On 08-19-2006, the Colorado Crush Girls held their preliminary auditions.  We Cover Sports was there to cover day one.  I will give you my thoughts and impressions of it.  You can see some of the photos we took as the girls were competing for a spot on the team.

Day one consisted of over 100 girls trying out. Kimberly was one of these women. Her interview is below.  We got to the Pepsi Center around 10:15 am and were introduced to the Director and Choreographer Kristin Engler.  She went the extra mile all day to make sure we were taken care of.  I know she had to be stressed, but she didn’t let it show at all.

Around 11:00, Kristin, along with some demo girls, taught the hopefuls an “across the floor” routine which consisted of basic kicks, leaps, and turns. After some practicing, the judges were brought in and introduced.  The girls lined up in order and went in groups of two to show the judges what they got.

Around noon the judges left to make their first cuts. After about an hour the group was narrowed to around 70.  The next phase involved learning a full routine. Kristin and the demo girls taught the moves in sections and were sure to answer any questions. The routine lasted about one minute. After a few times through with the demo girls and on their own, the girls got ready for the second and final cut of the day.  This time around, the girls got into groups of four to do the routine.  Each group did the routine twice so everyone had a turn being in front and back.

This was the first tryout we have attended and we had a great time.  Everyone we met was very nice and the judges must have had a hard time narrowing the field with so many good dancers.  I would like to say thank you to Kristin Engler, for having great communication with me and making us feel welcome.  I hope to do more events with her down the road.  Enjoy the pictures and the slideshow! 

Here is my interview with Kimberly:

1.  Name? Kimberly

2.  You attended the Colorado Crush Girls auditions, how nervous were you? I was very nervous. Nerves show that you care, and it has been a dream of mine to dance for the Colorado Crush.

3.  Give us your background in dance/cheerleading.

My mom always tells me that I started dancing the day I was born. My childhood was consumed with dance classes, gymnastics and cheerleading. During high school, I was both a cheerleader and on the dance team. Unfortunately, my college didn’t offer a dance team so I focused on school and work. Overtime dancing got away from me and after marrying and having two children, I constantly thought of dancing again. All it took was a few classes to get me hooked and now I’m heavily involved in dance classes. Recently I have participated on a semi-professional performance team and have been actively attending dance conventions.

I have found that dancing balances me, giving me the strength to be a better mom, wife, and business owner.

4.  I know at the event you told me you have attended other tryouts, which ones? I’ve been to several pro team auditions because I enjoy seeing what each Colorado dance team brings to the table.

5.  When I was watching you perform in front of the judges you did really good, what goes through your mind as you are performing? I truly try to listen and feel the music. If it is a new dance, I am really concentrating on the moves. However, I have fun with it and hope my audience has fun, too!

6.  The day of tryouts, what do you do to prepare yourself? It’s easy to psych yourself out at tryouts. I have a good breakfast, a cup of chamomile tea, and just try to relax. If your head is not in the game, then you won’t be able to perform your best.

7.  When going to tryouts, is it better to be one of the last people to show up so you don’t have to go first in front of the judges? The judges are very talented and have judged many auditions. No matter what your number is or where you are located, they will be able to spot the people they want for their team. That being said, if you need to practice a little more go further back in line. If you feel better performing first, do so!

8.  Give us some background into sports, who are your favorite teams and players? Wow. I could write a novel. I am a Colorado native, so I of course have strong ties to all the pro teams here. On the Colorado Crush, I really like Kyle Moore-Brown. In addition to being named to the All Iron-Man Teams for the second consecutive season, he has been in the AFL for over 12 years and never missed a game! That’s dedication.

9. Other than dance, what else do you do?  What are some of your hobbies? I am a wife, full-time mother of two and have a home business. I really love everything Colorado has to offer: snowboarding, hiking, rafting, boating. I also paint and draw.

10.  Fun question, if you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and why? I would want free education for everyone – no matter what their socio-economic background. I believe amazing things would be accomplished, if anyone who wants to learn is able to do so.