Kids from all over the city flooded Long Island University in hopes of dancing their way into the coolest after-school gig in the borough on Aug. 20.
Nearly 500 kids showed up to try and fill 15 spots on the Brooklyn Nets Kids Dance Team, according to a Nets official. The troupe performs choreographed routines in front of the crowd at home games, and goes to media events across the city.
And to clinch a spot on the squad, the pint-sized hoofers had to impress.
“The Brooklyn Nets are looking for kids who can pick up choreography quickly and are incredible performers,” said Kimberlee Garris, the Net’s director of entertainment marketing. “We look for dancers whose high energy moves and personality will reach every fan in the nearly 18,000 seat arena during basketball games.”
The prospects included boys and girls aged 6 to 13 years who have had at least two years of dance training. Those selected will be paid for their skills, but the Nets won’t say how much.
Naturale Dunlop, 8, was among the youngsters trying out to represent the borough’s home team.
“We’re huge Nets fans,” said her mother, Arun Goldman.
She added that some kids were better sports than others as hopefuls were eliminated each round.
“Even though she didn’t make it, she came out with the biggest smile on her face, not crying like some of the other kids,” Goldman said. “It was such an experience for her. ”