It’s True: Celtics Recruiting Dance Team

By Peter F. Stringer
Celtics.com
May 12, 2006

Audition Information:
June 10, 2006 in Waltham

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After weeks of rumors and speculation, it's finally going to happen.

While the uniforms shown in the Boston Herald a few weeks back were a photo illustration based purely on imagination, the gist of the actual story was accurate. The Celtics announced today that they are in fact assembling a dance team to perform on game nights and represent the team in the community off the court.

Talent scouting is already underway. Marina Ortega joined the Celtics staff just before the end of the regular season, and she's tasked with assembling a top-notch dance team that will rival the likes of the Laker Girls and the Knicks City Dancers. Ortega's worked in the dance team and choreography business for almost 15 years with various teams in the NBA and NFL, and she's excited about the opportunity to make history with the Celtics.

"The most successful team in the history of the NBA is starting a dance team, and this is history. Any dancer would want to be a part of this, and this is going to be one of the best dance teams in the country," said Ortega.

The Boston Celtics are, of course, the last team in the NBA to field a dance team, and while the move will certainly raise eyebrows, Ortega is confident that the team will quickly be one of the most enjoyable aspects of attending a Celtics game at the Garden.

"I'm familiar with the tradition of the Celtics, and I'm just honored to be a part of that. I anticipate that some people might be turned off to the idea of a dance team and want the basketball to stand on its own, which it always has," said Ortega. "But in this day and age, entertainment is the key to a successful game night presentation, and the dancers can be the best part of that. I think if fans come in with an open mind, they'll wonder why we never had a dance team before."

But it's not all just glitz and glamour. Being a Celtics dancer is a part-time job with a full-time commitment. The competition for about 20 spots will be fierce, and for those who are selected, the rehearsal and appearance schedule will be demanding.

Auditions will begin with an open call on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at the Celtics Training Facility in Waltham, MA and continue with tryouts in other locations around the country as the team searches for the best available talent. Ortega says she's looking for "professional, responsible and talented girls who are in shape and can handle the schedule."

Dancers who make the cut will be required to attend a preseason training camp that will prepare the team with basic dance routines, as well as set the high expectations required of all team members. As the season begins, twice-a-week rehearsals of three-to-four hours, not to mention community and charity appearances will keep dancers extremely busy. That said, the large commitment of time and effort is worth the reward and prestige of representing the Boston Celtics both on and off the court.

Given her impressive background in the business, Ortega knows what she's looking for in a dancer, and stressed that there's more to it than just good looks.

"I like to see people with fire, energy, that spark in their eye, the passion. That comes through very easy. You can spot that a mile away. They need to project the confidence, attitude and professionalism we're looking for, strong women who carry themselves well," said Ortega.

Fans can expect a diverse team that performs to a wide range of music, from jazz, R&B and rap to rock n' roll, Broadway tunes and oldies too. There should be something for everyone.