Dance Life

The Laker Girls are the forerunners of dance teams in the NBA. For three decades they have projected their sunny California flair and style across the League. Third-year member Bria is L.A. born and raised, and she was on the L.A. SparKIDS squad a few years prior to joining the prestigious group in ’06-07.

Tell us about your double major of Dance and Pre-med.
Usually when people hear about my majors, they say they’re total opposites and they wonder how I handle both of them. Of course I like dancing—that’s my passion, and the Pre-med comes in because I want to get into sports medicine. I want to do physical therapy and athletic training, and I want to tie that into dance, try to get athletic trainers for dancers, and big dance companies, or even the Laker Girls.

What do you remember most from your rookie season?
The girls that had been on the team for a while, and their advice. As soon as I came in they were really helpful in giving hints and tips on everything. I remember their influence, and they were really nice and welcoming, so now that I’ve been here for three years I feel that I can better relate to the girls who are new, and now I’m the older girl.

How would you describe being a Laker girl?
It’s a huge responsibility, and it’s really an honor to be a part of. When you really step back and look at the scope of everything—the Lakers have such a rich history, and just to be on the court, and to see Kobe [Bryant] set records, just to be a part of that, it feels good. Everything ties together, and it feels like a family within the Lakers organization.

What was it like last year during the Playoffs and NBA Finals?
It was really exciting to be a part of those games. They are so intense, the lights just seemed brighter, the music seemed louder, and there was so much energy in the crowd. On the court we’re there to cheer them on, and when Kobe received his MVP award it was such a moment for him when he spoke to the crowd, and for us, we were being very supportive, and then it was time to get started and get into game mode.

What would you say is the most important position in the triangle offense?
I think that the center is really, really important, so they can pass the ball if, and when needed. I think that communication between all the players is [important], and knowing your team. Every person is flexible, and has versatility so they can be relied on for anything, whether it’s their position or not.

From the May/June, 2009 issue