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SCMP Reporter

SUSIE BOUDWIN

The co-captain of the Houston Rockets Power Dancers. She and some of her fellow dancers were in town this week as part of NBA Madness, celebrating the start of the NBA Finals.

How do you become a Houston Rockets Power Dancer?

We audition every year,  so each year I have to prove myself again. Before this season 450 auditioned and only 22 of us were selected. I'm 30 now and this is my sixth season with the Power Dancers.

Why the Rockets?

I'm Houston born and bred and I love the Rockets. Basketball has always been my favourite sport.

What skills are required?

Fitness is the most important. We do some tumbling in our routines, but mostly it's about being able to spring into action many times in the breaks during a two-hour game.

Is it a full-time job?

Sometimes it feels like it, but no it's something that we all do out of a love of dancing. Most of us danced at college. I was on the dance squad at Texas A&M University. Once we leave college, unless we join a ballet, there isn't much opportunity to perform.  We practise between three to six nights a week, two to three hours a time. We're all either students, housewives or career women. I'm an accountant with Ernst&Young. I have a bachelor's and a master's in accounting. Between that and the dancing my time is full.

Does it pay well?

We do get something but it's a nominal amount. You could call it a labour of love, really.

Is there much interaction with the players?

Not really. One of the conditions of employment is no dating of the players. Our dressing rooms are far away from the players'. But of course we do get to see them close-up quite a lot. They are usually very friendly. Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady acknowledge us, they're friendly, they will always say 'hello', but that's all.

What was the happiest moment in your time as a Power Dancer?

I think when I stepped on the court for my first game during the player introductions. The lights went out and there I was - part of a professional dance squad.



2 Minutes with ...