Erica Walters
Last Thursday, a room of some 30 Grizzly Girl wannabees heated up
the New Ensemble Ballet dance studio during a pre-audition workout.
Under the careful gaze of Grizzlies dance coach Tamara Moore, the young
women shimmied their way up and down the floor — all vying for
the chance to be a member of the Grizzlies dance team.
Their eyes did not leave the mirrors that lined the studio as they
watched themselves shrug their shoulders, pivot, and shake their jazz
hands. No two dancers looked alike. There were girls fresh out of high
school and others closer to 30. While spandex seemed to be a theme that
night, some girls chose to wear Grizzlies outfits while one wore a
Playboy bunny T-shirt. With an average of 100 girls trying out during
auditions, the girls at the workout hoped to gain a leg up on the
competition.
Even though the girls here may have an advantage over the dance-team
hopefuls who didn’t attend, their chances of being selected are based
on more than their moves. “I look for beauty and talent,” Moore said.
“But above that they have to have personality. It’s all about
charisma.”
Moore knows talent; she has been teaching choreography for 15 years.
The native New Yorker was chosen to be the Grizzlies’ dance-team coach
two years ago.
While age, dance experience, being a student or having a job, and
reliable transportation are basic requirements for making the team,
there are no other set criteria. And last year’s dancers have to try
out as well, so no spot is secure.
“They must be at least 18, but after that there’s no age limit,”
Moore said. “I’d say the average girl trying out is around 22 or
23.”
Boys get the cold shoulder when it comes to being part of the dance
team.
“I won’t say they can’t [try out],” Moore said. “But it is an
all-girl team.”
During the two-day auditions, only 30 to 40 girls will move on to
the second round, which will be held August 22nd at FedExForum. In the
end, about 16 girls will be picked.
Not only do the chosen girls get to be part of the team, they become
season ticket holders and receive compensation for special appearances
and the games they attend.
Moore said the hard work is worth it. “They become mini-celebrities,
and they get to do what they love. Every game is like a girls’
party.”
