Mavericks Dancer Helen

Dallas Mavericks Dancer, Helen, went to a Mavericks game for the first time in 2006 on a first date. The dancers came out to perform and she immediately fell in love! She had never seen so many beautiful ladies with so much talent! Helen got goose-bumps and butterflies and knew her life would not be complete until she was a Mavericks Dancer! She told herself that she would not come to another Mavericks game unless she was coming out on the court and 3 years later, her dreams came true.

This Korean American, who was adopted at just 6 months old, threw her parents for a loop when she first told them she was auditioning for the Dallas Mavericks Dancers. Her mom was completely confused.

Well get to learn a little bit more about Dallas Mavericks Dancer Helen!

ASIANCE: What training do you have and do you think one needs to become an NBA Cheerleader?

Helen: I took dance classes at 2 professional studios Monday through Thursday from 7-10 pm for 3 consecutive years and had many private lessons with the Veterans. Dance classes were a huge commitment and a priority in my life.

ASIANCE: What did your family think of you pursuing a different career path besides the traditional Asian careers our parents push us into?

Helen: I was currently at UTD pursuing an accounting degree and she first thought there was a correlation between the two. I slowly explained to her it was just a hobby. She did not understand why I wanted to wear the uniforms and dance in front of thousands of people. She did not like the idea at all and thought I needed to move back home and if I needed a hobby I could play the piano for the church again. However, at every audition I called my Mother and asked her to pray with me and she did.

ASIANCE: Who is your current favorite Dallas Maverick player?

Helen: Yi Jianlian

ASIANCE: Who is your favorite basketball player of all time?

Helen: Dirk Nowitzki.

ASIANCE: What is the first thing you notice in a man?

Helen: His eyes and hair.

ASIANCE: What qualities do you look for in a boyfriend?

Helen: Tall, an All-American background, athletic, loves dogs, a great cook, loves his family, and a true gentleman!

ASIANCE: Do you have a celebrity crush on someone who is in the public eye that you would like to date? We want a feel for your type!

Helen: Dr. McDreamy from Grey’s Anatomy

ASIANCE: What was the worst pickup line you have ever heard?

Helen: Every time a guy will ask me on a date, he will automatically ask me to grab Sushi with him. And I’m thinking a burger sounds really good!

ASIANCE: Name three words that describe you.

Helen: My teammates would say I am Bubbly, Driven and Funny

ASIANCE: What is your favorite activity to do in Dallas?

Helen: Any activity with my teammates! Top Golf, Bowling, running the Katy Trail, attending the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys games, and of course shopping!

ASIANCE: What is your best feature?

Helen: My Hair

ASIANCE: What is the most adventurous thing you have done?

Helen: My teammate Lauren G. and I went to San Jose Cabo last April and we jet skied with a family of humpback whales! They were about 20 feet from us and it was the biggest adrenaline rush and possibly the scariest thing I have ever done. An experience I will never forget!

See Helen and Natsuki shoot for the Dallas Mavericks Dancer Calendar from Barbados

ASIANCE: What is the best part about being a Dallas Mavericks Dancer?

Helen: The moment where we pray right before we perform on the court. We hold hands and as our captain leads us into a prayer, I completely forget how nervous I am or how tired I am from practices. I can feel my teammate’s excitement around me and even with a million butterflies in my stomach I remember how thankful I am to be announced as a Dallas Mavericks Dancer!

ASIANCE: Do you think that Asian/Asian American Women are finally making strides on the professional cheerleading squads?

Helen: Absolutely! It is amazing to know I am not the only one who fights for their dreams, no matter what family background we are raised and forced to duplicate from.

ASIANCE: What is the greatest accomplishment in your life thus far?

Helen: I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and I prepare tax returns for a CPA firm. I will attend grad school to obtain my MSA in the fall.

ASIANCE: How do you manage to look so perfect throughout the game?

Helen: Our sponsors Palm Beach Tan and TIGI Bed Head play a huge role in our appearances! I tan once a week to keep a good base tan, and use all of the TIGI Bed Head makeup and hair products.

ASIANCE: Do you have any “beauty secrets” that you can share with our readers?

Helen: I spray my roots with Queen for a Day from TIGI and blow dry my hair upside down. I spray each section of my hair with the Masterpiece Hairspray and use the 1 inch curling iron from Hot Tools. Apply one coat of mascara and blow dry them on low to get a maximum curl effect and repeat.

ASIANCE: What advice do you have for young girls aspiring to become NBA Cheerleaders?

Helen: Take dance classes at least 3 times a week, practice in front of family and friends, eat healthy, and never give up!

ASIANCE: What do you like of this Jeremy Lin phenomenon? Asian on the court!!

Helen: I am extremely excited to see Lin playing on the court! He never gave up on his dreams when people doubted his ability to be a star! He is a great ambassador for our Asian community!

All photo credits go to www.mavs.com