Whether they are pumping up the crowd at U.S. Airways Center, participating in fundraisers and charity events, or best of all, cheering on our Phoenix Suns, it’s no doubt that the Phoenix Suns Dancers have taken purple and orange to new levels. But as of last week, we can add a new responsibility to the Suns Dancers' job description. World traveler?

That’s right! The Suns Dancers represented Planet Orange in Hong Kong! We caught up with the dancers at their first practice since returning to the desert to get the inside scoop on a trip the girls will never forget.

Phoenix Suns Dancer Coach Kari was thrilled to hear that a trip to Hong Kong was in the team’s near future. She randomly selected six lucky girls to fly to Hong Kong for NBA Madness, a promotional event organized by the NBA.

The excruciating 16-hour journey was well worth it as the dancers were greeted by a beautiful city filled with welcoming people. “It was an exciting experience because we had paparazzi surrounding our bus and security following us from the moment we landed,” said Sumer, a 3-year veteran dancer.

By the next morning, NBA Madness was in full swing and the Suns Dancers had no time to think about the jet-lag setting in. From interviews with local newspapers to autograph signings and, of course, dancing up a storm, the dancers soaked in every moment. “The best part of NBA Madness was learning a few words in Cantonese and teaching the fans how to dance,” said Sumer.

Bonding with the other dancers, and learning to adapt to a different lifestyle was 2-year Suns Dancer Veteran Bethann’s most valuable experience. “A lot of people don’t know what we do or what we stand for so it’s really important to represent the NBA in a positive way and show that we are united as a league.”

Almost every minute of the week-long trip was booked up, so free time was spent wisely. When asked what she enjoyed most about her free time, 3-year veteran, Lauren, smiled and answered in one word, “Shopping!”

As their week overseas came to an end, a threatening typhoon warning was lifted. “The night before we left, the clouds lifted and we got to see the Hong Kong skyline, which was the most beautiful sight,” said Lauren.

Knowing that the Phoenix Suns have fans in Hong Kong was a surreal experience for Sumer. “When we asked people who their favorite player was, they mostly answered, 'Steve Nash!'" It’s official, Hong Kong bleeds purple and orange!