Laker Girl Profile: Octavia
Octavia recently turned her living room into a dance studio
This is the eighth post of a weekly LA Times series that helps you get to know the Laker Girls
Mark Medina
LA Times Lakers Blog
January 23, 2011
Laker Girl name: Octavia
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Years on the Laker Girls squad: 2
Area of Residence: Los Angeles, CA
College/High School: A current student at Central New Mexico – Majoring in Business Management
What prompted you to want to become a Laker Girl? I’ve always wanted to be a Laker Girl since I started dancing as a child. So, I moved to LA and auditioned. What do you think stood out to the judging panel, about you, regarding your audition? I can honestly say, I think they noticed my hair first……then, after that, the passion in my dancing.
What do you think makes a good Laker Girl? I think, what makes a good Laker Girl is a well rounded person that first loves to dance and perform. Also, an individual who can be an inspiration for others, someone the community can relate to and a person who loves/appreciates the game of basketball.
What is your dance experience?I’ve been training in Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip-hop for 12 years.
Favorite dance routine, while being a Laker Girl? It’s hard to pick one but I love performing one of our newest jazz routines to the song “Higher Ground”.
Favorite uniform? We have nicknames for all of our uniforms – so my favorite is our “black baby short” uniform. I think everyone looks great in it!
Favorite Lakers Player? Current: Derek Fisher- I admire how “down to earth” he is! Legend: Magic Johnson-he’s an inspiration to us all!
Favorite Laker Girl memory so far? Being a part of the whole 2009-10 championship! Dancing at the game, being able to participate in the parade, the Championship ring ceremony……all of it!
What do you like most about being involved, as a Laker Girl, at local charity/community events?I love doing any charity/commuity events that involve kids. I like to talk with them and hopefully be an inspiration.
What would you say is your beauty secret? Drink a lot of water! It will help keep your body and skin hydrated.
What diet/workout tips do you have? Try to eat 5 times a day and excercise for at least 30 minutes, to keep your metabolism up.
What are your hobbies? I like watching football and movies. Recently, I turned my living room into a dance studio, so it’s been fun going downstairs and dancing.
Career aspirations? I found a new passion for hosting, so becoming a sports broadcaster would be fun. I would also like to open my own dance studio in LA.
