Los Angeles Sparks Dance Teams Auditions

Come be a part of one of the hottest dance crews in professional sports! The Los Angeles Sparks will be holding auditions for the Sparks Crew dance team on March 1 at Liv Art Dance. Interested applicants must be 17 years of age or older. Don’t miss this chance to perform center stage at STAPLES Center!

Click here for more information.


The Los Angeles Sparks will be holding auditions for the SparKids dance team on March 1 at Liv Art Dance. Interested applicants must be 7-14 years of age.

Click here for more information on the SparKids auditions.


Show off those classic moves that get the party started! The Los Angeles Sparks will be holding auditions for the Ole Skool Crew dance team on February 29 at Liv Art Dance. Interested applicants must be 40 years of age or older. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the best “old school” dance team in professional sports!

Click here for more information regarding the Ole Skool Crew dance auditions.

WNBA Connecticut Sun Dance Team Auditions

The Connecticut Sun will be holding open tryouts for all three dance teams on March 16th at Mohegan Sun.

Under the direction of coordinator Rachel Pirie and managed by Claire Czerniuk, the Sun Beams, the Sunsationals and Solar Power will perform at Connecticut Sun home games throughout the season as well as appear at team events in the community.

All auditions will be held in the Earth Meeting Rooms inside the Earth Expo and Convention Center at Mohegan Sun. Anyone looking to audition should enter through the Winter parking garage and follow signs for the Expo Center main entrance.

The Sun Beams will hold auditions for energetic boys and girls between the ages of 7-15 with registration beginning at 8 a.m. Tryouts for this high-energy squad will run from 8:30 a.m. -10 a.m.

Auditions for the Sunsationals, comprised of men and women who are 50 and older, will begin with registration 11 a.m. and the audition will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Candidates for this fan-favorite team will learn and perform a short hip-hop routine, dancing in groups before a judging panel.

Auditions for the Solar Power Dance Team will round out the dance portion of the day with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m. and auditions from 2:00 p.m. -3:30 p.m. Made up of male and female dancers ages 17 and up, Solar Power members have both hip hop and technical dance backgrounds and perform at every home game.

All dancers must pay a $20 non-refundable registration fee. They must also provide a non-returnable 5×7 headshot and current dance resume, and must be able to commit to all Sun home games and scheduled practices as well as community appearances, a photo shoot and other scheduled events. Dancers should wear active wear, a t-shirt and dance sneakers or tennis shoes with non-marking soles. Those who are chosen will be notified by email the following week. Results will also be posted on the Sun’s social media channels.

Anyone interested in dance auditions can pre-register by visiting https://sun.wnba.com/dance-team-auditions/.

2018 WNBA Connecticut Sun Dance Team Auditions

2018 Dance Team Auditions

Saturday, March 24th
Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre
1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT 06382

Click here to pre-register

The Connecticut Sun will be holding open tryouts for the Solar Power, Senior Sun and Sun Kids dance teams on March 24th.

Under the direction of coordinator Rachel Pirie, the three dance teams will perform at Connecticut Sun home games throughout the season as well as appear at team events in the community.

Audition details:

    • Sun Kids Dance Team
      Registration: 8 a.m.
      Audition 8:30-10 a.m. (parents can return at 10 for a performance 10-10:30am)
    • Senior Sun Dance Team
      Registration: 11 a.m.
      Audition 11:30-1 p.m.
    • Solar Power Dance Team
      Registration 1:30 p.m.
      Audition 2-3:30 p.m.
    • Dancers should wear sweat or wind pants, a t-shirt and dance sneakers or tennis shoes with non-marking soles.
    • All dancers must be able to commit to scheduled practices and home games.
    • $20 registration fee
    • Participants will be required to sign a waiver prior to the tryouts.

*Pre-registration is not required. Walk-ups are welcome. 

Questions? Contact Claire Czerniuk at cczerniuk@connecticutsun.com

WNBA Atlanta Dream Shooting Stars Auditions – March 19

The Atlanta Dream is looking for enthusiastic men and women with a dance/cheer background, a positive attitude, amazing energy, and dedication. Atlanta Dream Shooting Stars Dance Team auditions are comprised of two stages: preliminary auditions and final auditions.

