MLL New York Lizards

Lizards Dance Team to Hold Pre-Tryout Clinic

Published on October 14, 2015 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
New York Lizards News Release


If you have ever dreamed of dancing for a professional sports team, now is your chance! On Saturday November 21st, we are giving you the opportunity to get a leg up on the competition with the New York Lizards Dance Team Pre-Tryout Clinic. During this clinic you will receive pre-audition advice from Dance Team Head Coach Paula Sanders and learn all that it takes to be a member of the New York Lizards Dance Team. We expect to find many talented, athletic, and determined dancers who want to tryout for the defending 2015 MLL Champions this winter.

As a Lizard dancer, you will perform at all 2016 New York Lizards home games, as well as other public appearances throughout the season. You will have the opportunity to learn from Lizards dance instructor Paula Sanders who has great experience in the dancing world. She has performed for Pitbull, Neyo, Melissa Gorga, Prince Royce, and Winsin y Yandel. In addition, Paula spent two seasons with the New York Knicks as a Knicks City Dancer and has performed with Melissa Gorga on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live. She was also featured as a dancer in Gorga's single, "I Just Wanna".

We decided to catch up with Paula and some of our current dancers to see what it means to represent the 2015 MLL Champs and to share some advice:

Paula (Head Coach)

What makes dancing for the New York Lizards and MLL such a special and different experience?

Fan Interaction and the reaction you get out of fans. It truly is amazing to put a smile on a person's face.

How important is the dance team to the fan experience?

Providing entertainment and fun is essential for any sports organization. As a dance instructor, I feel our dance team is a huge part of that.

How would you prepare for a dance tryout/clinic with the Lizards?

You have to make yourself familiar with what is relevant in the dance world today. For us the street jazz and hip-hop style is very important. This Pre-Tryout Clinic is a great way to learn some of this.

What are the most important characteristics you look for in a girl who is trying out or learning?

Passion, a love for what you're doing is more important than knowing all the techniques. Also, be confident and put your best foot forward. You must be willing to learn.

Why is it so important to hold tryouts every year?

It's always important to bring in a crop of new talent. We want to do our best every single year and I think bringing in new faces is one way of doing that.

The 2015 New York Lizards were MLL Champions, what does this mean to you and the 2016 dance team?

Oh, it is very important to me and all the girls. The Dance Team was a part of the team and we feel we had a small part in the championship. We want to continue the momentum and excitement the players bring. We want to be as good as the team on the field.

Shynna (Dancer)

What is your favorite part of the job?

Meeting fans and getting paid for something you love is the best. I also take great pride that girls look up to me and tell me they want to be dancers as well.

What is the best moment of your career with the Lizards?

The playoff game against Boston this season was my favorite moment. We were down and the crowd was completely silent and then our team made a huge comeback. I'll never forget when we scored in OT to end the game and advance to the Championship.

Why should somebody be excited to try out for the Lizards?

It's a great opportunity to dance for the Lizards. The fans bring so much energy and it's an awesome experience. Also it's like a family, the players support the dancers and you make so many friends.

What advice would you give to somebody trying out for the team?

Be prepared to the best of your ability, have a good idea of the jazz and hip hop style, and go to the clinic. But above all just be positive and practice.

Kelly (Dancer)

What is your favorite part of the job?

I love making a positive impact on fans during the game. When the team is down our dance team can lift the crowd's spirits and keep them in the game. We help create a better experience for all involved.

What is the best moment of your career with the Lizards?

My favorite moment was the Junior Lizards Dance clinic. To teach younger girls and to make an impact on them was amazing. It was very special to hear young girls come up to me and tell me they want to be like me when they grow up.

Why should somebody be excited to try out for the Lizards Dance Team?

Dancing for the Lizards empowers you. Paula is an awesome coach to learn from. She has had so many experiences that can help any dancer. She is so sweet and will help you with anything.

What advice would you give to somebody trying out for the team?

Never be discouraged. Come tryout have a good time and learn. Just going to clinics/tryouts helps you improve as a dancer. Give it a chance and give it your all.

Madison (Dancer)

What is your favorite part of the job?

Just being part of a team because I never was before. The team really has like a sorority feeling and I have made so many friends. It is great to learn from a person like Paula. She has taught me so much.

What is the best moment of your career with the Lizards?

My very first game was amazing. I was so nervous beforehand and was really scared. But then I stepped onto the field and felt something different. I felt important and felt good that I can help create a positive experience for so many people.

Why should somebody be excited to try out for the Lizards Dance Team?

This is a big deal; you are dancing for a professional sports team! Be excited and try your very best. Also it's a great resume builder and learning experience. It's a great place to start. Not to mention all the great friends you will make.

What advice would you give to somebody trying out for the team?

Have confidence and give it your all. Dance big. Commit. Go hard or go home.

Come out to the clinic at Ripley Grier Studios (520 8th Ave, New York, New York 10018) from 2PM-4PM. Registration fee is $40 and must be paid by check made out to the New York Lizards or cash. For more information or to register, visit NYLizards.com/Pre-Tryout. To register on site, please arrive no later than 1:30 p.m.

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