Clippers Spirit Photo Shoot: New Team Photos

Clippers.com
9/14/11

It was all smiles at the Clippers training facility in Playa Vista today as the Los Angeles Clippers Spirit Dance Team got together for their first official photo shoot of the year. The 16-member team is highlighted by nine new members that played a big part in providing a nice buzz throughout the training center as they marveled at their surroundings and anxiously awaited their turn in front of the camera.

“I think this is one of the highlights of the season,” said Ariana, one of the new girls on the team. “It’s all about getting glammed up with the girls, then getting pictures of your own and framing them and making little albums. I think it is one of the most fun days.”

That was definitely confirmed by day’s end, as the girls laughed and joked with each other the entire way through.

“The team has been amazing,” said Jessie, a first-year member of the team. “It’s been so fun getting to know all the girls. It’s surprising how humble every girl is. I came back and told my mom that I’ve never been more proud of being part of an organization where each individual girl has so much to offer, and such high standards and morals. They’re all brilliant girls and it’s so inspiring to be around them. It’s all positive energy all the time.”

That positive chemistry between the girls was evident throughout the day’s proceedings, but just like learning their new routines, it’s something that came with a lot of time and effort.

“We haven’t been able to have a minicamp or be on the actual court yet but we’re still finding opportunities outside of practice to bond and hang out and get to know each other,” said returning member Katrina. “I think this team is working out really well. We all just went to Vegas for Labor Day weekend and had a fun trip there. We’ve had sleepovers, gym classes, dance classes – just stuff like that to stay socializing with each other. We’ve been creative staying in touch with everyone.”

Although the season has yet to begin, the girls are making sure they’re ready to go once it does by practicing every week and getting their new routines down.

“We want to get on the court and dance,” said Jacy Rae, a rookie on this year’s team. “We’ve got 11 dances under our belt so we’re ready.”

“The dances are really fun and energetic,” said fellow rookie Katie. “So now I’m just making sure I know exactly what I’m doing.”

With the rookies understandably still adjusting, Spirit Dance Team Director Audrea Harris has put together a plan to have everyone on the same page throughout the season.

“We’ve paired each rookie with a veteran so they can go to that one person all season long to help them through the process,” said Harris. “The veterans have been in their shoes before and they know how crazy it can be. The rookies are doing great though. These girls have a lot of experience coming from college dance teams, NFL teams, or other places. These girls are working hard.”

As most of the rookies anxiously anticipate their STAPLES Center debut, Harris is focused on making sure they’re ready even prior to that day.

“We’ll have a lot of appearances where the girls are out there dancing before the season starts,” Harris said. “They’ll be on their toes and ready to go at any moment.”

When that time does come, the Spirit Dance Team will be sporting brand new uniforms as well.

“I’m really excited for everyone to see their new uniforms,” said Harris. “I had a vision of what I wanted and gave it to Angela King to design. It’s a jersey dress with girly features, ruffles on the bottom, and lots of sparkles. It’s athletic, but it’s very feminine. They’ll definitely wear it the first game of the season.”

But before that first game, the girls decided to give their fans a sneak peek at their look for next year.

“We’re wearing our new dresses today for the photo-shoot so I’m really excited,” said Brittany, the longest tenured member of the team. “I love all our new songs, dances, and the new choreography also.”

After a day of socializing with her teammates and getting some beautiful photos taken, Spirit Dance Team member Katrina echoed a popular opinion shared by the rest of the ladies on the team.

“We’re ready with our dances,” Katrina said. “We’re ready to go.”

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Side note: Was I there? Heck yeah! Did I take lots of pictures? Heck yeah!
Here are a few of my favorites. Stay tuned for more! ~ Sasha