Phoenix Suns Dancer Auditions are underway, and we are thrilled to meet their brand new coach, Teresa McAuliffe!
As I walked into a Suns Dancer Prep Class, the energy in the room was palpable. Dancers left and right getting were getting warmed up for a Lady Gaga, "Born This Way" routine choreographed by current Suns Dancer, Sumer. It wasn't long before I interviewed the new Suns Dancer Director for the 2011-2012 season; here's the Daily 60 I shot during the prep class:
Q. What do you want to bring to the 2011-2012 Suns Dancer Team as the new Director?
A. As the new director, I definitely have a great deal to offer these girls. I've been working beside renowned choreographers and dancers for over a decade and I want to share with these girls the knowledge that I've received through my professional experiences. I believe I can make this team stronger and definitely more versatile. The dance world is always changing for the better and I'm here to show these girls what's out there and to always keep the choreography fresh and edgy. I will be choreographing myself and bringing in choreographers from the LA and LV markets to make sure of that.
Q. What is your dance experience thus far?
A. I have been a professional dancer for about 11 years. I've performed in numerous shows in Las Vegas, Miami, L.A, and New York. I've danced in Superbowl commercials, the "Today Show" and was actually a part of the Suns Dance team in 2009. I'm originally from New Jersey, and was studio trained both there and at Broadway Dance Center in NYC. I was lucky enough to have parents who supported my passion and gave everything so that I could have the amazing training that I had. Dancing has always been my life, and even now as director, I will still continue my training to become an even better dancer.
Q. How did auditions play out and what did you think about the talent this year?
A. The turnout for auditions this year was phenomenal. We doubled last year's numbers, and I was very impressed with how many girls came to the audition looking as if they had been on the team for years. They were offered prep classes before the audition, and I was so proud to see how many girls listened to our advice on how to look and what to wear. As far as the dancing goes, Jonnis ( the choreographer) and I thought it was so refreshing to see all the young amazing talent who came to audition for us.
Q. What’s the hardest part about cutting dancers?
A. The hardest part about cutting dancers is knowing that they waited all year for this opportunity. Normally, in my business there are several auditions for jobs a week, and if you get cut from one, you continue on to others. There is only one audition per year to get a spot on the "Sweet 18", and once it's over, they have to wait all year to try again.
Q. What are you looking forward to most about coaching the 2011-2012 Suns Dancer Team?
A. As the new director, I have set some goals for this team, because I believe we can be better than we have ever been. My main goal is to get all the girls out of their comfort zone and make them all more well-rounded dancers. I want the girls stronger in hip hop to step outside of the box and work harder on their technique, and I want the technically strong girls to reach out of their element as well. Nobody should be categorized on this team as anything other than an amazing, versatile dancer. Our practices will be more about making even better dancers out of our girls and play to our talent more proficiently.
Q. When selecting team members, what stands out to you most?
A. When selecting dancers, what stands out most is CONFIDENCE. Obviously besides dancing in front of 18,000 fans, they have to interact with the community and be confident in both their personality and dancing. We see many talented dancers who don't have the confidence in themselves and end up throwing it all away on the dance floor. I like the girls who fool you with their confidence into believing they are the best dancer in the room. They have to believe in their abilities first and foremost.
Q. What does training camp entail?
A. In training camp, the girls are going to be put through rigorous workouts, and are going to be learning two completely different routines to perform for us at the final audition. This is the time for me to get to know them a little more personally as far as their work ethic goes. Our practices are going to be harder than they have ever been, and this training camp will show who not only can handle it, but also enjoy it. I want a team of girls who want to get better, want to practice until it's right, and just truly love to dance, no matter how hard it may be.
Q. How many dancers auditioned this year and how many dancers end up making the team?
A. I believe we were close to 200 dancers this year, and only 18 make the final team. We have it cut down to 26 finalists at this point, and it will be a very tough decision in the end.
Q. Will the public have an opportunity to vote for their favorite dancers online?
A. Fan voting will begin on Wednesday night (July 20th) and will go on for about a week. There will be a photo of each girl up on the website for fans to pick their favorites.
Q. What is the auditions process like for the dancers and judges?
A. The process for the dancers in the audition usually involves learning several routines and performing them in different groups. They get a chance to choreograph their own piece, have a photo shoot and an interview. It is a long process for them, but because of the nature of the job, we need to see every aspect of the individual before making a selection. As for the judges, we look at everyone with an open mind, and allow the dancers a chance to "sell" their talents to us, and convince us why they deserve a spot on the team. Through each day of auditions, the deliberations get harder and harder because we end up picking from a pool of girls who are all so talented. At the end of it all, we select who we feel represents the Suns Dancers in the best light, and I am confident this year the team will consist of 18 shining stars.
Click here to view the full Suns Dancer Auditions photo gallery.
