Dancer Diary: Naimah

This is the Diary of Na`imah Saleem, am auditioning for the Miami HEAT. “You think you know, but you have no idea.” Take a look into my life as I go through the days until the audition.

July 26, 2005

Well, this is it. I turned down going back home to DC and I am finally here. This may be the clinical, but I am treating it like it’s the real thing. As I sit watching dancers warm up around me, my heart is racing while trying to look calm in such a competitive situation. Well, at least I see Maisha’s and Susie’s friendly faces that I know from school. “Let’s start ladies.” The voice of Traci takes over my head, my palms are sweating, and everything is going crazy. As soon as I hear those magic numbers “5, 6, 7, 8,” I went into the zone. The veterans were so helpful and nice. They gave notes anywhere from your attitude to what to wear. What I really loved is how Janine and Jonaura gave their personal advice, which made me feel so nice. They told me how I should wear my hair to how I should apply my make up (I know my body is going to feel this in the morning). Ok, back to the story. Now, I have a good idea of what to expect in the audition and what I should wear. Well, I am done tonight. Tomorrow it’s all about finding an outfit and soaking in a long bath.

July 27, 2005

It’s easier said than done. Picking an outfit seems very easy, but in fact, it is very hard. Everything went through my head from what color looked nice to showing off my little assets. So, I thought about all the tips that where given yesterday. I searched and searched and finally found it! Wonderful.

July 28, 2005

I’m at another clinical; by the way, I love these things. Anyway, today was Hip-Hop, which I’ve never really have done before. I felt that this was one of my hardest clinicals yet, but the movement came pretty ok. Then, we had to do it up to tempo and some things were a little unsure to me, but you would have never noticed on my face. Ok, so I got it, and now it was group time. We were split up into 3 groups of 4 and the heat was turned up. “Remember give facial expressions, step now, shake harder, get lower,” where just some of the things going through my mind, but everything came out well. At the end of the night, we were able to sit down, ask questions, and receive more personal tips on accessorizing and things that would make each person stand out.

Until tomorrow….

July 29, 2005
Today, I am just going over some last minute stuff like accessories, clothes, something to enlarge areas that I am not blessed with (push up bra), and make up. Overall, I am just on chill mode, trying to be as stress free as possible.

July 30, 2005
Still on chill mode, stress free is the way to go! Of course that is not realistic. My nerves are shot. I am trying to clam myself down. I am so anxious about the audition tomorrow that I went to bed at 3:00 AM, and the audition is at noon. I kept trying to tell myself to go to sleep but I could not. By the way, this is the day I was supposed to go home (Washington DC, I miss and love everyone back home). This is a sacrifice I had to make. It’s show time tomorrow!

July 31, 2005
This is the real deal. When walking out onto the court, I felt the energy and nervousness from everyone. I had butterflies in my stomach. So I did what I do best under pressure: try not to freak out and have fun, but stay focused. We learned two routines with over 200 girls. There was hair flying, arms hitting, and jewelry everywhere, but I could not lose focus. We were then put into groups of five after we were supposed to stay on the court for our numbers to be called. The numbers that where called are the girls who would go to the next round. By this time my emotions were all over the place, but when my group went onto the court my mojo was in full force. My mind was racing and my body took over. Then, we were finished. I took a deep breath. All I heard was “Thanks. Can we see numbers……..27?” I was so excited, but I knew it was going to get harder. So, after everyone went, Janine added on to the routines. It was time for the second round. Now, I was in the first group, I went and prayed, then did what I had to do. All the groups performed, so now was the time they announced the finalist. We stood there in a straight line waiting anxiously for the results. I heard some numbers, then twenty…. (Yes that’s me) six. Okay, stand and just keep smiling is what I told myself. Finally, I heard number 27, I thought I was going to faint. All I could do was thank God that I made it that far and I know from here things would only get harder.

