Adrian Native Chosen to Perform With NBA Dance Team

By Autumn Lee
Daily Telegram

An Adrian native’s dream of being a professional dancer for an NBA dance team became a reality on July 31.

Ashley Salazar, an Adrian High School graduate, was one of 21 dancers selected to become a member of the Charlotte Bobcats’ 2009-10 Lady Cats dance team.

Salazar, 24, who now lives in Charlotte, N.C., was one of about 125 women who tried out for the position, according to Michael Thompson, corporate communications director for the Charlotte Bobcats. That number was narrowed down to 60, then 39 and finally 21.

When Salazar found out she was one of the dancers chosen for the team, she said her heart dropped.

“I was in tears,” she said. “Everyone was hugging. It was just an adrenaline rush.”

At that moment, Salazar said she was ready to get on the basketball court right then and there to dance. It was probably the best experience she’s ever had in her life, she said.

Salazar started dancing when she was 3. She has studied several types of dance, including jazz, tap, hip hop and ballet.

While Salazar was in high school she became interested in sports because she wanted to experience high school life, she said. She played volleyball and basketball.

Salazar said she realized how much she missed dance so she started teaching at Encore Dance Studio in Adrian for a couple years before she left for college.

She attended Western Michigan University for three years, but ultimately decided she wanted to pursue her dance career.

“It took me a little while to get there, but I’m here,” she said.

Salazar’s infant son, Bryson Gregg, plays a key role in inspiring her to chase after her dreams. When she became pregnant with her son, she said she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to pursue her dream to be a professional dancer.

“After I had him, it was an eye opener,” she said. “No matter what the circumstances are, you can pursue your dreams. What better way to do that than lead by example.”

The 2009-10 Lady Cats will start practicing after Labor Day and will perform during two games each week.

The first home game at which Salazar will perform is on Oct. 30. On Dec. 22, the Bobcats are scheduled to play the Detroit Pistons in Charlotte.

Salazar said she plans to dance as a Lady Cat as long as she can. Salazar also has a part-time job, but her ultimate career choice would be to own her own dance school.

“I hope this will give me the experience and credibility to do so in Charlotte,” she said.

Salazar’s family and friends were excited and proud when they heard the news, she said.

“I was so happy to see her follow her dream,” said Salazar’s mother, Adrian resident Peggy Romano.

Romano said this could be the first step to many opportunities ahead.

“Her friends had no doubt that she would make it as a dancer,” Romano said. “There are a lot of people here who are proud of her.”

Salazar’s father, Adrian resident Sonny Salazar, said he is excited for her and is backing her in any way possible.

“This is her lifelong dream,” he said. “Someday she will have her own studio. I know she will.”

Ashley is one of four dancers up for an award for the 2009 best audition dance performance. Votes can be cast at Bobcats.com