Ariel is in her third season as a Denver Nuggets Dancer (DND).
This Thornton, Colorado native has been dancing for a very long time. So long, that in fact some of her current teammates were not even born before she started tapping and twirling around.
“I've been dancing for about 21 years now,” said Ariel. “My earliest dance memory is getting my very first leotard costume for my first recital. My mom actually had to hide it from me because I wanted to wear it every day and she was worried I was going to ruin it before my performance.”
Due to her witty personality and fun-loving nature, she has gained two quality nicknames over her lifetime: Mini Me and Mermaiden.
Ariel’s longstanding dancing skills have earned her several note-worthy awards and recognitions, especially while she was still attending high school.
“I danced on a competitive team throughout high school and we took CHASS Colorado State Poms division third place while I was a sophomore, second place while I was a junior and first place as a senior,” recalled Ariel.
Her dancing feet have not only honored her with trophies and medals, but while a member of the DND her talents have allowed her to represent the Nuggets Dancers and positively influence Nuggets fans in the community.
“My rookie season I was able to participate in a charity appearance for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. They held a 2013 Denver Muscle Team Gala for kids with muscular dystrophy who did a summer camp and were to be presented with awards for their accomplishments,” Ariel reflected. “Honestly just being there for these families… how grateful they were for our presence to support them. I never thought I could have an impact like that.”
Ariel knows how influential her public appearances have been over the years and appreciates every moment she gets to spend in the public’s eye.
True to her astrological sign as a Capricorn, Ariel is independent and goal-driven. When this girl has an idea, she goes for it full-throttle and is not afraid to dabble in her interests all at once.
“Outside of being a Nuggets Dancer I'm an active, hands-on person,” she professed. “I am currently an Operations Manager for a real estate office. I love being outdoors, starting craft projects, and hanging with my family. Fitness and wellness are also a huge passion of mine and I am currently an entrepreneur creating my own fitness business. The business I'm trying to build will eventually lead to my own health and wellness center where people can receive exercise programs, nutritional plans, full-wellness coaching, and fitness competition coaching, complete with mobile apps, supplements, and online coaching.”
With such a go-getter attitude and ambitious mindset, it’s no wonder Ariel lives by several powerful quotes to keep her motivated and focused on her end goals.
"I am a HUGE quote person in every aspect of life, but I have three that I live by day-to-day,” she said.
At first they'll ask you WHY you're doing it, but then they'll ask HOW you did it.
Life is not about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself.
Dreams become reality one choice at a time.