It is that time again- the very first home game of the season! In just a few days, the fun begins! Since August, all of us dancers have been preparing for the season through workouts, practices, and appearing in numerous promotions reaching out to the fans and community. Very soon, we’ll be back in action in front of my favorite audience, the Wizards fans!

The best part of it all is being a part of the excitement of the game. I especially enjoy dancing at close games and the fans are on their feet all fired up. As a second year member of the Wizards Dance Team, I am just as enthusiastic as I was last year. Especially that I am dancing for my hometown team!

I’m anticipating for the season to finally get started. Although it has only been months since we danced at the playoffs in front of thousands of people, it seems like it has been forever. We’re set for the season with our hot new looks, uniforms, and dances. I’m optimistic the fans will love them too! Speaking of Wizards fans, I am hoping to see many familiar faces as well as meeting new ones at the first home game.

The excitement of the first game is only the beginning. I am thrilled about the entire season and looking forward to another Wizard playoff run. I hope to see and meet many of you this Saturday!

BLOG: Iman on the Home Opener...
October 31, 2006 - 7:50 PM

Wow, opening night is just days away! For me, it seems like only yesterday that I was shaking in my boots during finals at auditions. This is my second year on the team, and I can already tell that the bar for us has been lifted. I’ve been working hard to make sure I do my part to “bring it” this year. Unfortunately, I had to break my longstanding relationship with oatmeal chocolate chip pecan cookies to do it!

As a veteran, I’m more excited this year than nervous. Opening night has an energy all its own – you can practically feel the spark in the air. It’s amazing to know how much preparation and detail goes into that one night – to know how many people are planning and collaborating towards a fantastic evening. Over the past couple of months, it’s cool see how our dance team has progressed – from watching girls flex some rock hard abs to FINALLY being able to survive our kickline aka “The Thigh Master”.

But that’s just the dance side of the equation. I’m a Sports Junkie, and I am hearing GOOD things about this upcoming season. I saw some great plays at the preseason game this year, so I certainly agree! Now I really can’t wait – because nothing beats an opening night – other than an opening WIN.

Go Wizards!

BLOG: Lindsey gives her thoughts on the new Dance Team uniforms
October 24, 2006 - 10:00 AM

Last Thursday, a "Meet the Team" event was held for fans to greet their favorite players, and for the players to model their new alternate Gold uniforms.

The night started out with select players modeling the original White and Blue uniforms. The rest of the Wizards players modeled the New Gold and black alternate uniforms, which will be worn at select games, with the November 18th game versus the Cavaliers being the first game debut.

The brand new gold uniforms shirts trimmed with black and white were paired with black shorts trimmed with gold and white. The uniforms were well received by all, and these new colors seem to symbolize a bright, fresh, and successful new year to come for the team.

In addition to the Fashion Show, a few of us Wizards Dancers also got to show off our new uniforms. The new gold jerseys, matched those of the players, along with our sparkley gold shorts, really gave us a new vibrant look. I truly think our new colors made us stand out, and were also well recognized by our fans.

The fans who were in attendance, were also greeted by a carnival-like atmosphere, featuring games and everyone's favorite mascot, G-Wiz. The players ended the night signing autographs, while we got the chance to take some pictures, sporting our "New Look", with the fans. All in all, it was an enjoyable and memorable night for everyone.

BLOG: Crystal - "Lights...Camera…Pose… Its picture day!!!!"
October 23, 2006 - 12:15 PM

Lights...Camera…Pose… Its picture day!!!!

After taking a mid-term, I rushed to the Verizon Center so that I can get ready for this years photo shoot. I cannot believe that this is my fourth photo shoot as a Wizards Dancer. I am still just as excited as I was my first year. Once I got to the arena, I was whirled in to the frenzy. First, I had to get my hair done by hair stylist Demetress. Then it was off to get my makeup done by the fabulous dynamic duo LaVonne and Cindy.

While my hair is still in rollers and without a complete face of makeup my teammates along with people from office were snapping pictures. Oh Boy! I hope those never surface on the Wizards website.

Once I was camera ready, it was time to get dressed in our new uniform that we debuted at the pre-season game. It was officially time to get the party started. I watched my teammates before me take beautiful pictures and I hoped that I would be able to produce quality shots as well. Even though I had three photo shoots under my belt I still get nervous. This picture will represent me for the rest of season. The Pressure!!!!!!

It was my turn and luckily, our awesome photographer Napoleon as known as “Nappy” (we, the dance team give everybody a nick -name) made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I took my place got in my pose and “VOUGED”. Napoleon gave me great directions and I was amazed at how incredible the photos turned out.

Once we were all done, we changed into our swimsuits. We did the swimsuits at different locations around the Verizon Center. You know what they say, “Location is everything”. And it truly was! We made a location out of everything and anywhere. I doubt if anyone would be able to name all the locations where we took our photos. All of the photos look straight of a magazine.

I was so impressed with all my fellow teammates. And not to mention all of the people who helped us look so fabulous. Thanks to our hair sponsors, Easel Hair Studio and Demetress from D’Signz Unlimited, our make up artists LaVonne and Cindy, Bikini Splash for donating our swimsuits and of course the photographer Napoleon and Jeff his assistant.

This was by far the best photo shoot that I have ever been apart of. This is a great way to start another great year!!!!! Go Wizards!

BLOG: Rookie Dancer Lauren B. on her first photoshoot
October 17, 2006 - 4:30 PM

As a rookie, I was very excited for the photo shoot. I have never done anything like this before and did not know what to expect. So, in order to get ready for the shoot, I followed the advice of the team’s veterans. I ate healthy and worked out in order to look the best that I could. And let me tell you that the veterans surely know what they are talking about and I am glad that I followed their advice.

When the day started on Wednesday, I was ready to get my hair and my makeup done. The hair stylists were great and knew exactly what everyone was looking for. And as for the makeup artists, they were wonderful. They did everyone’s makeup beautifully and really took their time with everyone. I thought that both stylists really did a great job of making every one of us look beautiful.

Taking the actual photos was a lot of fun. It was like a real photo shoot. The photographer was awesome and did a great job in directing us while he took the pictures. From what I saw, the team’s pictures, individual and group, were amazing. I can’t wait to see the final result. This was a great experience for me and I am really glad that I had such wonderful girls to help me through it.

- Lauren

BLOG: Introducing Megan
October 14, 2006 - 1:00 PM

Let me start by introducing myself:

Hi, my name is Megan and I am happy to be joining the Wizards family! I am so excited about this new season! As a rookie member of this team, I feel priviledged to be dancing along side some of the most talented and accomplished ladies.

We are ready to show our fans what the real NBA experience is all about. I can not wait to show off all the hard work we have put in the past few months.

I am also a little nervous (which is good! I perform better that way). I want to do my part at being the best I can be at every game. I know that everyone doesn't feel a 100% everyday, but I don't want to disappoint the crowd.

So I have a favor to ask the fans. You guys are what keep us peppy and happy at the games! We feed off your energy and excitement. So when you see us out there on the court just give us a "YEAH DANCE TEAM!" and I'll cheer right back : )

- Megan