Hundreds of youngsters flooded Long Island University’s Brooklyn campus on Aug. 14 for the chance to try out for the Brooklyn Nets Kids Dance Team — with 17 kids ages 6 to 13 making the cut.
The young dance team, presented by Cookie’s, will be showcased in front of thousands of fans at Brooklyn Nets’ Saturday and Sunday home games at the borough’s Barclays Center, starting Oct. 12, and represent the basketball team at events and media appearances throughout the New York metropolitan area.
“With over 500 dancers auditioning for the 2013-14 Brooklyn Nets Kids, this was the biggest turnout the Nets have ever had for an entertainment team audition,” said Kimberlee Garris, director of Entertainment Marketing for the Nets. “The level of talent was extraordinary, and in the end, 17 dancers were invited to join the team. The Brooklyn Nets Kids will be led by head coach and celebrity choreographer Tanisha Scott, who will bring her high energy and unique hip-hop choreography to the team once again, ensuring Brooklyn fans will be brought to their feet at Barclays Center.”
Scott, a professional dancer and choreographer for 13 years, has worked with stars like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, and many others. She currently works with Rihanna and Sean Paul, in addition to new talent, including Becky G and Tristan Wilds.
She jumped at the chance to work with the Nets.
“Adar Wellington [dance team coach and choreographer], a friend and long-time dance colleague, asked me if I knew of any choreographer that would be interested in coaching the Brooklyn Nets Kids,” said Scott, who lives in the borough. “I instantly said ‘Yes! I would love to do it!’ I adore kids and to have the opportunity to coach the first Kids Dance Team for the Brooklyn Nets is an amazing experience.”
At least two years of dance training was the main audition requirement. For dancers looking to gain an edge, two audition workshops were held before open auditions, and the kids got to learn a Brooklyn Nets Kids routine straight from the court. Members of the older, all-girl Brooklynettes dance team were on-site to offer audition tips.
The day of auditions, there were four people on the judging panel: Petra Pope, the senior vice president who oversees event marketing and community relations, in addition to Garris, Wellington and Scott.
Once all the kids were checked in at the audition, Garris did a quick introduction of what the process would entail, and then they got started.
“First thing up was the Brooklynnettes, with a warm-up and stretch. Then the kids were taught a quick combination across the floor that would take them to the semi-final round. This was a test of basic skill and allowed us to see each child individually in a short time,” Scott explained.
There were 120 kids in the semi-final round, during which Scott taught a routine.
“Once they learned this routine and had time to review it, we continued with the audition process and selected 50 kids as finalists. We then had the finalists show us any special skills that they had, i.e. tumbling, break dancing, etc. From there, we chose 17 spectacular kids.”
Scott said she starts by finding a song that the kids would enjoy dancing to and the fans would enjoy, as well. Then she makes up the routine and teaches it to the kids at rehearsal.
“It usually takes two rehearsals to learn a full routine; then a few more to perfect it and make it into a performance on the court,” she said. “They perform during the weekend home games, but sometimes for special games or events they perform on weekdays, as well. The kids alternate with the Brooklynettes during game time-outs.”
Every year the look of the costumes changes. But it’s always a hip-hop look that complements each dancer’s own style, said Scott, adding, they look for kids that are great dancers, either with lots of experience or with raw talent. They must be able to pick up choreography quickly, and have a lot of charisma, personality, and individual style.
“We look for the stars of tomorrow that you just can’t take your eyes off of, and those can brighten up a room with just their smile!” she said.
One of those kids is 10-year-old Frankie from Staten Island, who just appeared on “America’s Got Talent” with Staten Island’s Struck Boyz.
His mom, Felice, said she was thrilled and proud that her son is part of the team.
“There is no greater feeling than watching him do what he loves most,” said Felice. “I can’t wait for the first game to watch him perform center court at a professional basketball game at Barclays Center.”
The young dancers have to juggle school and homework, with rehearsals in Brooklyn once a week after school for two-and-a-half hours, as they learn their moves, get ready to perform throughout the season, as well as at holiday events, and make special appearances.
“What I love most about working with the Brooklyn Nets Kids Dance Team is watching them on performance day, because the crowd loves them,” said Scott, who also likes to watch them have fun dancing. “But more importantly, not only do I get to choreograph fun routines for them to do, I get to be their coach. I get to help inspire and mentor them to be the best that they can be on and off the court.”
This year’s team consists of many kids from New York City, including: Antonio and Vako from Brooklyn; Alexa, Frankie and Serena from Staten Island; J’Nai from Queens; Elijah and Keleah from the Bronx; Mario and Shirley from Long Island; Ellisyn from New Windsor, N.Y.; and Tymell from Wyandanch, N.Y. The other kids hail from New Jersey.
Alex, 9, from Manalapan, N.J., is a featured dancer in Justin Timberlake’s latest video, “Take Back the Night.”
The multi-purpose Barclays Center arena hosts the Brooklyn Nets, one of the hottest teams in the National Basketball League, and has been the concert venue for Jay-Z, Paul McCartney, and The Who. Most recently, MTV held its Video Music Awards at the arena. Beginning in 2015, the Barclays Center will also be the home of the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League.
For more, visit brooklynnets.com or barclayscenter.com.
