Dancer Diary #5 Are Dancers Really Athletes?

Posted by: Utah Jazz on February 2nd, 2011

The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.

Hey JAZZ FANZ!!

Hope you are all getting back into the swing of things. I am very happy to be back at school dancing all day long. Sometimes I forget how much I LOVE to dance. I do not know what I would do without it. Even when I dance at school from morning to evening and rehearse late into the night, I could never get sick of it. My body may be a bit worn out at times, however I always want to do it all over again. Luckily I have the weekends to rest and recoup and of course cheer on our awesome JAZZ!!

It is also time to start WINNING again! I think one thing that I have a hard time with is when we get to the end of a game, THE JAZZ are behind with 2 minutes left and the fans start to leave the arena. Do you know how many people left the game last season at the JAZZ vs. Cavs game before Sundiata Gaines made the 3-point shot at the buzzer? Well there were a lot that didn’t witness that amazing ending! I really do not understand fair weathered fans. If you love the JAZZ you should love and support them through thick or thin. Every team has it’s ups and downs… the NBA season is a long one… and things change often, for better or worse. Stick with us and I promise you won’t be disappointed!!

I have people ask me often what it takes to become a NuSkin Jazz Dancer. There was a special televised on KJZZ television this past week called “So You Want To Be a Jazz Dancer?” It was very fun for myself and the other JAZZ dancers to watch. I think it gives a bit of a glimpse into the process. If you take a look you may be surprised. Our job isn’t necessarily sugar coated. We train very hard. Many of us are College students and or work full time as well as for the Jazz. I think we will all agree that the service appearance’s that we make for The JAZZ organization are definitely the most touching and memorable. In order to be a Jazz dancer you need to be fit, athletic, and able to dance and perform in front of very large crowds. It’s essential that you are able to learn choreography very quickly. We perform around 40 new dances per season. You have to have a love and knowledge for The JAZZ and NBA basketball. You also need to speak and interview well. Most importantly you need to be classy and wholesome and an all around great representative of THE JAZZ and NuSkin organizations.

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about sports and how they influence our society. I have a class that has sparked many questions in this area. I think THE UTAH JAZZ is a huge asset to our community. The players and officials do so much out in the community and for those in need. Also I think the overall mood of the public changes in conjunction with how well our team is playing. I also believe everyone involved plays a huge role in our success. What are your thoughts? The subject of what is considered to be a sport has also come up. Do you consider us as dancers to be athletes? Or are we viewed as a lesser form of activity? Often dance is considered to be more of an art. However it can also be different in the form of pure entertainment. Just something interesting to think about. All I know is I am very proud of our team and what they do on the court and more importantly off! I also feel very privileged as a dancer to cheer on a team that I love!!

Replies: 5

 

Views: 10079

5 Responses

1. L.K.Anderson says:

   February 2, 2011 at 4:38 pm

   You have to be young to do what they do. I think they are athletes. They have to stay in shape, and a lot of practice time. (By the way their shape looks pretty good to me.) They have to learn drills, where to be at the right time and love people. Good luck girls.. But I hate to say it but age will wsomeday get you like it does everyone..
2. James Peterson says:

   February 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm

   lk, age won’t get you if you’re a robot.
3. Chusmer says:

   February 3, 2011 at 9:09 am

   Like what age are you thinking L.K.? I’m pretty sure there is a girl on the team right now that is 31. You ladies are athletes fo sho!! Go Jazz!
4. Linda Kay says:

   February 3, 2011 at 2:26 pm

   You are definately athletes, and after watching a special on how hard you train, I can’t imagine anyone thinking differently. I too hate to see the fair weather fans who leave to get a 5 min. head start out of the parking lot. Not that a free taco is a big deal but I don’t think they should start giving those out at the door until the last buzzer rings. Who deserves the little reward; the “fair weather fans” or the “stay to the end no matter what” fans? I also get upset that more people do not clap after the dancers perform. You have my appreciation in form of clapping.
5. L.K.Anderson says:

   February 3, 2011 at 7:05 pm

   @Chusmer: Kind of like the speed limit in a construction zone 55.. Seems like yesterday I was 31.