There are some intriguing things about Pacemate Desiree. One is from her on-line bio, saying she “never took a dance class as a kid!” No dance classes (!), for an NBA dancer, who prior to the Pacers was a Colts Cheerleader? And come to think of it, why did Desiree go from cheering for the high flying Colts to, at that time, the more “middle of the pack” Pacers? In essence, the answers to these questions stem from the fact that sometimes going to games with your dad can change your life, and in Desiree’s case, take her from her small home town to cheering for two big league teams, including on the Super Bowl sidelines, and to countries across the globe. And in addition to all of this, no matter who is playing in the game, Desiree will be one of the best athletes on the court or field, whenever and wherever she performs.
Before she moved to Indianapolis after high school graduation, Desiree lived in Greens Fork, Indiana, population 423, about an hour’s drive east of Indianapolis. Desiree says, “I always knew I would get out of the small town, I had hoped to travel and live a lot of places, but Indy just feels like home. It’s a big city, but not big enough that it swallows you. It’s still close to home and it’s easy to navigate, so for the moment, I’m happy living here. Growing up, Indy was the ‘big city’ that we would come to go shopping, or to eat out at a nice restaurant. It always seemed so far away when I was little, but we always had fun when we got to go to Indy.”
Desiree is quite an athlete, and she started young. “I grew up playing all kinds of sports,” Desiree remembers. “I played softball from 2nd grade up until a few years after I graduated high school. In high school, it was volleyball in the fall, cheerleading in the winter, running track in the spring. I enjoyed sports because it kept me active.”
On this night, the toughest part for Shea and Desiree was finding their pre-game station, the prize wheel
But while so many pro dancers are active in dance classes from as young as age three, this was not part of Desiree’s activities. “I guess it was a mix of my mom not knowing when I was that young, if it was something I would like and simply be able to afford it,” Desiree explains. “The nearest dance studio would have been a bit of a drive from where we lived out in the country, and I have a sister who is only 15 months younger, so my mom already had her hands full! I begged to get to do it, but it just wasn’t feasible for our family.”
But Desiree gained inspiration from watching talented people in action. “I would watch the Olympics and ice skating competitions on TV every time they were on, and during the commercial breaks, I would jump around the room and mimic what I saw,” recalls Desiree. “When gymnastics were on, I would literally stretch out an Ace bandage on the floor for my balance beam, and do cart wheels and hand stands. I would just start trying what the athletes were doing until I learned how to do it right.”
And Desiree also learned the ‘agony of defeat’ through her living room adventures. “Once I even put the couch cushions on the floor and decided I was going to do a back flip,” Desiree remembers. “That was the first time I gave myself a bloody nose.”
But these home performances also lead to Desiree’s first on-court dances. “My sister and I would make up dances and perform them for my mom,” explains Desiree. “Somehow, we ended up performing at halftime of a basketball game when we were about 11 or 12! Just the two of us out there doing our dance. Guess that’s when it all got started.”
And performances continued for Desiree on the court, as she details, “There were all kinds of clinics that we would do and get to perform at our older brother’s basketball games, and I started cheerleading in 5th grade. I was faced with the decision of trying out for the basketball team or the cheerleading squad, it was hard, but I went with cheerleading. I really liked performing and dancing, and it came somewhat naturally despite having no training, and I knew it was something that I wanted to continue past high school.”
And the Desiree’s dance goals beyond high school were defined by seeing a certain dance squad that she saw on trips with her dad to see NBA games. “Our trips to Indy would normally consist of shopping and going to the Pacers game,” recalls Desiree. “My dad had great 8th row seats and we always loved seeing the big players so close.”
Desiree gets to hang out with Boomer now
But actually seeing the Pacemates was a bit challenging for young Desiree, as she explains, “It seems like the Pacemates always would dance during a break or a time when people would be standing up or moving around, so my sister and I would literally be jumping trying to see what they were doing. We tried to go down close to the court once, just so we could watch them, and the ushers would make us go back to our seats! We tried to dance and get on the big screen and to get (mascot) Boomer to come over and see us. We always had fun, but I was so intrigued with the Pacemates and music that I was so bummed that I couldn’t really see them. It is crazy now because I see how much we do get involved with the fans, and every chance I get to talk to a little girl or to bring one down to where we sit to take a picture. I really love doing that and it makes me so happy. If that would have happened to me when I was their age, I would have considered it the best day of my life! Every time I get to do things like that, I imagine myself at the age, and it just really makes me appreciate the position I’m in, and how ironic it really all is.” Continue reading Desiree’s desire to be a Pacemate takes her from a small town, to the Super Bowl sidelines, and beyond!
