Spears.
VERONICA: While the rest of the girls are going through their “Across the Floor” steps, the veterans are off in the corner warming up on our own, getting set to jump into a combination for the first round of choreography. Today’s first routine had more of a jazz feel with basic techniques and turns; if you can do that basic turn, plus a leap and a kick, you should be fine. We’re not a stylized team, so whatever (choreographer) Shannon (Steen) teaches us, the judges really want us to copy that explicitly. Since jazz is probably my strongest point as a dancer, the first routine was right up my alley. I really try not to watch a lot of other girls and compare how I do, but focus on learning the routine so that I can execute it properly. It’s also an atmosphere of support where I try to root on the other girls and cheer them through routines. We all want to make it, and when our numbers are called, that encouragement really helps. It’s just a great experience to see everybody come out for this one elite team and know that everyone in this room, some flying in from cities all over the place, want in.

Mayhem
Veronica and the other nine returning Laker Girls all made it past the second cut, and thus advanced with 101 others to the second round of choreography, set to a song called “Mayhem” by Imelda May.
VERONICA: Because the second routine of the day was more fun and playful, what we call a “novelty” routine, it’s a less technical type of choreography and therefore a place where the judges are looking for our personalities to come out. It’s very precise … very clean. Since there are ultimately going to be about 22 of us on the team, with easier steps comes a need to be more hard-hitting and crisp in your movements. I felt good about my individual performance, but there’s always a good deal of nerves waiting to see if I make this next cut (in 10 minutes). While we’re waiting to hear (Laker Girls Director) Lisa Estrada call out numbers for those that make it, several of us will sit in a circle and hold hands. We want to become a team, and we’re all in this together, but it’s a tough competition. You never know exactly what Lisa and her judges are looking for, because for the final decision, some of it is about pairing and seeing who dances well together. In other words, we’re all pretty nervous. Since Lisa knows what I’m capable of, I feel like the bar is set higher, and I need to reach it or exceed it with every dance.

By the way (since you asked), here’s a quick snack update: I brought rice cakes, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread, granola and almonds to make sure I have energy as the day wears on. While we’re waiting, I try not to look at my phone, even though I have a great support system of family and friends that left me messages this morning. Right now it’s about performing, and not being on Facebook or Twitter distracting myself. I’m just waiting, hoping to hear my number.

All Eyez On Me
Surviving yet another cut along with 53 other dancers, Veronica checked in after performing her solo and telling the judges exactly why she wanted to continue being a Laker Girl.
VERONICA: After a quick moment of relief for making it through another cut, it was immediately time to try and focus on what I wanted to do with my solo. Before we dance, this segment is our chance to tell the judges why we want to become a Laker Girl, and then do a quick profile stance before trying to showcase our best style and our best moves … all while keeping the Laker Girls style in mind. I felt very prepared for this, and I felt like I put myself in a good light. You’d think you could relax a little bit here as the judges have now at least seen us do multiple things individually, but that’s easier said than done. The cut is so much more condensed. Knowing that it’s that small of a group, it’s that much more cut throat, so while we’re waiting to see if we made it, it’s hard not to go through every little move you made all day.

The Waiting Game (Ugh)
Try and picture being evaluating by your every move, your body, your clothes, your hair, your technique and … well, you … and then waiting for 15 minute to see if you were good enough, at least compared to the other scores of talented individuals around you. Pretty tricky, right?
VERONICA: I mentioned how nerve-wracking it is for all of us to sit down and wait to hear if our number is called, and you can see the strain from everybody. A few examples: I’m literally, and randomly, just dropping things throughout the day; girls that have rips in their tights are frantically going to change them; and we’re scared to go to the bathroom because we think we might miss something. We’re really just all on edge. It is (former Laker Girl) Octavia’s birthday, and we really want to sing to her, but she’s sitting here stressing out on her birthday. There isn’t really anything hilarious or overly interesting to share amongst our group of girls at this time, as we are really just focusing on moving forward one step at a time. My number is five, so I’m sitting here just waiting to hear it! That’s it!

1 … 2 … 3 … 4 … 5!
When Veronica’s number was called signifying her presence in the final 31 dancers selected on Saturday – meaning she’d advanced to the interview stage of the process – Veronica was predictably thrilled. The hardest part was over.
VERONICA: I feel great! Lisa called my number, and I was so relieved and excited. The whole process is such a well-oiled machine once you go through it, but being in the top 31 out of a group of such talented dancers is such an honor. Of course, it’s not over yet … Lisa usually picks a team of 21 or 22, and the next step is the round of interviews. Mine is Tuesday afternoon, and it will take about 30 minutes. The way we left things tonight was actually filling out a bit of paperwork, writing down our hobbies, why we want to be a Laker Girl, three references and so on. My hobbies, you wonder? I actually grew up playing basketball in addition to dancing … I was the big center. No, I’m kidding. I was the point guard, as I’m obviously a pretty small person. But I did play competitively throughout high school, and I’m a die-hard Lakers fan. Yes, I do watch every game on the road. But after we get done filling that out, it’s time to go home, be excited and start to prepare for the interview.

Questioning the Questions
Following Saturday night’s excitement, Veronica and the other 30 finalists were set to independently interview 1-on-1 with Lisa Estrada on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Veronica had three nights and two days to ponder what’s to come.
VERONICA: In the two days between auditions and interviews, I try to mentally prepare for questions that Lisa might ask. What can I contribute as a third year if I come back (?), for example. Lisa facilitates the interview as more of a conversation, instead of just repeated questions. So I just take from my first year and my second what she asked me, and try to twist it to see what she might ask this year. Thinking back to my first year: I was 21 and just out of college, still on edge and shaking, without really knowing what to expect. But I feel much more comfortable this third time around. This is where I get to show who I am professionally and as a person instead of just a dancer.