Preliminary auditions will be held:
Sunday, March 19
Drew Charter School
301 E. Lake Blvd, SE,
Atlanta, GA 30317

Download and bring application to Preliminary Auditions

Preliminary Registration is open 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Auditions will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m.

Preliminary audition will consist of two cuts on Sunday. Lunch will NOT be provided and no concessions will be open- bring any food or drinks you may need. Please plan to remain on site all day. Finalists will be announced following second round of cuts!

Requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age – please bring ID
  • Have training synchronized dance team choreography – tumbling skills, cheer stunts and pom experience are a plus
  • Must reside in the metro Atlanta area with a reliable means of transportation
  • There are no minimum or maximum height or weight requirements

Candidates must be able to attend:

  • Finalist training camp on Monday, March 20th
  • Evening rehearsals during the work week, starting in April
  • Dream home games until the end of the WNBA season (including Playoffs)

Things to know

  • The Shooting Stars are a professional dance team, but the job is a part-time position
  • The Shooting Stars appear at corporate and charity events around Atlanta
  • Please wear comfortable dance or athletic attire and gym shoes
  • Hair and makeup should be glamorous and sophisticated
  • Bring water and snacks each day

AUDITION PREP CLASS
Sunday, March 12th
10 AM – 12 PM
Location: Riverside EpiCenter, 135 Riverside Parkway, Austell, GA 30168
$25.00 – (Cash, Credit or Money Order accepted)

PRELIMINARY AUDITIONS

Sunday, March 19th
10 AM
BRING: Completed application, a recent non-returnable photo (snapshot accepted), a valid photo ID, a light lunch/drink, a non-refundable $25.00 (cash or money order) application fee

FINALIST BOOT CAMP (closed to the public)
Monday, March 20th
5 PM-10 PM

FINALS (open to the public)
Wednesday, March 22nd
7 PM

Flight Crew: Dallas Wings Hold Auditions For Co-Ed Dance Squad

Shardae Neal
CW33
March 27, 2016

[Watch the video]

GRAPEVINE– Every team needs a little sideline support to score a ‘W’ and the WNBA’s Dallas Wings are no exception. Saturday morning, Flight Crew hopefuls put their best out on the dance floor, in hopes of snagging a spot on the dance squad.

“I followed the Shocks since they were in Tulsa and when I found out they were coming to Dallas and it would be a dance team — I had to try out,” explained one hopeful.

This year’s team will be under the direction of Sydne Miller, who’s reason for a co-ed dance squad is to bring a different flavor to the Dallas Wings and WNBA entertainment.

“There is a another co-ed team in Dallas , the Dallas Rhythm and Blues, with the Dallas Cowboys and that’s who we are modeling ourselves after,” Miller explained. “We’re getting to redefine what performance is in the WNBA.”

An experienced panel of judges were there to hand pick the team. If you were looking to make the cut, you had to be 18 years or older, have hip-hop dance experience, and enthusiasm for performing.

“Definitely looking for someone who has energy, a great smile, and can be out in the community communicating with people,” explained Lauren Gibler, a judge at this year’s auditions. [Sidebar: Lauren Gibler is a 6th year member of the Dallas Mavericks Dancers ~ Sasha]

The squad is scheduled to perform at every home game during halftime. Here’s hoping the Flight Crew can take the Dallas Wings to new heights!

From the Dallas Wings Flight Crew Facebook page:
From the Dallas Wings Flight Crew Facebook page: “Thank you to everyone who participated in Flight Crew auditions today! We are excited to present those advancing into Training Day! Stay tuned to see what we’re doing next! “

Paige Carter to Manage Thunder Girls

Oklahoma City Thunder:

OKLAHOMA CITY, August 10, 2011 – The Oklahoma City Thunder announced today Paige Carter as manager of the Thunder Girls dance team. Carter, who grew up in Phoenix, brings an extensive background in choreography, dance and leadership. Her sports experience ranges from the NFL, NBA, WNBA and AFL, most notably with the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals. She was in attendance at Saturday’s open auditions at the Cox Convention Center.

