Honeybees’ Karin Headed to All-Star Game

February 14, 2007

Karin is representing the Hornets and the Honeybees dance team in Las Vegas this week.

While Honeybees member Karin undoubtedly impressed fans with her dancing ability and engaging personality, she also had a secret weapon during the All-Star dance team voting process: An ambitious class of high school students from Medford, Okla., a town located near the Kansas border of about 1,000 citizens.

“I have a very good friend whose mother is a high school teacher in Medford,” the personable second-year Honeybee explained, smiling. “She had all of her students log on to the Internet every morning and vote for me, and she gave them extra credit if they went home after school, voted for me again and brought in the printout that (proved) they had done that.

“There were a lot of people who really care about me who went the extra mile to help me accomplish something that I really wanted to do.”

At this time two years ago, the Oklahoma City native never imagined that she’d be a member of ANY big-time professional dance team – Oklahoma’s capital city did not have a major sports franchise before the Hornets’ unexpected arrival in September 2005.

After receiving the most votes among three Honeybees candidates, Karin headed to Las Vegas on Monday to participate in the NBA’s first-ever All-Star dance team. Since Las Vegas does not have an NBA team of its own, the league decided to have each of the 30 clubs send one dancer apiece. Honeybees members Leah and Talor were also nominated.

“Dance was something that I’d always loved to do since I was very young, but I never thought I’d be able to dance professionally for a team, without moving somewhere like New York or L.A.,” Karin, a former University of Oklahoma pom squad member, described. “I never thought I’d have the opportunity to do this in Oklahoma City, so I decided to go for it. It was a lifelong goal that I was able to accomplish.”

Karin arrived in Las Vegas prepared for a week filled with activities. The NBA All-Star dance team is scheduled to perform at a celebrity basketball game, as well as during Sunday’s All-Star Game.

“The first day there are nine hours of practices,” Karin said. “There are also fittings, on-court rehearsals and appearances. It is a jam-packed week, but it’s going to be really exciting.

“A year and a half ago, (Oklahoma City) didn’t even have an NBA team. This is a dream come true and a tremendous opportunity. To be a part of the first-ever NBA All-Star dance team is an incredible honor, especially to be able to represent not only the entire Hornets organization, but New Orleans and Oklahoma City as well. I feel like I’ve been a part of history.”