Sixers Dancers Blog: Ashley - 12/11/2009

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Posted by Ashley, Sixers Dancers rookie

This is my first season as a Sixers dancer and I am so excited to be on the court. After a great job opportunity performing with a contemporary dance company and a job teaching dance to adolescents landed me in Philadelphia, I was itching to get on the court and become a part of the Sixers family. So you can imagine my excitement when I received the phone call telling me I had made the team!

The past couple months have been fantastic but, this week takes the cake. Philadelphia has some of the best and most enthusiastic fans. You can definitely feel the energy in the arena at every game, and you can double the intensity now that Allen Iverson has returned. On Monday A.I. made his season debut in a Sixers uniform. From the moment I entered the Wachovia Center I could feel the anticipation in the air. By tip-off, the stands were packed. I couldn't see an empty seat in the house; it was amazing.

We were amped to hit the court, entertain the crowd and welcome Allen back to Philly. That night we performed two of my favorite routines: MJ Medley and Percolator. It was a treat to perform the Percolator since not only is this dance a throw back routine that was revamped and taught to us by former Sixers dancers Chikita and Renee, but they were also in the stands that night! We all wanted them to be proud of their work so we took the court and gave it our all. I must admit it felt great!

Before the game the dancers gathered anxiously in our dressing room to view our new swimsuit calendar. After viewing our calendar from cover to cover, we were ecstatic at the finished product! Everyone looks gorgeous! During halftime we signed calendars for fans on the concourse as a part of the Guys Night Out package. It was a pleasure to see their impressions of the calendar and we received great reviews from the fans.

On Tuesday we had our official launch party for the 2009-2010 Swimsuit Calendar at Public House. Our swimwear for the calendar was provided by South Moon Under, accessories by Joan Shepp, and hair and makeup by Bernard's Salon & Spa. We had the opportunity to work with photographer Michael Spain-Smith and shot at the Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City. His vision for each shot appears like artwork on each page. We also had former Sixers dancer Krystal Tini as our stylist. She truly has an eye for great style.

While I am on the subject of our calendar, I would like to thank everyone involved in the production of the calendar and everyone in attendance. My month is June, which is amazing because June is one of my favorite months. After the party I went home to prepare for the next day of classes and the game that evening.

On Wednesday night the Sixers took on the Detroit Pistons and the guys were hungry for a win. Due to our alternating schedule I was able to be on the sideline that night. The game was full of suspenseful highlights like Andre Iguodala's reverse dunk and Iverson’s seasoned veteran skills that help him weave in and out of the opposing team like a choreographed dance routine. That night the dancers performed Shook Me and So Fine. It is always great to see the fans entertained. I especially love the kids that I see dancing and cheering along with us. Since I am a dance instructor I really love to see children find their internal rhythm.

I'm off when Philly faces the Rockets and Golden State but I will definitely be rooting on the guys and my teammates. Next up on my Sixers Dancers schedule is court practice Tuesday evening for our upcoming games. Go Sixers! I'll see you on the court!