Meet the 2008-09 Wizard Girls

TOP ROW: Teneii, Lindsey, Courtney, Angela, Erica, Jessica
MIDDLE ROW: Dawn, Kim, Kristie, Stephanie, Sammantha, Megan
FRONT ROW: Myra, Lyndsay, Alexandria, Kahla, Vanessa, Jennifer, Nina
Congratulations to the 2008-09 Wizard Girls
The Wizards announced the 2008-09 Wizard Girls after the final round of auditions on Sunday at Verizon Center. Please check back later for more updates and exclusive coverage!
MORE FROM THE FINALS: Video Highlights | Photo Gallery

The 2008-09 Wizard Girls auditions are underway this weekend at Verizon Center. Over 140 applicants showed up Saturday morning for the tryouts. After two preliminary cuts, contestants were broken into groups of six to learn two dance routines. This would be their last chance to impress the judges. At the end of Day One, 35 ladies were chosen to compete in the finals for a chance to be the next Wizard Girls. The final round is open to the public 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 29.
More
: Video Highlights | Photo Gallery

MEET THE DIRECTORS
Brianne Ritzert
Assistant Director
Jessica Pikulski
Director
Kelly Owens
Assistant Director
Brianne began dancing at the age of three at Lee's School of Dance in Butler, PA where she studied Cecchetti ballet, jazz, acrobatics, tap, pointe and lyrical. At Penn State, she performed with the Orchesis Dance Company and spent four years on the Lionettes Dance Team. Since moving to the DC area to pursue a career in systems engineering, dancing has continued to be a big part of her life. She spent three years with the Washington Wizards Dancers, has graced the stage of the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra, and is now a performing member of Capitol Movement Inc. Brianne is happy to rejoin the Wizards and anticipates an exciting new year with the Wizard Girls!
Originally from Ossining, NY, Jessica grew up dancing in her mother's ballet studio, The Maggie Brown School of Dance. She trained with several ballet companies in NY, PA, and SC. In college, she performed and competed with The Penn State Dance Team. After graduating, she joined the Washington Wizards Dancers for four years. In 2004, she joined the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders for another four years of professional cheering. She hung up her poms in January 2008 and now she and her husband are thrilled to be expecting their first baby in August. Jessica is excited to be back with the Wizards and looking forward to introducing the Wizard Girls to our fans!
Kelly grew up dancing and cheering through high school. Then, she moved on to become a member of the first dance team at Western Carolina University. After making a move from North Carolina to Virgina, she finished her college dance career with the George Mason Masonettes. In 2000, she became a member of the Washington Wizards Dancers and performed on the court for 4 years! In her career, Kelly has traveled to different areas of the world to perform for our nation's troops! She's been to Afghanistan, Hungary, Germany, and more! Just like her good friend Jessica, she hung up her poms in January. Kelly is thrilled to be back at the place she started her professional career with the new Wizard Girls!