Hundreds of dancers showed up at the Air Canada Centre on Saturday to try out for the Toronto Raptors’ dance team.
Stiff competition and high expectations from coaches mean that only about 10 per cent of the young women who audition make it onto the team. All are welcome to join the auditions, but only the very best get to dance for the Raptors.
Here’s a look at what it takes to make the cut.
Skill. The dancers on the Raptors’ dance team have to be skilled. They are required to perform a variety of dance routines and styles.
Stamina. Those taking part in the auditions don’t just perform a routine once. They perform the same routine dozens of times in the same day and they have to impress the judges each time if they hope to make it onto the team.
If they do make it on to the team, the dancers can expect a busy schedule, performing multiple times during Raptors’ games.
Personality. In addition to their skills as performers, the dancers have to bring spirit and personality to the team.
“We try to form a very diverse group because Toronto is such a diverse community,” said dance co-ordinator Amberley Waddell. “We also look for personality.”
Courage. Tough competition and scrutinizing eyes can make even the best dancers fold under pressure at the auditions, so courage and confidence are a must.
“It’s nerve-wracking,” said Jody Choi one of the hopeful dancers. “There are so many pretty girls there and they’re so good, so you can’t help but just be a little bit nervous.”
Perseverance. Making it onto the Raptors’ dance team isn’t something all dancers achieve on their first try.
More than 200 young women were at Saturday’s audition, many of them for the second or third time.
Even those who are already part of the pack have to audition again every year to stay on the team.
With a report from Ben Mercer
