Dancers

sacemarmolejo

Today, the Sacramento Kings unveiled the full roster for the 2018-19 Sacramento Kings Dancers, including honorary team member and local Make-A-Wish® child Yani of Sacramento. Through Make-A-Wish® Northeastern California and Northern Nevada, the Sacramento Kings are able to provide Yani with this unique wish enhancement – supporting her dream of dancing – while she waits for her wish.

“On behalf of the entire organization we’re excited and honored to have Yani join us as a member of the Sacramento Kings Dancers,” said Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis. “Her background as a competitive dancer along with her incredible attitude, resilient spirit and appetite for adventure make her a fantastic addition to this year’s team.”

Yani said “I am so touched and grateful to have this opportunity. The way the Kings Dancers make me feel says a lot about their team and makes me want to be a part of it even more. They make me feel like myself again.”

Yani is a passionate athlete who has spent most of her days on a competitive dance team until her life took an unexpected twist in October of 2017. She fell ill, and her blood pressure reached extraordinarily high levels alongside sudden kidney failure. Yani was hospitalized for 53 days and unfortunately experienced several complications ranging from pneumonia to blood clots and more. Doctors determined that her kidney failure was due to the autoimmune disorder, Lupus, and they began treatment soon after. Despite her unexpected battle, Yani’s condition is improving. She is a strong and resilient young girl who has the loving support from her family and friends.

“Yani is a bright young girl with deep passions and goals,” said Make-A-Wish President and CEO Jennifer Stolo. “We are happy to continue such a strong partnership with the Sacramento Kings to grant wishes and wish enhancements for children who deserve them.”

As a member of the Sacramento Kings Dancers, Yani will join the team throughout the season for select events including team building events, practices and community appearances, while learning more about the world of professional dance. She’ll have an opportunity to join the team for performances on Sacramento’s biggest dance stage -- on-court appearances during Sacramento Kings games.

Yani’s journey as a Sacramento Kings Dancer begins with the launch of the team’s website and dance team profiles. A behind-the-scenes video follows her during the team’s media day following selection.

The Sacramento Kings are dedicated to doing good, impacting the world and making Sacramento proud. Through various events and indicatives during the year, the Kings and the Kings Foundation spread messages of health, sustainability and education. The Kings and Make-A-Wish Foundation have granted several wishes throughout the Sacramento area including Garbage Man Ethan who held a press conference with the Kings at the State Capitol, Sac Ninja Bryant who saved Mascot Slamson and challenged Urijah Faber in an arm wrestling battle, and Sacramento’s Princess Alyla who was crowned on Golden 1 Center’s Plaza.

About Make-A-Wish®Make-A-Wish® creates life changing wishes for children with critical illnesses and are on a quest to bring every eligible local child’s wish to life. Research has shown that a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey. Make-A-Wish® Northeastern California and Northern Nevada was established in 1983 as one of the early local chapters of Make-A-Wish® America. For more information about Make-A-Wish Northeastern California and Northern Nevada, call 916.437.0206 or visit necannv.wish.org.

wish-kid-yani-selected-to-join-2018-19-sacramento-kings-dancers

Wish Kid Yani Selected to Join 2018-19 Sacramento Kings Dancers

nbaplatformservices

slamson-birthday-dance-off

Slamson Birthday Dance-Off

sacasingh

SACRAMENTO, CA - The Sacramento Kings today announced open auditions for the 2014-15 Sacramento Kings Dancers. Kings Dancers are an integral part of the team’s in-game entertainment and are actively involved in making a positive impact locally and globally.

Participants will learn a series of dance combinations and perform in front of a panel. Finalists will be invited to initial callbacks on Saturday, July 19 and final callbacks on Sunday, July 20.

DATE/TIME:Friday, July 18, 2014 at 5:00pm PT (Registration begins at 4:00pm)

LOCATION:Sleep Train ArenaOne Sports Parkway, Sacramento, CA 95824

INFO:Open auditions led by Kings Dancers Manager Jennifer Santich, Kings Director of Entertainment Tom Vannucci and choreographers Stephanie Wise and Joseph Creagh. Auditions are free and open to dancers at least 18 years of age (by October 1, 2014). Hip-hop and jazz background is preferred and ballet familiarity is a plus. All participants must bring a resume and headshot and wear a two-piece dance ensemble with nude nylons/tights and non-marking soled shoes. Contestants will be considered by Kings Entertainment Department and KCRA anchor and former Kings Dancer Lisa Gonzales.

Selected dancers will serve as team ambassadors, perform at home games, represent the Kings in media, and are involved in community events. The team makes hundreds of appearances in the Sacramento region annually and has represented the Kings and NBA in national and international tours, including a trip to India during September 2013 and China in July 2014. There is an upcoming trip planned to China in October 2014.

The 2014-15 Sacramento Kings Dancers will be announced on Friday, July 25, 2014.

For exclusive photos and coverage of dancer auditions, fans are encouraged to stay current with Kings.com and Kings Dancers social channels all weekend. Be sure to visit Kings.com July 21-24 to view and vote for your favorite finalists.

Dancers

Wish Kid Yani Selected to Join 2018-19 Sacramento Kings Dancers

Slamson Birthday Dance-Off

Sacramento Kings Announce Dance Team Auditions for 2014-15 Season