[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”7″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow” gallery_width=”600″ gallery_height=”400″ cycle_effect=”fade” cycle_interval=”10″ show_thumbnail_link=”1″ thumbnail_link_text=”[Show thumbnails]” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]
By Jay Betsill
FRISCO — The Dallas Stars Ice Girls welcomed over 100 ladies to their auditions on Saturday at Dr Pepper Arena.
This is the most unique of the dancer auditions of the major local DFW pro sports teams as there are multiple ways to audition for the Ice Girls — dancer, ice skater or both.
The day got underway at 10 a.m. with the rookie candidates arriving for the opening round which began with those who were auditioning as a skater taking the ice. Those who opted to try out only as a dancer were up next as they learned a new routine to perform in front of the judges panel led by Dallas Stars Ice Girls director Christina Swanson and assistant director Kamwin Dietz.
Following the judges deliberations, they made initial cut and the returning veteran candidates arrived shortly after 1 p.m.
“I am definitely nervous, but it’s a different kind of nervous from when I first auditioned,” said Melissa, auditioning for her fourth season with the Dallas Stars Ice Girls after gracing the cover of this year’s swimsuit calendar. “Instead of being anxious about what to be expect, there is more pressure because being an established member of the team, you’re expected to be close to perfect. That in itself makes the process more nerve-racking.”
For the semi-final round, the dance portion went first with the ladies learning a complicated set of 8-counts to perform for the judges. They would take the stage in groups of four and do the routine twice. After several random dancers were called back in different groupings, everyone went through the routine again to ensure that judges had all of their questions answered before venturing next door to the ice skating rink.
The skaters performed executive skating drills, a freestyle lap and a mock run-through of how they clean the ice during Stars home games at American Airlines Center.
“I absolutely loved my first year with the Dallas Stars Ice Girls,” said Courtney J., auditioning for her second season. “It was my first time to be a professional cheerleader anywhere, so it was a huge experience. Everything we did was incredible whether it was games, appearances, photo shoots, filming commercials, promo videos and I can’t wait for the opportunity to do it all again. But coming in as a vet, we see all of the rookie candidates and they are so talented and the competition is really tough this year.”
Following the semifinal round, the judges will announce the names of the ladies who have advanced to the finals that will take place July 27-Aug. 7 at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in McKinney.
The finalists for this year’s Dallas Stars Ice Girls are (vets) Stephanie, Melissa, Emma, Courtney C., Whitney, Taryn, Courtney J., Amanda, Mariyah and DeAmber and (rookies) Holy, Manda, Madison, Shelby, Tristen, Owoade, Hilary, Nichole, Kayla, Andrea, Jennifer, Kristina, Somer, Olivia, Rachel, Kathleen, Caitlin, Priscilla, Kalyssa, Becky and Bre.
The final team will be announced on Aug. 7th.
For further information and updates on the Dallas Stars Ice Girls, visit DallasStars.com.
FOLLOW JAY BETSILL ON TWITTER @THEFAMOUSJAY