One week ago today I walked in to a room of 29 other former Knicks City Dancers from the first team in 91′-92′ to little me, who is the newest and youngest alumni to be chosen to be a part of this team of KCD all stars.
When I received word that I was going to be a part of the 20th anniversary team and performance with hip hop legend Rob Base I was of course ecstatic and flattered. However I had no idea that going back to Madison Square garden with some KCD legends was going to be one of most inspirational experiences of my life to date.
Being a Knicks City Dancer will always be one of my proudest accomplishments- if not my proudest, so to be given an opportunity to grace the court one more time was a huge blessing. But an even bigger blessing was meeting the women who paved the way for what the KCD are today. And let me tell you- these women STILL have it! Not just the looks and bodies but these girls can still throw down on the dance floor!
After leaving my first rehearsal for our performance I felt so excited to perform again KCD style but I couldn’t stop talking about the other former KCD I had met. How stunningly gorgeous every single one of them was, how talented they all were and how IN SHAPE these ladies were (half of them have toddlers! I was in shock and awe! Six pack abs everywhere!)
It was so funny to hear all their stories and it was even better to hear all their stories about life after KCD and where their careers have taken them– even more inspiration! These girls STILL work in the industry! All though I’m not surprised because each and everyone of them are so talented.
I am so happy to be a part of this sisterhood of strong, talented, independent and beautiful women! Once a KCD always a KCD and these women have inspired me to keep working hard.
This industry has some of the highest highs and the lowest lows. But I will willingly take each low because nothing compares to how it feels to wake up everyday and do what you love. With all of that said- I would just like to thank everyone I met last week for inspiring me to keep on keeping on in this industry we all love! Also to inspire me to stay strong and healthy for life because you girls are HOT!
Like many little girls, Sara Reynolds had a dream of tutus, plies and grand jetes when she grew up. Only unlike many, Reynolds turned that dream into a reality, both professionally and personally.
The co-owner of Across The Floor, a dance studio with locations in Woodbridge and New Providence, Reynolds spent two seasons dancing professionally as a Knicks City Dancer at Madison Square Garden. On Saturday, Reynolds again will take the court at halftime as the Knicks City Dancers celebrate their 20th anniversary.
“I am fortunate. I was able to make the little girl’s dream of doing dance come true,” said Reynolds, 41. “In fact, our very first recital was called ‘Dreams become Reality.’ ”
Reynolds juggled growing her business, which opened in 1996, with rehearsals two or three times per week and Knicks home-game performances two or three times per week.
“Practices would start before the season started, and then after the regular season, there were playoff games. Even after that, we would dance for the WNBA Liberty team during their season,” said Reynolds, who participated during the 1997-1998 and 1999-2000 seasons. “Being a Knicks City Dancer was an amazing experience. It’s where I got my feet wet. We were like mini celebrities. It was a fantastic experience where I got to work with all different choreographers and people in the industry.”
Reynolds, who now lives in Union, credits the support of her best friend and studio co-owner, Cheryl Corej, as a huge factor in realizing her dream.
“She let me go off and audition and dance professionally,” said Reynolds, who first met Corej as 4-year-olds in dance class. “She held it together here while I was out auditioning and out there dancing. I always wanted to have the studio and have a dance career. It is because of her I was able to do both.”
Reynolds and Corej started as toddlers at Miss Ruth’s School of Dance, a Woodbridge staple until it closed a year ago after 40 years.
“Cheryl is like my sister. We have always been together. We have been friends since we were 4 years old,” Reynolds said. “We grew up together in dance and built on that friendship and our love of dance. In college, we both taught at Miss Ruth’s. I became a nurse, which comes in handy when at a dance studio. Then we opened our school and got rid of other career jobs and made this our career.”
As a dancer, Reynolds said, her forte is ballet, which is the “foundation for all dance.”
