Dancer Diary: Brooke

After learning a very high energy hip-hop routine, we were fortunate enough to have the coach and the members of the previous year's team there at the clinic to give out pointers and answer any questions we had. One of the previous members took the time to encourage the positive aspects of my performance while also critiquing the areas that could use improvement. This helped to give me an idea of what they would be looking for at the actual auditions. The coach, Janine, then gave us a break down of the commitment and skills necessary. From what to wear and what to bring, even an overview of what the audition would be like, Janine made me feel much more confident in what would lie ahead.

Just being at the clinic I could tell that the competition was going to be tough. With so many attractive and talented women, it is difficult to stand out. As the clinic came to an end, I took a moment to personally thank Janine and the HEAT Dancers for such a wonderful clinic. I know it takes extra time out of their schedule, but I wanted them to know that it really was helpful to those of us who were not sure what we were getting into. Janine then took a moment to learn a bit about me. It was great to see a coach that was so personable and easy to talk to; she made me feel comfortable and welcome. This team definitely has personality, and I could tell it would be a great group to be a part of.

Saturday July, 30th: Tomorrow is the audition for the Miami HEAT Dancers and I have, of course, been trying to be certain I am prepared. I bought a cute top to wear, but I don't want to be generic; so I then had to add sequins and rhinestones to give it a little bit of flair that will help me stand out. I bought some snacks for the day and pre-packed my bag with hair supplies, shoes, make-up and other necessities. Although I feel ready, there is always that feeling that I am forgetting something. In the past, the team auditions have required just briefs and a half top; very simple and clean. This audition, however, I knew would be very unique in attire, which meant I would have to get decked out... accessories, hair, lashes, and any other glam tricks. I am just hoping that I have what they were looking for in all aspects including; style, abilities, looks and personality. I am trying not to get too nervous yet, but with the auditions taking place tomorrow, my mind was racing.

Sunday, July 31st: This was the big day, and it was all I hoped for and more. Hundreds of beautiful and talented women showed up ready to compete for a spot on the Miami HEAT dance team. As I expected, these auditions were different than what I was used to, but it was a good kind of different. We started out with a short routine that was pretty basic and fun. Then we were immediately given a second routine to learn. This one was the challenge for me. It was high energy hip-hop, and between the two, it was a ton of material to memorize. I watched group after group go. Not a single girl in the first two groups was asked to continue to the next round. This set my nerves on edge. As I took the floor I felt butterflies overwhelm my stomach. Though my performance wasn't perfect, I felt I had done pretty well. I waited anxiously for the judges to make their decision. After what seemed like an eternity, they called my number and I was on to the next round.

Going into the second round I was already exhausted. We learned an additional portion that connected to the hip-hop combination. This cut was much more intense. As I watched each group perform, I realized just how great all of the dancers were that had made it to this point. My performance this round felt great, right up until the end where I hesitated for just a moment. Though my mistake was small, I felt as though my chances had come to a halt. They lined us all up and began to call the numbers that had qualified to continue onto the final round. Number after number I watched girls jump for joy as they joined the finalists, and then it happened, my number was called....I had made it to the finals. The judges had chosen me to compete in the finals.

Monday, August 1st: They sure don't waste anytime. As soon as we arrived for our first day of boot-camp, we immediately began learning a sideline routine. Within fifteen minutes we had finished learning that routine and were beginning a new hip-hop routine. They had a wonderful choreographer, Zed, come in to teach us the hip-hop dance. He was great, but he moved at a very rapid pace. Once we completed this dance, I was exhausted. We ran through it multiple times, wearing ourselves out. Then we began learning a short street section. I could hardly believe my body was still going. After we completed learning this portion we were free to go. And all I could think of, was my comfortable relaxing bed.

Tuesday, August 2nd: Today I had my interview with both the director and the assistant director, as well as the marketing assistant. Any and all job interviews are a little nerve wrecking. You can never be sure what questions they will be asking, so I always try to go in ready for anything. Thankfully they made me feel comfortable from the start. We mostly talked about my previous dance and educational background. Having danced for multiple pro-teams, including the San Diego Chargers and the Los Angeles Lakers, they were interested in learning about the differences and why I was now choosing the Miami HEAT dance team. I left the feeling pretty good about the interview, and I immediately had to change for our second evening of boot camp.

Going into our second night of boot camp, I was pleased to hear that this evening we would be learning a jazz routine. It couldn't have been more fun. We immediately began learning a Latin jazz routine with kicks, leaps and turns. This routine was going to show which girls had technical training. After learning this routine we lined up for a few across the floor combinations, which took the technical challenge to the next level. We were given combinations with jumps and turns of even more difficulty. This gave all of the girls with technical training a chance to strut their stuff. It was amazing to see the talent simply explode within the room. Most people don't understand how difficult it is to find girls that have both looks and dance training. This was by far the most fierce competition I had ever seen, each and every one of these women had the looks and the talent. The competition had just reached new heights.

To finish the evening off, we were given a "boot camp" class (as if we weren't sore enough). I though the first day was tough, but this was excruciating. By the end of the boot camp, I was certain my legs were going to give out and my arms were going to fall off. Hard to believe there were still two days to go.

Wednesday, August 3rd: Tonight we prepared for the finals performances that would take place tomorrow. We reviewed the routines that we would be performing and set the formations. It was obvious that we were all sore and tired, but no one was giving up. This preparation evening was just what we needed. It gave us a chance to perfect our moves and get more comfortable for the next evening.

Thursday, August 4th: This was it, the big night! Everyone was dressed to the "T", which made my nerves climb. How were the judges going to choose, when everyone looked amazing. It was so intimidating to be surrounded by 42 gorgeous and talented women. As we took the floor, I tried to simply focus on enjoying the moment, because once it was over, there would be no going back. My husband and one of my good friends were there to support me. I had so much fun, I love to perform and I made it through without any mistakes, now it was up to the judges. While the judges made their decision, we were sent to a waiting room to change and wait patiently.

It didn't take long before we were being shuffled back to the main room to hear the verdict. As they began reading off the names, I was pleased to see that some of the girls I had become friends with, had made the team. Although I was happy for them, I became more and more nervous as they had already named ten girls...., eleven girls..., only nine to go. That was when I heard my name. I hesitated a moment to make sure I had heard them right. As I joined the rest of the team I was beaming. I was so excited, I couldn't believe I had been chosen; but at the same time there were twenty girls that were not going to be joining the team. They were all great girls, each deserving of a spot on the team, but unfortunately they couldn't take everyone.

In the end, a great team had been chosen, it was certainly the best of the best. This is by far the most talented and attractive team I have seen. After taking some pictures and basking in the enjoyment, we were treated to dinner, where we had the chance to get to know each other even better. Even now as I write this entry it hasn't completely sunk in. I am officially a part of the HEAT Dance team, and looking forward to an exciting, fun filled year with this amazing group of girls.