August 1, 2005
It is B day: First day of Boot camp. Things were chilled when I first got there. People were stretching and the veterans saw each other for the first time in a long time. Next, the new people auditioning learned the famous "Heat Dance" to "The Heat Is On." Everything was moving so fast that we learned the routine in like 5 minutes (that’s the honest truth), and then the real work began. We had a guess choreographer from “Live In Color” teach us a routine. I have to say thee were different movements than what I am use to, but I tried my best to dance my heart out. Then it was time for the “street dance” (correction not "booty dance"). Just when I thought we were finished, it was time to speed the music up. Then all Hell broke loose! I was feeling the music. It naturally flowed through my body and the movements were being executed. We split up into groups and performed. By that time, everyone was exhausted (you know you can’t let everyone know, so I went to get a sip of water and I’m on the side going over the movement with the details that were given). So we were finished for today and I was so hyped to see what’s to come. The next few days are going to be fun, hard but most of all a wonderful opportunity.

August 2, 2005
Today was one of the toughest boot camp days ever. I guess because I am sore and a little tired, I had to fight for the energy and stamina. (Ok, mommy, you are right. I need to start taking my vitamins.) Anyway, boot camp was filled with a lot of dancing and fitness. We began by learning a new dance, and then we refreshed our memory on the other routines. Next, we had an across the floor combination. I loved the combination because it had many turns and jumps just like I like it. Then, we went over everything we had learned so far. Just when I thought we were finished for today, the boot camp master came in and we started the real down and dirty, hot and sweaty fitness camp. After that, I really thought we were done. I thought I was going to die, but of course I had to keep pushing. The night was winding down and we were placed in our spots for the beginning. We rehearsed it over and over again so we all knew what was going on. Finally, the day was complete. I definitely know my entire body, from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet and all in between, is going to ache tomorrow. Well, you thought right tonight. I am going to get plenty of rest.

August 3, 2005
I woke up not as sore as I thought, which was very exciting to know. Today is preparation for the final audition. I had to get the last minute things that I am going to wear, come in for an interview and, last but not least, rest. In rehearsal we cleaned, spaced, and ran through the show. (It’s weird. When I think about tomorrow I get butterflies). Anyway, my mission tomorrow is to rest and get some black heels. So, this is it, the last entry before the big day. I would like to take this time and thank God and everyone for making this possible. I could not have made it this far without the help, love and support of my family and friends. Through this experience, I have realized a life lesson: to love the things you cannot change (being short and tiny) build on the things you can change (attitude, presentation, performance), and never be envious of anyone because we all have flaws and no one is perfect. I am glad to say that I did not go home without trying, took a chance, tried my best, and made it this far. Well, until tomorrow...

August 4, 2005
It’s the Big Day. I am so excited about the final audition. Emotions were running rapid and I felt so nervous. I could not sleep last night of course. At the arena all of us had full make-up and hair done, going over the routines then the music stops and a voice says “Let’s line up and go up stairs.” Everything started to move so fast. While we were up stairs every group performed then there was a huge pause while the judges deliberated. During the wait I tried to keep busy by watching TV in the dressing room, walking around, getting an interview (I was kinda skeptical because what if I don’t make it how embarrassing).

Anyway, I finally got a hold of my nerves and then I hear, “Their ready, let's make our way up stairs.” My heart started to beat ten times faster as we made our way up the stairs; by that time we got to the stage door I felt this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. I thought to myself if I make it ok if I don’t then I know I tried my best. As we lined up in our gorgeous outfits, I started to think again this is it I actually am standing here about to be added to the list of beautiful Miami Heat dancers (the number one NBA dancers) or a part of the thousands of talent dancers that have not been chosen. As Janine started calling out names I tried to keep an open mind and a smile. As soon as I heard my name I did the classic Miss America thing, you know hands over the heart mouthing the words, “O my god.” I promised myself that I wouldn’t do it because I always talked about how dramatic it looked but I could not help it. I felt like I was going to faint, I mean they actually called my name.

I took a moment thanked God and shaded a tear for my family that couldn’t be there to share the joyous moment. After the final team member was called and last photo was taken. I went and hugged and told the others who were not chosen good job and it is ok. But the night was still young the evening was filled with laughter, dinner, pictures, phone calls, and drinks (a spirit for me, not 21 yet). As I sit here typing this I am still in a state of awe it feels like a fairy tale or dream. This may be the end of the audition process but this is the beginning of a new journey as a Miami HEAT Dancer. I hope the year is filled with love, friendship, fun, hard work, dancing, dancing and more dancing. This has been truly a pleasure sharing my experience in becoming a Miami HEAT dancer and I hope you have enjoyed it.