2011-12 BlazerDancers Announced

After weeks of tryouts and competition, 16 dancers became the 2011-12 Portland Trail Blazers’ BlazerDancers today.

In order to claim one of the coveted 16 spots on the 24th edition of the BlazerDancers, hopefuls had to go through a rigorous audition schedule that began July 9, at the Trail Blazers Practice Facility in Tualatin. Dancers were taught and judged on three different routines. Those that survived the cuts made it into the finals, and were joined on Sunday by any dancer that was on last year’s team and wished to reclaim her spot. All 16 spots are up for grabs, and while last years dancers get a bye into the finals, even those hoping to return for another season have to compete and earn their spot.

“We had one of our strongest groups in a long time this year, so the competition was very intense,” said Trail Blazers Performance Teams Manager Michelle Woodard. “It’s been a long process, and we are excited to announce to our fans who made the cut tonight on Courtside.”

All 36 finalists performed the three routines that they learned the previous weekend at the Winningstad Theater. In addition to the three group routines, all finalists were required to choreograph a one-minute solo routine and perform an unexpected 30-second “Hot Time Out” routine at the end of the day. As if that wasn’t enough, finalists who weren’t on the team last year were required to have an interview with members of the front office staff to ensure that those selected are great representatives of the Trail Blazers organization both on and off the court.