Hi, my name is Bobbie Jo and this is my life as Nu skin Jazz Dancer.

Aug. 13:
Well, try outs are here again. You would think I would be used to the nervous excitement of tryouts because I have already been on the team for two years. Instead, I feel like I’m six years old again, and its Christmas morning. I’m so eager and anxious because there are always surprises; just because you were on the team the year before doesn’t mean you’ll make it again.

There are always so many amazing dancers that try out every year; you just feel lucky you were ever a part of such an amazing team. With lots of anticipation, I get up at six a.m. in order to get to the Zion’s practice center around seven. My bag is packed for a long day; food, make up, three different pairs of dance shoes and several colored sports tops, just in case any one is wearing the same top I had planned to wear. It is important to be unique and stand out from all the other 200+ girls.

This tryout is extra exciting for two reasons. First, my little sister is trying out, and we have never had the chance to dance or cheer on the same team because I am 4 years older. Second, because the entire tryout is being filmed for a reality show on KJAZZ.

First, we are assigned a random number that we pin on for the judges to see. Next, we warm up by stretching, and then we learn a variety of combinations to do “across the floor”. It’s not too hard, just turns and leaps to check for technique, and then there was a cut.

My sister and I both made it and were ready for something more challenging. We learned a dance from a famous choreographer named John Peters. The dance was very showy and fun. I knew the judges would be looking for lots of personality with this one. I gave it all I had and felt good about my performance. Then, our director Jan Whitaker taught the next dance. It was a hip hop style. As soon as I got the dances down, I wasn’t nervous any more. I just had fun and let the judges know how much I enjoy performing.

By the end of the day, the dancers were cut to the final 25. Lucky enough, my sister and I both remained in the group. The dancers had the next day off to practice and perfect their routines. We all came back on Monday for interviews in business/professional attire (I always feel like a little kid playing dress up when I wear a suit), and the final dance auditions. I couldn’t wait for this day to end; all the anticipation was killing me.

I was nervous for my interview because there was a microphone and film crew in front of me, so KJZZ could have footage for their reality show. I just knew that if I said anything stupid they would for sure show it on TV. Overall, the interview went okay. I felt I could have done better; I might have mumbled a little bit. After all the dancers had their interviews, we had one last chance to perform. I felt really good about my performance and knew there was nothing more I could do.

Finally, it was time for the big announcement. The cameras were rolling as we all stood in line waiting for our number to be called. It was almost like “The Bachelor” picking his choice for a date because as they called your number you stepped up and got a long stem red rose. When they called my number I was so excited but, more than anything I wanted my sister to make it.

As they called girls up, one by one, it came down to the last number of the 17 member squad. Then, they called my sister’s number. I could barely contain myself; we both ran and jumped on each other. I know the team this year is going to be awesome; all the girls are talented dancers and have great personalities.

- Bobbie Jo