Photo Gallery: 2006-07 Magic Dancers

By Amanda Norvell

After a lot of tears, 12 renditions of the final audition routine and the dramatic addition of two extra spots on the Orlando Magic Dancers squad, the 2006-07 team was announced Friday night at Pleasure Island.

Emcee Scotty B. hosted the dancer finals at Motion nightclub in Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island Friday night, and what a finale it was. Split into groups of three, the 36 finalists performed for a panel of ten judges, ranging from Orlando Magic General Manager Otis Smith to a season ticket holder as well as friends, family, and Magic fans.

While waiting in the loft of the nightclub to perform, the girls practiced their dance steps over and over as their competition performed on the stage below.

While most of the girls would admit they were nervous before they got on stage, it was the waiting after the performance that proved most difficult.

“I just want to know if I made it,” said Aziza, a member of the new squad. “I was nervous to dance, but this is a whole new level of nervousness.”

The night was filled with Magic entertainment including performances by former Magic Dancers, the Silver Stars senior dance team and even the Magic marketing interns – who performed their version of the final routine while the judges were tallying up the final scores.

But in the end, it was all about the naming of the 2006-07 Magic Dancers, and it was done in dramatic fashion. After a long deliberation period, Scotty B and Jeanine Klem-Thomas, the Manager/Choreographer of the Magic Dancers, finally came to the stage to announce the 18-member squad.

With all 36 finalists lined up backstage, holding-hands, eyes closed, and silently praying to hear their name, the new team was called one-by-one to the stage. As Scotty B. called the final name, there were 18 broken hearts left backstage. As the tears began to fall, and the girls began comforting one another, Scotty B. unexpectedly announced the 19th and 20th members of the Orlando Magic Dancers.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled,” said Jeanine, of her new team of 20. “The talent pool this year was so deep. We’ve got a great team and it’s going to be a great season.”

Now the real training will begin with rehearsals starting September 5th.

The Magic Dancers participate yearly in over 300 events, contributing over 700 hours of community service. Although the first full-team appearance will be at the Magic’s first preseason game, set for October 17 against Atlanta, expect the new Magic Dancers to be popping up at events soon.