The Sonics home schedule was pretty light during November (only five home games), but don’t think for a minute the dancers had a lighter schedule. In fact, this was probably one of our busier months. As usual, we are busy at rehearsals twice a week perfecting routines. We also began a seven-week workout program as a team with trainer Brian Lydell at Bellevue Place Club. It is awesome to have the motivation of the other dancers working out with you. In addition, we run laps together at the Sonics training facility when rehearsals are held there. There’s nothing like getting in shape and feeling great before the holidays!

Kelly, Emily and Lisa promoted our commitment to being healthy and staying fit by attending the “Step With It” fitness event at Washington Middle School. They participated in the school assembly, taught the students a few dance moves, and even learned a dance from the students.

Later in the month, Leah, Kendall, La Shaunna and Kelly performed during the breaks of the championship game at the Seattle Challenge Handball Tournament held at the Washington Athletic Club in downtown Seattle.

Five of the dancers (Misty, Jessica P., La Shaunna, Lea L., and Stephanie) made a trip to Fort Hood, Texas to visit the Army base there. This was the second time the Sonics Dance Team has been invited to visit the base. Misty’s Fort Hood story is posted on the Dance Team website, so be sure to check it out.

The Dance Team also took their team poster shoot earlier this month. Our photographer took some amazing shots and they all turned out fantastic! The difficult part will be deciding which photos will be chosen for the poster. The dancers went back to the studio a week later to take individual shots for their website bios.

Four of our dancers who attend the University of Washington were featured an article in The Daily, UW’s school newspaper. Fellow Husky Kiana Parker is a writer for the UW Daily and also an intern for the Sonics. She followed Lea, Lindsay, Kendall and Robert through a rehearsal and interviewed them individually. Kiana put together a great article and showed another side of these dancers.

In keeping with tradition, the rookie members of the Dance Team participated in the Bon Marche Holiday Parade the morning after Thanksgiving. We also had a game that same evening where each dancer was introduced individually at halftime. Each dancer showcased a few eight-counts of their own choreography while their bios were read by our public address announcer.

November was a very busy, but exciting month. We didn’t find the time to plan our official outing as a team, so we all just met up for a late dinner at TGI Friday’s after the Sacramento game on the 15th. No matter how busy we get, our monthly team bonding is key! December promises to be just as busy. Have a safe and happy holiday season!