What to Wear … Again
Another chance to dress to impress, in a different way.
VERONICA: Fortunately, I’ve had a good amount of experience interviewing for other job positions, so I’m very familiar with the etiquette of how to dress professionally. I did have suit and skirt ready and prepared in this case, and I am wearing my lucky suit: my first year, I wore the same exact outfit as I have on today with a different shirt; last year I wore just the skirt with another shirt, and this year, I’m wearing the jacket and the skirt. It’s the same kind of superstition I had with my audition outfits.

Interviewed
Yes, it was easier a third time around, thanks to Veronica’s familiarity with Estrada, and the resulting ease of conversation. Knowing exactly what it takes to be a Laker Girl, and having some good ideas about how to be an even better one didn’t hurt, either.
VERONICA: I think today’s interview went really well! Knowing Lisa for a little over two years now, I’m just more comfortable. I’m calm, collected and professional, and it was less intimidating, as I felt like I was able to answer questions in a well thought out manner. I tried to share what I think I can contribute. For example: being a positive team player, having a good work ethic, being dedicated to the job and being reliable. I also tied in my weaknesses regarding where I could grow: I think I’m a pretty good public speaker, but I’d like to get better in that aspect, as well as with being interviewed. I’d also like to be able to be more of a leader this year, because I really looked up to the returner’s during my first two years. I think they set a really good example for us as either rookies or second-year dancers, and I’d like to be more welcoming and open if someone needs advice moving forward.

One thing that Lisa asked about was my most memorable moment from the previous season. My answer: working the NBA All-Star game here in L.A., because it was such a diverse experience. We got to work with the Clipper Girls and NBA Fan Patrol, and we were fortunate to perform alongside Rihanna, Lenny Kravitz and the Far East Movement. Dancing with Rihanna in particular was a moving moment; I remember specifically hugging (former Laker Girl) Bria and starting to cry. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to almost book a gig with Rihanna, and doing it as a Laker Girl. I had never done back up dancing, so it was definitely a highlight.

In contrast, the least memorable moment was definitely getting swept in the second round of the playoffs. It was in direct contrast to my first season, because being apart of the championship-winning 2009-10 Lakers and going all the way to the parade on the fire truck was so great. Especially as a die-hard fan, I was crying when it ended this year. Not only for the team, but also for us, not getting to go out and perform again. I’m usually positive person, but we’d put so much into it the Laker Girls that it was kind of heartbreaking. We kept in mind that we might not make it especially after going down 2-0, but if we were going to lose, we at least thought it would be at home.

Now that I’m about to leave the interview, I’ll call my parents to let them know how everything went. Or maybe I’ll text them … they’re very hip, you see. My mom even texted “LOL” the other day, believe it or not. They’ll ask me how it went, how I feel, and offer me a lot of encouragement. But it’s not just going to be about who fits best with everyone else as a team when we gather for final callbacks on Thursday night. I will say that I’m going into finals more confidence, because I’ve at least already gotten to show my best dancing and my best sense of myself in the interview. Finals is just putting it all together.

Final Call Backs
The 31 finalists showed up for a 5:30 p.m. final session on Thursday evening, as Estrada and the judges put the hopefuls through the two choreographed dances from Saturday in addition to a new routine taught on the spot by Estrada. Veronica performed each one up to her considerably high standards, feeling like she left her best effort on the floor.
VERONICA: I definitely feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It’s finally out of all of our hands. We put all of our energy and hard work into this gym, on this floor. During Finals, we all come together whether we know each other well or not and are very supportive; we’ve done our best, and this was our last shot. We’re going to be nervous until we get the phone call from Lisa on Sunday telling us whether or not we are one of the final 22 selected as a 2011-12 Laker Girl. Personally, I think I’ve done all I can and can only hope for the best.

Earlier today, I woke up very calm and collected, and wasn’t too nervous. I tried to keep to myself, and as I was driving here, it settled in that this was my last chance. Waiting to come in here, I just mentally prepared that I had to put my best foot forward, at the same time trying to visualize what we’d be doing tonight. As it progressed, it was more of a fun thing, because they just needed to see who fit well with whom. In fact, a few of us got together one night between auditions on Saturday and finals tonight, just to shore everything up. Tonight’s dance, which Lisa choreographed, was to a Janet Jackson song that showed more of a diverse style, a bit jazzy and funky and in different formations to give her an idea of what she can do on the court with us. Furthermore, we go up individually and show the judges how we would do “mood music freestyle,” which is the more “cheerleader” part we do on the court. This is the time to pump up the crowd/fans. After looking at a number of different combinations of the 31 finalists, Lisa got us together and just thanked us for coming out. She always says that she’d love to take all of us, but it will likely be just 22 lucky girls that get the phone call. There’s nothing you can do from now until then but wait. My first year, I didn’t get a call until 7:55 p.m., when I knew the window she was calling was between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. … I was going insane. This year, it’s going to be between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., so I really can’t wait until then. Anyways, thanks so much for following me throughout the process!

And so, after all of that, will Veronica be one of the 22? Stay tuned … the 2011-12 Laker Girls will be revealed in early August on Lakers.com.

One Reply to “Becoming a Laker Girl”

  1. A very belated Good Luck!! to Veronica and the other incumbents. I hope you all made the team for 2011-2012.

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