Honeybees Spotlight: Giselle
Hometown: New Orleans.
Year as a Honeybee: First.
Previous dance experience:
I have been dancing since I was 2 years old. I mainly studied and excelled in ballet for a majority of my dance career and competed with my ballet studio for many years. I quickly picked up jazz and hip-hop once I became part of my high school dance team, Mount Carmel Academy’s Rhythm Dance Team. There, I progressed and grew a deeper love for dance and became captain my senior year. In college, I was a member of the nationally ranked Southeastern Louisiana University Lionette Dance Team for four years and was captain my senior year. Now I have fulfilled my lifelong dream of becoming part of NBA’s best dance team, the Honeybees. All I can say is…dreams really do come true!
What I love about being a Honeybee:
The one thing I truly love about being part of the Honeybees is that we all share the same passion for not only dance, but for New Orleans. At finals I never felt so secure dancing next to girls that I barely knew and it was because we were all there for the same reason. Going to practice is such a joy and even though I am only a first-year member I have already had the time of my life and I know this is just the beginning. I am part of the hardest-working, strongest and most beautiful group of girls who find that performing for our New Orleans Hornets fans just might be one of the most rewarding experiences of our dance career.
What I love about dancing:
“There are shortcuts to happiness and dancing is one of them.” This quote has been with me for years and it is what I live by. It doesn’t matter what kind of dance or what song is playing I will dance! When I’m dancing…I’m happy. To me, dancing is something that I just can’t live without.
What I love about New Orleans:
New Orleans is my home. It is where I was born, where I grew up, and where I plan on raising a family. What I love about New Orleans is quite simple…its spirit. It lives inside each of us, through the good and the bad times we all stick together and that is my definition of family. There was a reason why my family and I came back after Hurricane Katrina…we knew that the people of New Orleans were brave and powerful before the storm…we knew we would be even stronger after the storm, and it is so liberating to be part of such a great city. New Orleans is always busy doing something, whether it’s a party on Bourbon or a barbeque in your neighbor’s back yard for a game. We know how to have a good time! I could travel the world and see everything it has to offer but nothing comes close to this beautiful city!
What I love to do when I’m not performing with the Honeybees:
When I’m not dancing with the Honeybees I am busy working and as a matter of fact…it is another love that I have. I am a dance teacher, choreographer and coach. I am a fitness enthusiast, personal trainer, and fitness instructor. I love every minute of what I do and thank God every day. I also love hanging out with friends, running, shopping and doing anything spontaneous!