“My professional career was not in ballet, though,” Reynolds said. “That was more jazz, hip-hop and contemporary dance.”
On Saturday, Reynolds and about 29 other former Knicks City Dancers will perform a three-minute hip-hop dance routine to a mash-up of Rob Base’s “Joy and Pain” and “It Takes Two.” Only 30 of more than 110 Knicks City Dancers alumni have been chosen to perform at the anniversary celebration game, which also features the Knicks hosting the Detroit Pistons.
“I am really very excited. I’m pumped about it,” Reynolds said. “It’s been really great. The dancer who teaches us the routine was my captain when I was on the team. It’s so interesting to come back and see where everybody is in life — all the different places. We started rehearsals, and it went very well. I have to say I don’t see much difference between us and the current Knicks City Dancers.”
This is not Reynolds’ first time back on court to dance. Last week, she was asked to perform a salsa routine during a Knicks halftime show.
“That was my first time back in about 12 years,” Reynolds said. “It was exciting. I was curious to see all the slight changes in the arena. And the experience was very different because I was performing a different kind of dance.”
Keeping dance in the family, Reynolds’ mother, Soledad Reynolds, recently auditioned for and made the senior dance team for the WNBA Liberty.
“We are very happy for her. She auditioned for the Liberty Timeless Torches, which is a dance team for women 40 and over,” Reynolds said. “We just found out she made it a couple days ago. I guess it runs in the family.”
The next generation already is putting on ballet slippers. Reynolds’ daughter, Leilani Wiggins, 4, is at home on the dance floor.
“She is always here,” Reynolds said with a laugh. “What choice does she have? She is in four ballet, one tap and two gymnastics classes and will be in about nine routines at the recital.
“Dancing keeps you young,” added Reynolds, who no longer dances professionally. “I’ll always dance.”
To say things are heating up for the Clipper Nation is a major understatement. This is a crazy exciting time in the team’s history, and this is your chance to be a part of it. Check out the videos below to see the Clippers Spirit Dance Team tear it up for a full house at the Staples Center. These ladies know how to WERK!
(Major props to whoever decided to post these videos online. Muchas gracias on behalf of Clippers Spirit fans everywhere.)
Sidebar: This dance is an extended version of one of their 2011 audition routines. Just so you know what you’re in for.
Our good friend Natalie Dale (5-time Falcons Cheerleaders, Hawks Dancer & Redskins Ambassador) has been nominated by Georgia’s Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society Chapter as a Candidate for Woman of the Year 2012.
Starting today – Natalie is competing against 9 other “community leaders” in a 10 week long fundraising campaign to raise awareness and funds
for leukemia and lymphoma patients and research. Each dollar counts as a “vote” and the winner is announced at a big Gala event in June. And she’s doing this all while
balancing Falcons tryouts!
Last Friday, I escaped the office at the usual time and made a beeline for my car. Once I was belted in, I checked my phone, and there was a text from Linette. She saved her tickets for me, she said. Can I come to the game? She wanted to know.
Linette is my homeslice.
Hmm….well now, let me think about it.
First of all, Linette is awesome. So YEAH. I’m there.
Secondly, she’s offering me free stuff. So YEAH. I’m there.
Thirdly, the tickets are to a Laker Game. I’ve lived in LA for ten years and have never yet been to a Laker game. Time to cross that off the bucket list. So YEAH. I’m there.
And fourthly, Linette is a Laker Girl. And I know how hard she worked to get on that team, and I cannot wait to see her on the court. So YEAH. I’m there. Woot!
I’ve been dithering about going to a Laker Game for the longest. It seems like every year, more and more of mah girlz get selected for the Lakers. (What can I say, my peeps are talented.) Let’s see… there was Jessica, Ashley R., and Michelle in 2008. Brilane in 2009. Melissa in 2010. And last year Linette, Anncell, Jenn, Jacquelyn, and Teresa (my little elf girl) made the cut. I hadn’t ever seen any of them do their Laker Girl thing. It was getting to be ridiculous.
Wait, did I forget someone? I feel like I left somebody out.
