A native of Nashville, Miami HEAT Dancer, Summer, has been dancing her whole life.
Summer is in her first season as part of the HEAT dancers. Aside from her routines on the court, she is an accomplished ballet, jazz and ballroom dancer. Her professional goal is to become a champion Latin dancer.
Summer is currently a student at Florida International University. Her hobbies are dancing and excercise and one day she'd like to travel to Italy.
Summer talked about what it's like being a professional dancer, what life is like in Miami and how she got there from Nashville as she chatted live on NBA.com this past Friday.
Nashville: Summer, What do you like the most about Miami. And miss about Nashville?
HEAT Dancer Summer: What I love most about Miami is the weather and the beach. What I miss the most about Nashville is southern people and Southern hospitality.
Al Malkin (Jersey City): Has Trista's appearance on the "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" opened any opportunities for the other HEAT Dancers?
HEAT Dancer Summer: I would say I think it has given a dance team a little more publicity and opened the door for a little more promotions and scheduled events from the show.
Tericka Clemmons (Glendale, AZ): I'm trying to get into good dancing shape and I want to know what excercises you do to stay in shape. What kind of foods to you eat?
HEAT Dancer Summer: That's a good question. OUr rehearsals are work out enough. But I also hit the gym, run the treadmill two or three times a week. Plus we have many workouts during our rehearsals as well. As far as my eating, I usually try to eat cereal in the morning, salad for lunch and have a nice dinner.
Erin (Clarksville, TN): How did you get interested in Latin dancing living in Tennessee?
HEAT Dancer Summer: The most successful ballroom studio is actually located in Nashville. And I was looking for a part-time job in college and there was an ad to teach Latin dancing. So I did that and the rest is history.
Eric (Allentown, PA): What was the motivating factor in you deciding to move from Nashville to Florida?
HEAT Dancer Summer: Through ballroom dancing I had visited Miami several times. I loved the weather. The idea of having more opportunities in a bigger city. And it's much easier to make my dance career more successful in a city like Miami.
Tony (Florida): Hi Summer. Ive have been to a couple of home games. All the games ive been to were awsome. I have to admire all your hardwork and dedication you have put on the team. I really admire that. I was curious, what does it feel like to dance infront of a huge crowd on home games? Thank you Summer!
HEAT Dancer Summer: It's definitely exhilarating. It's something I look forward to with every game. It's really wonderful.
HEAT Dancer Summer: Thanks to every one for logging on and I hope to see you at a home game soon. Love, Summer.
