2012-13 Orlando Magic Dancer Auditions: Team Selected

By Josh Cohen
Orlando Magic
August 9, 2012

ORLANDO — For 13 dancers, the dream will be relived. For another seven, the dream has begun.

While it wasn’t easy for the judges, 30 finalists were narrowed to 20 on Thursday to form the 2012-13 Orlando Magic Dance Team.

And now with all the anxiety and ambiguity of auditions complete, the chosen dancers can prepare for a year they will never forget.

For the veterans, which include Kendra, Victoria, Jessica, Priya, Ashley, Shalize, Shaunte, Laine, Gizelle, Krystle, Heather, Emmy and Candace, they proved they are exceptional performers with a demonstrated talent to lead by example.

For the rookies, which include Alexa, Brittany, Elyse, Jamie, Kori, Nicole and Tiffany, they showed they have unlimited potential and a willingness to adapt to the Magic’s techniques.

We learned throughout the week that this year’s squad would be one of the most well rounded teams in franchise history. Besides each dancer’s ability to entertain, they all are extremely personable, elegant and committed to joining one of the most prestigious dance teams in all of professional sports.

The hard work doesn’t stop here, however.

Soon, routines for this upcoming NBA season will be vigorously rehearsed. And eventually, Manager Jeanine Klem-Thomas and Assistant Manager Cherie LaRosa will send out an outstanding dance team to perform at every Magic game at Amway Center.

Outside of the dance studio, there will be photo shoots, intense physical fitness sessions and plenty of time spent in the community.

If you attended final auditions on Thursday or watched all the performances as it was broadcasted live on OrlandoMagic.com, you could already sense this is going to be a very entertaining season.