PrintWeek 3: Aisha
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Each great team needs veteran leadership. The Rockets Power Dancers are no different. While some RPD members are students and new to the RPD ranks, other Power Dancers are accomplished professionals. Power Dancer Aisha fits into the second category and is currently enjoying her third season as a member of RPD.
Aisha has watched a lot of basketball over the past three seasons and has attended a lot of RPD events. She knows that she has a lot to offer to those Power Dancers that are new to the team this year.
“As a veteran I definitely think that some of the rookies look up to me for my opinion on certain things from rules and regulations to expectations at appearances,” Aisha said. “Something that I have learned in the past two years that I can share with a rookie would be that time management is the key to an enjoyable season.”
As a full-time accounting analyst at a local oil and gas company, Aisha manages time as well as or better than anyone else on the team. When she is feeling bogged down, she also has a keen sense of keeping things in perspective and appreciating the experience of being a member of RPD, and would offer to share her knowledge with any struggling rookie.
“We all have full time jobs/students, and with 42 home games and dozens of appearances, effective time management allows you to make it through the season while still having fun,” Aisha said. “I would tell then when you get tired and your energy level gets down, remember auditions and how much you wanted to make the team and how many other girls would love to fill your shoes. Use that thought as a burst of energy. It works for me.”
Aisha is a Houston native, but like many Houstonians, she attended college not only out of the city, but of the state. After graduation, it didn’t take her long to return to Houston. In college, she stayed active by playing piano, cheerleading and tutoring students. Once back in her hometown, RPD became a perfect way for her to spend some of her newly found spare time.
“When I returned to Houston from college in Atlanta at Emory University and started working as an accountant, I felt a void,” Aisha said. “I missed being in front of a crowd and performing. I thought about coaching cheerleading, but I wasn't ready to stop performing, so I decided to try out for RPD. Thanks to hard work and good showmanship, the Rockets organization was able to see talent in me, and I made the team.”
Being from Houston, Aisha’s family has been “Living It” for as long as she can remember. While some families might be concerned about the time and physical constraints put on a Rockets Power Dancer, Aisha’s family was thrilled when she joined the Rockets organization.
“My family was more excited than me when I made the team,” Aisha said. “Rockets fans are very popular in my family. It goes as far back as my great-grandmother, who I grew up watching religiously cheer on the Rockets every night that they were on television. My grandmother followed in her footsteps, so you could say being a huge Rockets fan is in my blood. I was born with it.”
Aisha has no plans of hanging up her Power Dancer boots soon. Even in her third season, she still enjoys the thrill of taking the floor at Toyota Center in front of a raucous crowd.
“The most memorable moments of this season for me are lights out at the beginning of the game when we run out for player introduction,” says Aisha. “It’s a huge adrenaline rush with loud music, dancing, and roaring fans.”
While Aisha enjoys the moments in front of the Rockets faithful, she also said RPD moments outside the main court are equally special to her.
“The friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime,” Aisha says. “They have been built through all of the fun we have in the dressing room laughing, talking, joking and dancing all while helping each other get ready. Being around the girls and getting ready for the game in the dressing rooms is like going to the spa...very relaxing. We keep each other laughing and often times we forget about the daily events and struggles that exist in our lives outside of Toyota Center. Lastly, the appearances where we go out into the community to motivate kids and brighten their days are also unforgettable experiences.”
You can see Aisha and the rest of the Rockets Power Dancers at every Rockets home game as well as appearances throughout the community during basketball season.