I hadn’t been to a game yet, because every time I think about it, I get stressed out. Those tickets are expensive! And I don’t know where to sit! What if I made the wrong choice? And they don’t let decent cameras in! And what if I go, and I try to smuggle in my good camera, but then I get caught, and I find out I bought the worst tickets in the house, and I can’t see anything at all, and anyway I had to use my crappy point –and-shoot camera, and I have no decent photos to show for it, and I fall into a deep depression, which triggers a debilitating drug habit and next thing I know I’m strung out in a cardboard box under an overpass.
What? It could happen.
God Bless you Linette, for taking the problem out of my hands. (And I know good and well every friend and relative she had called dibs on her tickets the day she made the team, so it was extraordinarily nice of her to think of me. Either that, or she’s bribing me to keep my trap shut about the time she forgot to bring one of her boots to a game and cried her little eyeballs out in the locker room because she let her teammates down. The team has this crazy policy – if you’re going to dance in boots, you have to wear both of them. )
I was going to a game. I accepted that I’d have to make do with a crappy camera, but I was determined to smuggle in my flip camera. (I have a trick for that. What I do is bring a relatively small hand bag, and pack it tight full of stuff. Security isn’t going to work all that hard to look through your bag if it looks like it would take a crow bar to get anything out of it.)
I got to the Staples Center about an hour before the game. This is the first time I’d been to an NBA game and sat through the whole thing in the audience like regular people. I’m usually down there on the court with my camera. (I don’t mean that in a snotty way. Like “Oh, I’m soooo important, I always have VIP access, aren’t I special?) My point is that sitting up in the 300s is also a fun experience, but in a different way. When you’re up close, it’s easy lose a little perspective. Seeing all the people and feeling all the energy really reminded me of the BIGNESS of it all. My God, would you look at all these people?
I zoned out for a little while and pondered that. This league is big business. Heck, if everyone in the room paid $25 to park, like I did, that was a whole lotta money. No wonder Kobe is a baller…
12:30 pm - Show Time.
The Jumbotron lit up, showing the Lakers in the tunnel, getting ready to take the court. Everyone cheered. Then there was a video all about the Lakers legacy. Lots of historical footage. I wasn’t paying much attention, but I knew it was old stuff because the Lakers were wearing yellow hot pants.
My eyes were darting from one corner of the arena to another. Which entrance would the Laker Girls use? And where were they already? I planned to keep my beady little eyeballs locked on the Laker Girls from start to finish. I had no idea what to expect, but this is LA, the home of show biz, and this is the Lakers. For all I knew, the Laker Girls would pop up out of the floor. Or descend from the rafters, waving sparklers and singing “God Bless America.” Whatever happened, I wasn’t going to miss a second of it. If they would just GET HERE already.
A giant column of white fabric came down from the ceiling, surrounding the jumbotron and falling all the way to the court. I thought it was going to be a magic trick. Like that time David Copperfield made an elephant disappear. Alas, there was no magic whatsoever. The fabric served as a screen, upon which were projected various scenes of Laker awesomeness. Then the music got loud and the fabric fell to the ground with a big whoosh. And finally, there were the Laker Girls, hustling the massive heap of fabric off the court. I have to say, their entrance was somewhat lacking in drama. Not even one sparkler. Oh well, the afternoon was young. Maybe they’d fire one of the dancers out of a cannon or something a little later.
12:42 pm – The National Anthem, sung by an extremely talented 17 year old. Rochelle something.
The Hornets were introduced, to half-hearted booing. The Lakers were introduced, to the opposite of booing. The Laker Girls danced around for a bit to pump up the crowd, and then took their positions behind the baselines. The Laker Girls are a big team, by NBA standards, so that’s a lot of girls in a small area on either end of the court. If I recall correctly, there are 22 on the squad, with 18 performing on any given night.
(Side note: Kris Jenner has ruined whatever affection I ever had for this song.)
It wasn’t until the girls sat down that I was able to begin figuring out who was who. I recognized Linette’s hair right away. She was on my side, 3rd from the end.
I squinted across the way and was able to make out Anncell and Melissa. And wait a second….is that Jenn? That looks like Jenn. I thought she wasn’t going to be here tonight. Maybe that’s Veronica.
I started to get a little antsy. I wanted to see what was going on down there. If I were invisible, I would just go right down there and park myself on the #10.
