Isaac SimpsonMost of the hundreds of young women who showed up at the Laker Girl tryouts on Saturday had been dancing their entire lives. Some went to Juilliard. Some danced with world-class ballet companies. Some were professional cheerleaders with NFL teams.
Since dance is not a fairly compensated field even at the pro sports level, almost every woman at the tryouts had a day job ranging from kinesiologist to butcher's assistant. Each dancer had minutes to learn, practice and perform several dance routines in front of a panel of judges. In three hours, there was only one fall.
Laker Girls aren't frivolous objects of the male gaze, despite what people may say in the comments sections of posts like this. They're pros at the top of their game, just like the male players they support. They just don't get paid like it.]
Credit: Star Foreman
Savannah Edlund
Hometown: South Orange County
Day Job: Butcher's assistant in Mission Viejo
Dance Experience: Training since two years old, dancing competitively since eleven, cheerleader in high school.
Why Should They Choose You?
“I can mold to become what they want me to be. Laker girls are so clean and funny and perfect, and I've I think I could do that. I'd be the happiest Laker Girl they've ever had.”
See also: Our full photos gallery of the Laker Girls auditions
Credit: Star Foreman
Starkesha Brown
Hometown: Detroit, Mich.
Day Job: Entrepreneur, working on real estate license
Dance Experience: Detroit Pistons 3 years, San Diego Chargers 2 years
Why Should They Choose You?
“I'm Starkesha Brown. I don' t think there's another Starkesha Brown out there.”
Credit: Star Foreman
Gabrielle Velasquez
Hometown: Apple Valley, Calif.
Day Job: Student at Cal State Northridge, communications major
Dance Experience: On the Cal State Northridge dance team, dancing since age 3
Why Should They Choose You?
“I'm a performer, not just a dancer. Some girls dance their whole lives and some girls perform their whole lives. That's what sets a Laker Girl apart. When you can light up a room it's a totally different thing.”
See also: Our slideshow of Laker Girl auditions
Credit: Star Foreman
Nicolette Leffler
Hometown: Yorba Linda, Calif.
Day Job: Graduate student in nutritional science, Cal State Los Angeles
Dance Experience: Four years on UCLA Dance Team, captain for two years, dancing since age three.
Why Should They Choose You?
“I know I'm a grad student, but I'm here to work it. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't ready to commit full time. I've grown up loving the Lakers, and every practice, every game I would be so grateful to be there.”[
Credit: Star Foreman
Shelbie Kovach
Hometown: Chandler, Ariz.
Day Job: Full time Laker Girl (they have to re-audition). Also teaches dance classes at a studio
Why Should They Choose You?
“My dance level is very advanced, and I try my hardest with facial performance so they can see me. I want them to know I'm smart.”
Best Thing About Being a Laker Girl?
“It's so much fun. Games, charities, promos, all so much fun. Dance is what I love, and doing it with my best friends is an amazing experience.”
Credit: Star Foreman
Stephanie Clark
Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.
Day Job: Student at Belmont College in Tennessee
Dance Experience: Went to Juilliard, danced with American Ballet Theater, now a Tennessee Titans cheerleader
Why Should They Choose You?
“I grew up as a classical dancer, but I then realized I have a commercial look so why not give this a try? NBA dancers are very commercial, even more so than NFL dancers, so I think I'd be a great fit as a Laker Girl.”
See also: 10 Best L.A. Dance Clubs For People Who Don't Like Dance Clubs
Credit: Star Foreman
Brittany Bennett
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.
Day Job: Just graduated with a masters degree in clinical social work. Currently taking a break
Dance Experience: Dancer for Arizona State University, football and basketball
Why Should They Choose You?
“For about 5 years I've wanted to audition, and the time came to finally go for it. It's the most prestigious professional team for a dancer to be a part of. I'm dedicated, and I'm a hard worker, and it would mean the world to me to make it.”
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Front right, doing the high kick; Credit: Star Foreman
Jessica Elliot
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Day Job: Assistant to the coach of the Laker Girls, dance teacher
Dance Experience: Former Laker Girl
Why Did They Choose You?
“It's about being a girl that other girls can relate to. I had a very strong dance background, so I think I did very well at that. I was very willing to learn, I was like a sponge and take on anything. And you can see that during the audition. “
Best Thing About Being a Laker Girl?
“For me at a young age it was great. I'm from Ohio, so I got to introduced to L.A. really quickly and made a lot of friends at a young age. And I got to be part of one of the greatest organizations ever.”
Credit: Star Foreman
Toni Louie
Hometown: San Jose, Calif.
Day Job: International importer and distributor, and Zumba instructor
Dance Experience: Captain of the dance team at UC-Riverside
Why Do You Think You Didn't Make It?
“The nerves got the best of me. I looked nervous, and they could tell… I feel like job has been so mind numbing recently, I just wasn't in the right mental space.”
See also: The Dark Side of the Lakers' '80s Dynasty
Credit: Star Foreman
Chris Cheney
Hometown: Cerritos, Calif.
Day Job: Student in International Design and Dance at Cerritos College, and barista
Dance Experience: Avid pole dancer
Why Should They Choose You?
“My personality is out there. Like, I thought there would be other guys here today, but nope, which is kind of lame. But I like to be different and stand out, and I think I will.”
See also: Our full photos gallery of the Laker Girls auditions
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