Training camp next for Denver Nuggets Dancers finalists

By Aaron J. Lopez, Nuggets.com, 7-11-11

Over the next two weeks, 26 women will experience the dancing equivalent of boot camp.
The payoff will be one of 18 spots with the Denver Nuggets Dancers.

The 26 finalists were selected from of a field of more than 100 candidates who took part in two days of audition at the Pepsi Center on July 9-10. Up next is four days of training camp at Forza Fitness and Performance Club on July 12, 14, 19 and 21.

“Everyone who came out for the auditions was amazing,” said Denver Nuggets Dancers coordinator and choreographer Amy Jo Wagner. “The judges had the difficult task of finding the top 26. We are very excited to see how they perform during training camp.”

Seven of the finalists were members of the 2010-11 Denver Nuggets Dancers, while four others were on the squad in previous seasons.

Wagner emphasized that previous experience with the Nuggets does not guarantee a final spot on the 2011-12 dance team.

“The biggest thing about being a returner is you know what to expect,” Wagner said. “That’s half the battle, being able to prepare yourself mentally for the two weeks ahead. I don’t think (first-time candidates) understand how difficult training camp is.”

Each training-camp session will include a one-hour workout with a personal trainer and two hours of dancing. The finalists learned two dance routines during auditions and will add two more during training camp.

“Four routines is a lot to learn in just two weeks,” Wagner said.

Wagner and a panel of judges will select the final 18 dancers, with the roster scheduled to be announced on July 25.

Here is a list of the 26 finalists, along with their professional dance experience.

Amber – Rookie Candidate
Angela – Rookie Candidate / Mammoth Wild Bunch 2005-11
Ashlee – Rookie Candidate / Mammoth Wild Bunch 2011
Brigitte – Rookie Candidate / Mammoth Wild Bunch 2011
Brooke – Rookie Candidate / Denver Outlaws Dancer 2010, 2011
Casey – Denver Nuggets Dancer 2010-11
Cassie - Rookie Candidate
Chelsea – Denver Nuggets Dancer 2009-11
Didi – Rookie Candidate / Mammoth Wild Bunch 2010
Dominique – Rookie Candidate
Emily - Rookie Candidate
Jacqlyn – Denver Nuggets Dancer 2008-10
Jana – Denver Nuggets Dancer 2009-10
Jessica – Denver Nuggets Dancer 2008-09, 2010-11
Kady - Rookie Candidate
Kali - Denver Nuggets Dancer 2009-11
Kate - Rookie Candidate / Mammoth Wild Bunch 2010, 2011
Katie – Denver Nuggets Dancer 2008-09
Kirsten – Rookie Candidate
Krista – Denver Nuggets Dancers 2008-11
Koko – Rookie Candidate
Miranda - Denver Nuggets Dancer 2009-10
Morgan – Denver Nuggets Dancer 2010-11
Peyton – Rookie Candidate
Ryann – Denver Nuggets Dancers 2010-11
Torrie – Rookie Candidate