That spot should be mine. And one day it will be. Mwahahahaha….
I couldn’t help but wish – for the hundredth time – that the Laker Girls had a photographer. I’m not saying it should be me. (Although it could be me. God knows I work for free.) That’s how I got involved with this website. I’m nosy. I wanted to see what really goes on with the dancers. Nobody on the internet was showing that, and so James and I are doing it ourselves.
But I digress.
One thing I’ve learned about the Lakers over the past year is that it’s allllll about the team and the game and winning. That is as it should be. But couldn’t it be a tiny bit more about the Laker Girls too? Why isn’t anyone taking photos of them? Someone like me, who just wants to take some photos of the Laker Girls, and doesn’t give a crap about whatever Beckham and Bieber are doing behind them.
But enough whining. Been there, done that. Hasn’t made a dime’s worth of difference.
I snapped out of my funk when the first time out was called and the Laker Girls took the court. It occurred to me that if I had been invisible, and sitting on the #10, I would have been badly trampled by nine pairs of very white sneakers. Maybe the 300s are better. Safer anyway.
Ok yes, the photos are blurry. Live with it.
As I said earlier, with distance comes perspective. It also comes with blurry photos.
Life is full of these little trade-offs.
Look at ‘em go! WORK IT LINETTE, WORK IT!
After the dance, the girls went back to the baseline. I texted Linette. Something along the lines of WOOOOOO!
During the next time out, the Laker Girls disappeared into the tunnel. I started to notice more of what was going on around me.
A guy in front of me had a real camera. What the skippy? I bet he smuggled it in on his kid. My dad used to do that with me and my sister at the Redskins games. (Except he had us sneak in his beers and snacks, not camera equipment. Nobody expects an eight year old to have an entire six pack of Heineken stashed inside her winter coat.)
Don’t judge, people. Those were different times.
Barely into the first quarter and a guy two rows behind me already had enough of a buzz on to trigger delusions of grandeur. HE was controlling the game. If he timed it correctly, and yelled “YOU SUCK” at precisely the right moment, whichever Hornet had the ball at that moment would freeze up and miss the shot. When he wasn’t yelling YOU SUCK, he was busy shouting instructions to the Lakers, who were behind by a few points and obviously needed his assistance.
1:03 pm - End of the first period.
The Laker Girls reappeared, wearing black sponsor t-shirts.
There’s Melissa! And there’s Brilane! That’s Anncell shaking her booty! (Hold on girlfriend. Pace yourself.) There’s Jac! And Linette! (Sigh, I wish all of mah gurlz were on duty tonight.)
It’s weird. I think I might be a tiny bit starstruck. It must be that distance thing again. I have to remind myself that I’ve seen many of these girls in various dressing rooms, with no makeup and their hair up in curlers. I’ve seen them sweating their butts off in rehearsal. Take away the eyelashes and the booty shorts, and they’re just regular folks like you and me.
How cute are those little Stila Laker Girls?
So so proud of these girls.
I texted Linette again. And then it occurred to me that she was a little busy and probably was not checking her messages while sitting out there on the court. And perhaps she doesn’t need to hear from me every time she busts a move.
1:08 pm - LGs disappear briefly to exchange their little black t-shirts for some other little black t-shirts.
YOUSUCK is starting to work on my nerves.
1:12 pm - A few of the Laker Girls pop up from behind the baseline to help out with a little free throw contest. The guy could’ve won $5,000, but sadly did not.
1:18 pm – Time out. The Laker Girls are back on the court. I didn’t realize they danced so much during the game.
1:21 pm - The Laker Girls are back behind the baseline. They get up, they sit down, they get up, they sit down. “This is just like Mass,” my uncle would say.
I’m so busy with my notebook, camera, flip cam, and phone, I don’t even know who is winning.
1:24 pm - Time out. Will they or won’t they?
The Laker Girls stay put. So I guess “won’t” is the answer to that question.
1:31 pm – Second period is over. I’m on the edge of my seat. It’s haftime. I figure if they’re ever going to shoot a Laker Girl out of a cannon, it’s going to be now.
1:34 pm - Time for another fan contest. I guess the cannon thing isn’t going to happen. I’m a little disappointed.
