What You Don’t See on TV: Behind the Scenes with an NBA Dance Team

Image credit: Warriors Dance Team

When NBA games hit the screen, viewers are captivated by the fast-paced action on the court—and the high-energy performances of the dance team. These dancers, often seen for just a few minutes during timeouts and halftime, are more than just performers. They are elite athletes, brand ambassadors, and passionate professionals. What fans don’t see on TV is the incredible amount of work, discipline, and dedication that goes into being a member of an NBA dance team.

The Audition Process

Image credit: Warriors Dance Team

Before stepping onto the court, dancers go through an intense audition process that rivals job interviews for top-tier positions. Hundreds of hopefuls vie for a limited number of spots, showcasing not only technical dance skills but also stage presence, confidence, fitness, and personality. The selection process often includes multiple rounds, learning complex choreography on the spot, interviews, and even media training assessments.

Rigorous Training and Rehearsals

Once selected, the real work begins. NBA dance teams typically rehearse several times a week for hours at a time. Rehearsals involve perfecting choreography, learning new routines, and maintaining peak physical condition. Dancers must be adaptable, often updating routines to match game themes, changes in music, or promotional requests. Many continue training outside of team practices, attending fitness classes or working with personal trainers to ensure they’re performance-ready throughout the season.

Game Day Schedule

Game days are not just about performing at halftime. Dancers often arrive at the arena hours before tip-off for warm-ups, walk-throughs, and media prep. They may participate in fan interactions, pre-game entertainment, or social media shoots. During the game, they perform multiple times, sometimes changing costumes and executing new choreography within minutes. Off the court, they must remain energized and engaging, as fans often approach them for photos and conversations.

Discover: Mental Prep for Game Day: How Pro Cheerleaders Get in the Zone

More Than Just Dance

Image credit: The Honey Bees

NBA dancers wear many hats. They serve as representatives of the team at community outreach events, corporate functions, charity initiatives, and school visits. Their role requires strong public speaking skills and a professional attitude in every setting. Some even use the platform to launch careers in entertainment, fitness, or broadcasting. For many, dancing on an NBA team is both a dream job and a stepping stone.

Challenges and Realities

Despite the glamour, the role comes with challenges. Dancers often juggle additional jobs or school, since NBA dance team positions are typically part-time and seasonal. They deal with intense pressure to maintain a specific image and performance level. Injuries, time commitments, and public scrutiny are also part of the experience. Yet, most dancers describe it as an incredibly rewarding journey.

Final Thoughts

What you see on TV is only the highlight reel. Behind each polished performance is a story of perseverance, teamwork, and passion. NBA dancers are some of the hardest-working individuals in the entertainment and sports industries, giving their all to create unforgettable fan experiences. The next time they light up the arena, know there’s a whole world of dedication behind those eight-counts and bright smiles.

Need a Great Workout Routine for Your Pro Cheer Audition Prep?

Pro cheerleaders stay fit, flexible, and strong so they can give their best performance in the arena. However, achieving that wow-worthy, toned physique doesn’t happen overnight. You need to arm yourself with the right daily workouts.

Thinking of becoming a pro cheerleader?

We are offering you our fun, FREE (for a LIMITED time) POM FIT™ INTRO CLASS that teaches you beginner-friendly cardio moves.

To take your cheerleading fitness to the next level, we also have POM FIT™: GAMEDAY1™ - a series of challenging full-body cardio classes that include a body stretch class, kick stretch class, abdominal workout class, and more.

Join a POM FIT™ class below:

POM FIT™ INTRO CLASS (Free for a LIMITED time)

POM FIT™: GAMEDAY1™ (USD 27.00)