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Dancing with the Sparks: Boston Blazers dance team preps for 2010
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Sunday afternoon, dozens of dancers will head down to the neighborhood around the TD Garden with hopes of dancing for the Boston Blazers dance team, the Sparks, in 2010. In their inaugural season, the Sparks were a popular addition to Blazers games, not just dancing during quarters, but hosting trivia contests and other promotions during the game.
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"We were fortunate to have a group of very dedicated and talented dancers who were the key to the Sparks’ success during the first season," recounted Sparks Director and Choreographer Jennifer Kim.
Lacrosse fans did not just see the Sparks at games last season. The dancers also had significant roles at Blazers promotional and fan appreciation events throughout Greater Boston. "Blazers fans have so much heart and their passion," said Kim. "We look forward to the promos and after game parties so we can meet the fans and interact more personally."
Several of the Sparks dancers have also danced for the MLL's Boston Cannons, developing a love of the game of professional lacrosse. Just like many of the fans, the dancers learned much about the sport of indoor lacrosse during the Blazers inaugural season. "Indoor lacrosse is so different from outdoor and the speed is so fast-paced and aggressive, making the games very enjoyable and exciting," noted Kim.
Another highlight of last season for the Sparks was their youth dance and cheer clinics - appropriately called "Sparklers." Dancers between the ages of 7-14 leapt at the chance to take class, learn choreography and dance with the Sparks during a Blazers game. The clinics became popular quickly, with young dancers relishing the chance to perform at the Garden.
Kim was pleased with the success of the youth clinics. "I think we see a lot of similarities between us and them at their age. We strive to set good examples for these girls to follow and show them why we love what we do and expose them to another type of dance opportunity." Sparkler clinics will continue during the 2010 season.
During Sunday's auditions for the 2010 squad, the Sparks will see women with a variety of experiences. Last year's candidates had many different backgrounds from formal dance training, college and pro cheer team experience, and some with no formal training in either. Kim promises that no matter their background, prospective Sparks dancers will not be objected to any Simon Cowell-esque critiquing Sunday. "I am very mindful that auditions can be intimidating so we try to make it as comfortable as possible."
Kim is hopeful that the team she selects on Sunday will be just as popular and productive as her 2009 squad. "Everyone has something special they can bring to the team and it’s just about getting the right mix of people together that will make the strongest dance team possible."
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