The Laker Girls help out with contest, and then disappear into the tunnel.
1:43 pm - They’re back. This time, they’re in their Carl’s Jr. Gear. Carl’s Jr. gets them new outfits every year. These ones are cute, but I really liked the ones they had before. The ones with the stars on the belt.
Meanwhile, up on the Jumbotron, Jessica reminds us that there is NO FIGHTING ALLOWED.
Then Melissa lets us all know that if you try to run out on the court or disrupt the game, they’ll boot you out of there and throw your rowdy behind in jail.
(Maybe that’s not exactly how she said it.)
1:46 pm – 3rd period begins. Some dude is sitting on #10. I am a little resentful.
1:58 pm – It’s time for another Laker Girl performance!
PS: if you think it’s easy to do video and photos simultaneously, you are very much mistaken.
2:03 pm -Time out again. This one is only 20 seconds, so the girls pop up, dance a bit, and sit again.
I always wonder who feels more awkward in this situation, the girls themselves, or the people sitting approximately 6 inches behind them.
The press loves to publish photos of male celebrities looking at the junk in the collective Laker Girl trunk, but honestly, what are guys supposed to do? It’s pretty much unavoidable.
And what about the LGs? Eventually they have to turn around and face the audience. I can only imagine that’s like ten times worse. I mean, when you’re that close to another human being, it’s kind of rude not to speak, isn’t it? I’d be all “So…can you believe this weather? Brrrr, it’s cold out!” Are you allowed to make eye contact with Christina Aguilera? Or are the LGs instructed to ignore the front row? Maybe it’s one of those unspoken things. Like pretending you’re alone in an elevator.
2:06 pm - Time out. The Girls head for the exit again. Must be time for another costume change.
2:12 pm – The third period is over. The score is 61 to 67. Laker fans are not happy about that. YOUSUCK in particular, is not happy about it. I know this because the man has not shut up since he got here.
2:15 pm – 4th period begins. The Laker Girls are back. And this time, they’re purple.
Huh. I guess Mr. Big Shot #10 has better things to do. Bastard.
2:22 pm - Time out. And time for another performance!
Too bad the game is almost over. I’m starting to get the hang of this.
The dancing is followed by more basketball. Kobe this, Pau that.
2:36 pm – Time out. Hit it, Laker Girls!
Now the Lakers are behind, 78 to 83. There’s lots of cussing going on a couple rows behind me.
2:43 pm – 20 seconds left in the game. Kobe scores a 3 pointer. Now the Lakers are up by 1. The fans can smell victory, like blood in the water, and they begin cheering like maniacs. The Laker Girls run out to pump up the crowd, although the crowd is pretty loud already.
2: 52 pm - 2.5 seconds left in the game.
One more two-pointer, and the game is over.
Lakers 88. Hornets 85. Not a peep out of YOUSUCK. He must’ve left early. Either that or he wore himself out and is taking a little nap. Aftar all, his work here was done.
Game over. And so soon?
I gotta say it, those Laker Girls are pretty rad.
I scurried out, anxious to get home and see if any of my photos turned out. (Which, obviously, they didn’t. Don’t judge me, okay? I did my best.)
I left the game with one main thought, well…two.
#1 I loves me some Linette. And not just because she gives me free stuff. I wish all of you could know her.
Then again, no I don’t. She doesn’t have much free time.
#2 Dangit, I miss the NBA. How typical of me not to realize it until the season is almost over. I want to go to more games and see more teams and how they all do things differently.
Fo’ sho’ I gotta get me to another Laker game. I know exactly where I want to sit, I’m bringing the GOOD camera, and I dare anyone to try and stand in my way.
Although, in retrospect, it probably isn’t that wise to publish my plans…
Like many little girls, Sara Reynolds had a dream of tutus, plies and grand jetes when she grew up. Only unlike many, Reynolds turned that dream into a reality, both professionally and personally.
On Saturday, Reynolds and about 29 other former Knicks City Dancers will perform a three-minute hip-hop dance routine to a mash-up of Rob Base’s “Joy and Pain” and “It Takes Two.” Only 30 of more than 110 Knicks City Dancers alumni have been chosen to perform at the anniversary celebration game, which also features the Knicks hosting the Detroit Pistons.
