Spring Break
Former Power Dancer hits Mavericks courts
Tong chosen over 350 hopefuls to join Dallas Mavericks Dancers
Iris Kuo
Issue date: 9/19/05 Section: Life & Arts
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But she did anyway. Moments later, she and her mom erupted into screams and cheers.
Tong had just beaten out about 350 hopefuls to take one of four new slots on the Dallas Mavericks Dancers team.
"I was screaming and jumping up and down. There was a media person there and they were like, 'This lady has illegally opened her envelope,'" said Tong, interdisciplinary studies senior.
As phone calls from family and friends began pouring in, Tong's mother answered the phone with a euphoric, "Mavs mom speaking."
As a Mavs Dancer, Tong will perform for thousands in the entertainment portions of some Dallas Mavericks basketball games. Her first performance will be at the "Fan Jam" Oct. 9 in the American Airlines Center. The large audiences the Mavs garner don't unnerve Tong, who began dancing at the age of 6.
"I performed once for a Desperado game. I'm not too worried about getting in front of the crowd," she said.
Tong, a former UTD Power Dancer and Orientation Team Member, received the news July 30 after performing in the final tryout round at the Wyndham Anatole. Tong's selection marked a successful bid for the team on her second consecutive attempt. To prepare, she enrolled in a Mavs Dancer tryout class, performing freestyle and learning hip-hop routines.
Her Power Dancers background didn't hurt, either.
"It helped me a lot because we use a lot of the same choreography that the Mavs use. Our style is very similar, obviously not as showy since they have a huge audience that they have to cater to," she said.
Tong, an aspiring physical therapist, balances school, two jobs and about three Mavs practices a week. Despite the tiring rehearsals, Tong said she loves her new position.
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