Knicks City Dancer Heather's Chat Transcript
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Heather, the Co-Captain of the Knicks City Dancers, has been dancing with the squad for five years.
She's also in her second season of heading up the Knicks City Kids dance team. Beside dancing for the Knicks, she also spends her summers dancing for the New York Liberty.
Heather has sung the National Anthem before Knicks and Liberty games, and is pursuing a career in the media. She currently works for a local news station here in New York City as an Assignment Editor and field producer, and hopes to enjoy a career as a journalist.
Find out more about Heather as she chatted live on nyknicks.com this Tuesday, March 4.
Jenny: Just wondering when you will be holding auditions for the Knick City Dancers. I am interested in trying out.
KCD Heather: It changes. Sometimes June. Sometimes August. The best thing to do is check the Knicks website this summer.
joathlete-nyc: what is the difference between a NYK cheerleader and dancer? Why do you girls get annoyed when called a cheerleader. I guess it's a politically correct thing for you girls
KCD Heather: We don't really get annoyed. There is, however, a difference. Knicks City Dancers have to have technical dance training for at least seven years. If you watch our routines compared to cheerleaders, first of all they have pom-poms. We do a lot of technically difficult routines. We know that some people don't understand the difference, so it doesn't annoy us. But if you come see us, you'll definitely see the difference.
Lisa - Boca Raton, FL: Hi Heather,
What has been your favorite routine to perform this season?
Good luck!
KCD Heather: We did a number with basketballs that is called "Sweet Georgia Brown". That was definitely the best routine because it was such a challenge to work with the balls and still do our turns and stuff. And we performed it to perfection, might I add.
sue, miami: heather who are some of the women journalists that you admire?
KCD Heather: Actaully there are two that I really admire. Barbara Walters is bright and intelligent and broke ground for the field of women journalists. Katie Couric is great because she can keep the light stuff light and can handle tough news as well. Also, I admire her because she was fired early in her career because of her voice, but she never got down and kept working. I'd have to say those two are my favorites.
steve Manhattan: hi heather you;re the greatest. do you think you need to go to journalism school to be in the media or can you just jump right in.
KCD Heather: I believe that Journalism school is the way to go. But I don't think it's the end-all. There are many journalists that don't have four year degrees who are doing very well. I would stress the importance of a degree, but a lot of it really depends on your natural talent and work ethic.
kiarra: What have been some of the most exciting moments as a field producer?
KCD Heather: I got to do a Q&A with Michael Bloomberg. Just being able to meet the mayor was a thrill in itself.
peter, detroit: what kind of music do you like to sing: pop, show tunes, rock or what?
KCD Heather: I love singing everything. If it's playing, I'll sing to it. I really enjoy pop, but I've been known to sing a show tune here and there.
Robin - Belguim: how does it feel to be around in the dance team fore 5 years?
greetings Robin
KCD Heather: It feels incredible. I've seen the team expand in what we've done artistically, athletically and creatively. We always go beyond what we did the year before. Every year is a new experience. And we do things only the KCD can do. That's why I love this job so much.
holly, dallas: Are you originally from new york if not where and how did you end up there?
KCD Heather: I'm originally from Titusville, FL. I ended up in New York because as a small girl I always knew I'd end up here. When I graduated college, I packed up my car and at 19, moved up here.
Philadelphia: Hello! Heather! How do you stay focus during the game? and How do you maintain your mind on the game with all the noise from the fans?
KCD Heather: Good question. If you don't stay focused, you'll lose track. It gets easier with time. I've grown as a dancer and now I can just throw a switch in my head and get focused. You have to because of all the fans watching you.
(Mark (Rutgers-NB): Hi Heather,
What do you think about more male dancers working at NBA or WNBA games? I have always aspired to be a dancer and being one for the Knicks would be a dream come true. Do you think there is a future for male dancers in the NBA?
KCD Heather: I think it's fantastic that you want to be a dancer and you should chase your goal. I think there is an opportunity for the NBA. We already have males on our WNBA roster. There's so many opportunities around the league. If your goal is to be a dancer, you should follow thorugh with that. And the WNBA is a perfect place for that.
KCD Heather: Thank you all for being New York Knicks and KCD fans. Thanks for watching and whatever you dream in life can come true. Dream! Believe! Achieve!