“Paige will be a great addition to the Thunder family,” said Thunder Director of Events and Entertainment John Leach. “She brings a vast knowledge of both NFL and NBA game experiences and a strong dedication to community involvement. In addition, she has held numerous roles and responsibilities as a dancer, teacher and performer. We are confident she will continue to bring world-class entertainment to Thunder fans.”

Carter earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Arizona, where she was a member of the Varsity pom team. She began her professional sports dance career in 1997 with the Phoenix Suns as a Suns Girl and cheered on fans for six consecutive seasons. During her time with the Suns, Carter performed on the Phoenix Mercury’s (WNBA) hip-hop dance squad and also worked as a choreographer for many esteemed dance studios throughout the Phoenix and Scottsdale area.

Following her NBA tenure, Carter earned a spot on the Arizona Cardinals’ cheerleading team where she was chosen as “Rookie of the Year” (2005). In addition, she was a Line Captain for the Sidewinders, the dance team for AFL’s Arizona Rattlers.

Most recently, Carter has held the role of Varsity Pom Coach for Desert Mountain High School. The team has established a winning tradition under her guidance and choreography, including AIA State Champions (2007) and USA Regional (2007, 2011) and National (2007, 2008, 2009) Champions. She also continues to work with the Cardinals’ Cheerleader program as the Dance Condition Coach for their training group.

Carter will help oversee the audition process as the 2011-12 Thunder Girls team is selected. Auditions began Saturday at the Cox Convention Center. Finalists will move on to the next round which includes interviews, a written test and practices. The seven-day process will conclude with the final round on Thursday, Aug. 11 in front of a live audience at Riverwind Casino. This event is free and open to the public. Fans are encouraged to arrive when doors open at 6 p.m. The final round will begin at 7 p.m.

Seven Questions with Sheena Shive

sheena06_4Growing up Sheena Shive was a soccer player. A one year detour into cheerleading led her to discover she preferred the dance aspect of cheerleadering rather than cheer.

In high school she continued to play soccer and was certain she would continue in college. But when she could find, she would take hip hop classes at the local studio. In her senior year of high school, the studio asked her to start teaching hip hop classes. That’s when she started to decided she was looking forward to a future in dance, rather than playing soccer.

During Sheena’s freshmen year of college at Arizona State University, she danced for the ASU Hip Hop Coalition. The HHC would perform at various ASU events, basketball games, etc. She then decided to move back to Seattle to be closer to her family and transferred to Seattle University.

That spring Sheena auditioned for an adult hip hop group that performed at the WNBA Storm games. Susan Hovey, the Dance Director for the Storm and Sonics (and now director of the Golden State Warrior Girls), cut her. Susan told her that she would prefer to have Sheena come back and try out for the Sonics Dance Team.

Sheena had never been to a Sonics game before, but decided she wanted to try out. And Sheena was a bit nervous, because she had no formal training in jazz, only hip hop. But she made the squad the first year she auditioned, and danced for the Sonics her sophomore, junior and senior years of college.

The Sonics was a place where Sheena could dance, learn, and perform all in one. She also secretly hoped to one day work for the team, possibly with their PR team or in Events and Entertainment, or perhaps Gameday Operations. She ended up doing her Senior Project in college on the Sonics and graduated in the Spring of 2008 from SU with a degree in Mass Communications and Journalism.

While dancing for the Sonics, Sheena began assisting the Sonics/Storm Director Sabrina Ellison with the Storm Dance Troupe (a kids hip hop dance team). She would choreograph and help out at auditions, practices, events and games. When Sabrina left with the Sonics for Oklahoma, Sheena was offered the director’s position.

Last year the National Lacrosse League San Jose Stealth moved to Washington state. Sheena received an email from the Audrea Harris, Director of the NBA Clippers Spirit Squad and former Sonics Dance Team Coach. She was trying to help her friend and former Stealth Bombshells Director, Teri Schafer, recruit for a new director for the Stealth’s Dance Team. Audrea had heard Sheena had danced in the NBA and was the current director for the Storm Dance Troupe. An e-mailed resume led to an interview, and eventually Sheena became the Bombshells’ new Director.

