Dancin’ into B’klyn!
Hundreds vie to be Nets dancers
CLAD IN Spandex and sequins, they are trying to become the new queens of Kings County.
Nearly 350 women packed the gym at Long Island University’s Brooklyn campus Saturday, vying to become the first set of dancers for the Brooklyn Nets.
The women, who wore multicolored sports bras and tights, battled their nerves as they pranced and danced under the judges’ watchful eyes.
“I have been dancing my whole life — 20 years, from when I was a baby,” said Michaela Stanley, 22, who is on the St. John’s University dance team. “This is the most women I’ve seen at a tryout.”
The contestants formed a line that stretched for blocks before they were let into the gym for the first of three days of tryouts.
After a brief warmup period, the dancers — who had to be at least 18 years old — were taught a flashy routine, which they quickly had to master and demonstrate to the judges. Those who advanced to the next round were given a bracelet. Those who did not were left to deal with their derailed dreams.
Alikhlas Boxx, 19, was the sole male contestant — and he was tripped up by a bum ankle. “I think I did great but I could have done better,” said Boxx, who is on the John Jay High School cheerleading team. “There were just so many girls.”
Twenty women will be cho- sen to perform at all Nets home games this upcoming season. But 15 of those trying out danced for the team last season and are expected to return — meaning only five slots may be available.
“We want a well-rounded, confident woman. She needs to be global, well-spoken, talented and have good technique,” said Adar Wellington, 28, a former dancer who now coaches the squad.
“If you don’t have the passion, it won’t show,” advised Tiana Hester, 21, a former dancer for the Golden State Warriors who flew in from the West Coast to try out. “I would love to be in Brooklyn — even though I’m not from here, I would be able to represent.”