All women interested in becoming a member of the 2010-11 Thunder Girls dance team are encouraged to attend an open audition on July 10. Dancers must meet the minimum age requirement (18 years old by Nov. 1, 2010) in order to participate.
The audition will be held at the Ford Center, located on Reno Avenue in Oklahoma City. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the audition starts promptly at 11 a.m. While we can not predict the exact time you will be done, you should plan to be there as lateas 5 p.m.
All dancers will be reviewed over the course of several dance combinations with cuts being made on a round-by-round basis. Approximately 40 women will be invited to attend the final phase of auditions to compete for one of the 18 to 20 spots on the team.
Although dance skill is an important asset, there are many other attributes that we look for when selecting finalists and dance team members:
- Dance skill and rhythm
- Reliability
- Enjoy community events/service work
- Like being part of a team
- Photogenic and comfortable with public speaking
- Confidence level
- Attractive and athletic
- Showmanship and crowd appeal
- Approachable and outgoing
Attire & Appearance
As Thunder Girls are primary ambassadors for the Oklahoma City Thunder, appropriate appearance is pivotal and should be taken very seriously during the audition process. We have compiled a list of suggestions below to steer you in the right direction:
- Two piece dance/workout attire (half top and briefs or boy cut shorts with flesh colored hosiery is required; nothing baggy
- Jazz, dance or tennis shoes; no bare feet or heels
- Performance make-up
- Neatly styled hair; hair down or partially up is recommended
- Keep away from distracting accessories (e.g., glitter
- Cover your tattoos and wear minimal jewelry (i.e., stud earrings not hoops)
Registration
All mail-in registration must be postmarked by Friday, July 2. If you miss this deadline, you can also register in person on the day of audition.Step-by-Step InstructionsMail | Must be postmarked by Friday, July 2, 2010 | $20 audition fee
1. Log on to thunder.nba.com 2. Follow links to Thunder Girls page and then the “Audition” tab 3. Print and fill out registration form 4. Cash, money orders and checks payable to Oklahoma City Thunder accepted 5. Submit form, current headshot (5x7 or larger) and payment to:
In-Person | Walk-ins accepted day of audition| $30 audition fee
1. Log on to thunder.nba.com 2. Follow links to Thunder Girls page and then the “Audition” tab 3. Print and fill out registration form 4. Cash, money orders and checks payable to Oklahoma City Thunder accepted 5. Bring form, current headshot (5x7 or larger) and payment to the auditionAbout the Thunder Girls
Thunder Girls is the official dance team of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Its primary role is to entertain at all 41 home games during the season, and to serve as year-round Thunder ambassadors during team and community events. Our dancers are paid, professional, part-time employees and are required to re-audition for their position each season.Final Auditions
If you are selected as one of the finalists, below you will find the mandatory dates for all Thunder Girl finalists:
1. Attend a group interview session at your scheduled time (approximately 30 minutes long in front of a panel of Thunder staff) on Monday, July 12, 2010. 2. Finalist rehearsals the evenings of July 13 and July 14. 3. Attend and perform at the final audition in front of an audience and panel of judges (2010-11 Thunder Girls team is announced at end of evening) on Thursday, July 15.Making the Team
Your first two mandatory activities as a Thunder Girl are:
1. A weekend Mini Camp to help you get acquainted with your new teammates and coaching staff, TBD 2. Thunder Girls 2011 Calendar photography shoot, TBD
There are many perks to being a Thunder Girl including, but not limited to the following:
- Paid rehearsals
- Game nights
- Community appearances
- Comp tickets to home games
- Free hair styling
- Free tanning
- Free personal training
- Free gym membership
- Long-lasting friendships
Less glamorous (but equally important) is that you will be held accountable to the dance team’s policies and requirements. Each dancer will sign the 2010-11Thunder Girls Contract and adhere to the rules and regulations outlined therein (e.g., time commitments and professional standards of attitude, appearance and conduct).
If you are selected as a Thunder Girl, you become part of the NBA—an organization whose history is deeper and wider than our city or our team. As you will be viewed both as an extension of the NBA franchise and a role model to the community, this job should be treated with the utmost professionalism and respect.