A New Clippers Spirit Season

by Mary Catherine Holcomb, Clippers Team Writer
Los Angeles Clippers
September 17, 2010

Spirit Director Audrea Harris poses with the new Clippers Spirit Team during their photoshoot. (Photo by: Varon Panganiban)

“Not too smiley.” “No, kind of more smiley.” “Whatever comes natural.”

Who said looking good is easy? As one Spirit dance team member attempted to fulfill the photographer’s request, the remaining members were scrambling to make final touches for their individual portraits. During a recent photo shoot session at Hype Studios in Torrance, Ca., the girls put their best faces forward as the MAC Cosmetics artists and Gina Castillo and the Dennis Sparks hair team helped supply them with their photogenic looks. According to Spirit Director Audrea Harris, “We had an amazing glam squad that dolled the ladies up and had them looking fantastic.”.

But don’t be fooled. Make-up brushes and hair curlers weren’t the only tools necessary to make the photo shoot a success. “The ladies worked out hard and did fun daily physical challenges to make sure they were looking their best physically,” said Harris.

Besides preparing for the smile-fest, 12 lucky ladies have had another important item on their calendar to prep for – the Oct. 12 Clippers pre-season game vs. the San Antonio Spurs in Mexico City. However, not all girls will perform during the game. Six members will land in Mexico City a few days before the game for promotion purposes and the other crop of six girls will be in attendance for the basketball showdown. According to Harris, seniority was key in her selection process of deciding which girls would attend the event. “I am a big believer in rewarding seniority – so I started with asking the veterans first. However, due to everyone’s busy schedules, not all vets were available to attend. For the promotion trip in September, we are sending two vets and four rookies. For the pre-season game in October, we are sending three vets and three rookies. A few lucky girls get to make the trip twice!”

With 11 dances under their belts – including five the girls learned during a weekend retreat at the Marina Del Ray Marriott – Harris is confident her girls will shine. In addition, seminar attendance focused on public speaking and appearances will make promotional appearances and signing autographs in Mexico City a breeze for the Spirit gals. “These ladies have honestly exceeded my expectations! Initially I had some concerns with over half the team being new (nine rookies and seven vets), but these are the most beautiful and talented ladies I’ve had yet!” she exclaimed. “Their dedication, hard work, team work and support for one another is amazing to see. They have really formed a sisterhood that directors love to see,” continued Harris. Undoubtedly, Harris wants her girls to show what they’re made of, but overall, she wants them to enjoy a memorable experience. “I hope they will enjoy the experience of a different culture and enjoy the experience with their teammates. They are looking forward to meeting and working with the wonderful and hospitable people of Mexico City.”

Check out the behind the scenes gallery from the Spirit photoshoot here » | Spirit Home Page »