Becoming a Knicks City Dancer

By Amy Smith
Dance Spirit Magazine

Last month, 300 dancers queued up outside The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers in NYC on a Saturday afternoon, all striving to fulfill one dream—to become a Knicks City Dancer! Only 30 girls continued on to the weeklong training camp, which culminated with the announcement of the twentieth anniversary team. Dance Spirit caught up with one of the six new members to learn more about the audition experience.

Christina B., a recent graduate of Towson University with a degree in psychology, has always been a competitive dancer. She was on the Towson Dance Team for all four years of college, helping her team to win a national title each year. Her hard work has earned her a spot with the KCD! Check out our interview with Christina below, then head over to our Facebook page to check out some photos from this year’s KCD auditions.

DS: Why did you decide to audition for the KCD?

Christina B.: I’ve wanted to be on the KCD since high school. The dancers are glamorous—they’re strong, confident, fierce, and dynamic. Every move they do is picture-ready!

DS: What was the first day of auditions like?

CB: The first day was an open call audition. The first cut was really unexpected: after warming up and going down the floor, we learned two 8 counts of a routine, went over them a lot, and then they spread out all the dancers to make sure they saw every single person. Then they cut half the group! After that, we learned more of the combination, performed it, and then they picked the top 32.

DS: How did they choose the final team?

CB: The beginning of the Training Camp week was rehearsals, where we learned a routine with different formations and ripples. It was a lot of fun, but it was very technical, and we had a short amount of time to learn everything. Then there was the boot camp, which was really intense. It felt more like a workout for a men’s sports team—we did lots of cardio work, push-ups, planks, crunches, and ladders. I was nervous the whole time, but the directors were looking for leaders, girls who don’t crash and burn under pressure. I just believed in myself and had faith that everything would work out.

DS: What was your reaction when you heard your name called?

CB: I was just shocked – I didn’t know what to say or feel. I know I had a surprised look on my face. The first thing I said was “Me? You said my name?” I’m so excited to perform at Madison Square Garden and to be a role model for women and girls all over the nation. I love the opportunity to be a spokesperson and a model citizen for NYC.

DS: What advice do you have for girls hoping to audition for the KCD?

CB: Make sure you go to the audition clinic series [a 3 hour session where they teach the routines that will be used at the audition.] I was prepared because I already knew the combinations. Be yourself, because the directors want to see  you. Don’t change who you are just to fit a certain “look.” As long as you’re confident, you have nothing to worry about. If you work hard, you can achieve it!