When she’s not directing the Stealth Bombshells or the Storm Troupe, Sheena works  for an internet advertising agency with demanding travel requirements.

calendar

1. What’s your fondest memory from the Sonics?

I have so many memories dancing for the Sonics. I think the one that sticks out the most for me is stepping onto the court for the first time on opening night, where the lights were out, and we were waiting for our music to turn on for intros and perform for the first time! To stare into a crowd of 17,000 people, was amazing. I think it hit me that night that I was dancing in the NBA. My other favorite memory is the girls I have met. A couple of the girls I have met from the Sonics are my best friends, without that experience I would be missing some amazing people in my life.

shennash
Sheena danced for the Seattle Sonics three seasons and has directed the Storm Troupe for 2 years and was the Assistant Director the prior 2 years. She is directing the Stealth Bombshells in their inaugural season.

2. How much do you miss dancing for the Sonics?

Oh man, you have no idea. I don’t really think you realize how much you loved something until its gone. Or how lucky you are to of had that opportunity. I miss practicing 3 times a week, I miss getting to the arena early to eat dinner with the girls, I miss getting ready in the locker room and singing along to our favorite pre-game music and most of all performing. I also miss interacting with our fans, the good people who worked within the organization and entertaining the crowds at Key Arena. I could go on forever….

3. What’s it like working with young dancers?

I love it! My kids teach me something new everyday. I have never met so many young, motivated and talented dancers. Most of my kids are studio trained, and dance the same or better as your average 18 year old.  I have been working with some of them for over 4 years, I just wrote one of them a letter of recommendation to a prestigious dance college program, to have the opportunity to teach these kids not only dance, but to help them mature into young adults has been an amazing experience.

4. What’s the toughest part of your job with the Stealth?

I don’t know if there is necessarily a tough part about my job with the Stealth. The owner and staff of the Stealth have been so amazing to work for. But if I had to choose I think the toughest part was marketing the new dance team for auditions. Its tough for talented dancers to take a chance on a new team. There were only 2 professional teams to dance for in the Seattle area, the Sonics and the Seahawks, so I had to make sure the Stealth would be put on that same level of professionalism. But fortunately for me, coming from the Sonics I was able to recruit many of the girls who were former Sonic’s dancers. Eventually after the word did get out, I had some great talent show at auditions. I have 2 former Sea Gals, 1 former Spokane Shock Dancer and 8 former Sonics Dancers! We have a pretty talented team.

5. What was it like putting together a team from scratch?

It was so much fun! I have developed some great relationships through out the industry and was able to get a lot of them involved with the new team. I was able to develop a hair sponsor, gym/practice facility sponsor in a fairly quick amount of time. Dancing for the Sonics and coaching the Storm, I finally had the chance to take all the things I have learned, experienced and wanted and put them all into building this team. I think designing the uniforms was my favorite! My captain, Jillian, and I also flew down to the NBA Warriors Dance Clinic, to learn some fresh new choreography from our old director Susan Hovey and some choreographers we used to work with for the Sonics. I have learned from some amazing women, who have taught me how to become a great coach.

stealthauditions
Washington Stealth Bombshells Auditions

6. Your career requires you to travel. How does that affect your job as Director?

It’s been hard on me in the sense, that I am not able to be at the games to see all the hard work we have put into the team, as well as all the hard work my dancers have put into their performances. Luckily for me, one of my dearest friend dances for the Stealth. She and I made Sonics together as rookies and continued 3 seasons together. She has taken on the assistant director role for me on the Stealth. She is an amazing leader and talented dancer and choreographer. She has been great working with me and helping with practice and games.

jillianandi
Jillian and Sheena

7. What’s one thing you’d like fans to know about your squad?

That they are an extremely talented group of women and I am so thankful they took a chance with the Stealth Organization. They work so hard and everyone of them is special and unique. Not only are they talented dancers, but many are working professionals, college students and MBA students. I definitely think the Washington Stealth Bombshells are making a lasting impression in the NLL and professional dance community.

Bonus. Do you hope the NBA puts another team in Seattle?

I do hope the NBA puts another team in Seattle, but then I would face the challenge of deciding if I would want to dance for the team or go out for the director position. But I can tell you there is a very talented group of women just waiting for this to happen.

[Washington Stealth Bombshells]

[Seattle Storm Dance Troupe]