By Josh Cohen
Feb. 13, 2017
ORLANDO – Getting an invitation to NBA All-Star Weekend – whether it’s for the Rising Stars Challenge, any of the Saturday night events or Sunday’s primetime game – is a major accomplishment for any NBA player.
What you may not be aware of is that players and coaches aren’t the only ones to earn a trip to All-Star Weekend to be part of the show. And getting that call is just as exhilarating as it is for the players and the experience is equally fulfilling.
This season, one of the Orlando Magic’s dancers will be joining in on the All-Star fun. Nicole F., who has been a Magic Dancer since 2012 and is a team leader on this year’s squad, was selected to be part of the 2017 NBA All-Star Dance Team.
“When I found out I had the opportunity to represent the Orlando Magic at NBA All-Star Weekend, I was more than excited,” Nicole said. “I feel so blessed and honored to represent our organization, my teammates and coaches. It feels amazing to have so much support from them. I can't wait.”
This will be Nicole’s first time performing at All-Star Weekend. Some of her current and former teammates who have attended All-Star festivities in the past have been giving her plenty of advice and encouragement. Fellow Magic Dancer team leader Victoria R., for instance, attended last year’s All-Star Weekend in Toronto and has helped Nicole prepare for what’s ahead.
“Her advice has been to enjoy every moment, the fellow dancers are great girls, and to have fun,” Nicole said. “My teammates and coaches even put together a gift basket for survival of All-Star week. They are truly the best teammates and support system.”
“With my experience last year in Toronto, the only advice I would give to her is to just take in the experience because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Victoria said. “She is already an extremely talented and fierce dancer, so she definitely won't have a hard time killing it on the court; and she's extremely professional and hard working.”
“I know she will represent Orlando and the Orlando Magic organization well,” she added.
Nicole has an extensive and extraordinary dancing resume. She’s performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, been a backup dancer for Melissa Gorga from “Real Housewives of New Jersey” at Orlando’s Red Hot ‘n’ Boom and back up danced for many artists signed under Johnny Wright (most known for artists such as NYSNC, Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys). She also has been a professional dancer on the hit Telemundo TV show “Yo Soy El Artista” with artists like Luis Fonsi, Lucero and Olga Tanon.
Nicole has represented her favorite team throughout the world since becoming a Magic Dancer. She’s traveled to Brazil, Colombia and the Dominican Republic and has met countless NBA fans. She expects her time in New Orleans to be very similar.
“The fans are so dedicated to whatever team it is they support,” she said. “It's so much fun to be a part of and truly an honor to experience.”
Aside from learning some new dance routines, Nicole is looking forward to meeting and bonding with her All-Star teammates.
“I am ecstatic to be able to meet fellow dancers of the NBA and to be able to dance with them,” she said. “I'm excited to be a part of a group of women who all share the same passion.”