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More than 8,500 fans voted on www.njnets.com for the 14th and final dancer for the 2005-06 Nets Dancers squad. The winner was Marla Collins, of Piscataway, N.J., who received 62 percent of the vote to defeat two other competitors.
Open auditions for the Nets Dancers drew over 250 participants on Sunday, July 10th at the team’s practice facility. Forty dancers were invited to return the following evening for a final audition in front of celebrity judges Paul “Cubby” Bryant of Z100 Radio, MTV VJ Vanessa, and Broadway Dance Center’s Ginger Cox. Thirteen Nets Dancers were selected, as well as three additional candidates who competed for the final spot that would be selected by fans online.
“The Nets Dancers are an important part of our fan entertainment experience so our fans deserved the opportunity to choose the final dancer for the upcoming season,” said Petra Pope, Nets senior director of entertainment marketing. “This vote was part of our All Access campaign to provide our fans unprecedented access to their team. It is important for them to know that they are a part of the Nets family and that we appreciate their interest in the Nets.”
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MARLA 62% Hometown: Piscataway, NJ Hobbies: Dancing, swimming and playing with my dog. Why I want to be a Nets Dancer? It is my passion to perform. I love to dance and it would be an honor to be a member of a team that Petra directs (she is very accomplished in this field). It is also a dream to dance in front of thousands of fans and do what I love most. What I can bring to the Nets Dancers: I love to perform and be part of a team. I have an enery and excitement about dancing that I bring to anyone watching me. |
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LINDSAY 22% Hometown: New Brunswick, NJ Hobbies: Dancing and playing with my two dogs: Slider and Bentley, and watching the Delmarva Shorebirds. Why I want to be a Nets Dancer? I would love to be a Nets Dancer to be a part of a wonderful program directed by Petra. I love to dance and feel the energy from all the girls on the team and from the crowd. What I can bring to the Nets Dancers: I can bring motivation, charisma and tons of fun. |
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MERRILL 16% Hometown: Somerset, NJ Hobbies: Dancing, shopping and friends. Why I want to be a Nets Dancer? I love the rush I get when I perform in front of a crowd and getting the crowd pumped. Dancing is my true passion and I want to be a part of the new hottest team in the NBA. What I can bring to the Nets Dancers: Strong teamwork and dedication. I am responsible and can bring my dance experience to a whole other level that is needed to make the Nets Dancers the best it can be. |
