The HEAT Dancers, winners of the NBA’s Dance Team Competition bracket where they were crowned “The Most Popular Dance Team in the NBA,” is the league’s premier dance team. USA Today heralded the HEAT Dancers as “cutting edge,” “well-drilled and hip.” In addition to being featured on ESPN’s ‘The Season,’ and MTV’s countdown show ‘MTV Hits,’ the HEAT Dancers earned their greatest honor to date when they were selected to participate in the 2006 NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston. The HEAT Dancers were even celebrated on ESPN.com’s ‘Page 2.’ Gregg Easterbrook writes that “their allure an indicator of a power shift -- the best-looking beach babes now congregate in South Florida, not California.” The HEAT Dancers’ exceptional talent, fiery personalities and sizzling good looks keep basketball fans ablaze during every home game.

Dancing for the HEAT also proves to be a gateway to the entertainment world, as several former HEAT Dancers achieved stardom. Trista Rehn (2000-2002) was the star of the popular ABC reality series ‘The Bachelorette,’ and has appeared in a number of other TV shows including ‘The Bachelor,’ ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and ‘Fear Factor.’ Jessica Sutta (1999-2002) is a vocalist for the pop group ‘Pussycat Dolls’ and was featured in the music videos of Will Smith, Beyoncé Knowles and Gloria Estefan. Most recently, Layla El (2004-2006) was the winner of the ‘2006 WWE $250,000 Diva Search.’

HEAT Dancers tryouts will take place at 12:00 p.m., and auditions are open to those who are 18 years or older (by August 27) who have experience in dance, gymnastics or cheerleading, along with an outgoing and dynamic personality. Hopefuls participating must wear dance attire and sneakers and are encouraged to submit a resume and headshot.

All participants will be taught a routine to be performed in groups in front of the judges. Approximately 40 dancers will then be selected for a three-day boot camp, which will better assess their skills. Boot camp will begin on Monday, August 28 and run through Wednesday, August 30 from approximately 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. each night. Final cuts will be held at Bongos Cuban Café, located on the east side of the AmericanAirlines Arena, on Thursday, August 31 at 8:00 p.m.

The Jr. Jam, the HEAT’s high-energy, youth dance troupe, will hold its audition at 8:00 a.m. for children between the ages of 7 and 13 at the AmericanAirlines Arena. All participants must wear dance attire and sneakers and are encouraged to bring a headshot and resume.

All kids trying out for the Jr. Jam will be taught a routine to be performed in groups in front of the judges. Approximately 20 dancers will be selected to compete with veteran Jr. Jam dancers. Finals will be held on Saturday, September 9.

Both auditions are free. For more information, log on to HEAT.com.