Sacramento Kings Dancer Arielle

The Sacramento Kings trace their origins to a local semi-professional team based in Rochester, New York in the early 1920s, making them one of the oldest basketball clubs still in existence. What team wouldn’t be complete without some of the hottest “Best in the West” dancers to accompany the Maloof franchise? Arielle is from Oceanside, California and says her “Moves like Jagger” and “spunky” personality make her one hell of an asset to this entertaining dance team.

Arielle has been dancing for about 10 years. Jazz and hip hop are her specialties, but she’s also trained in ballet and modern and other styles of dance including Latin, ballroom, contemporary, tap, pom and Afro-Caribbean. In addition, she has performed in several dance shows and competitions and has been involved with a few different dance teams. Having a passion for dance, as well as being a well-rounded dancer and individual is what sets her apart from other dancers.

Let’s get to know more about Arielle!!

ASIANCE: How did you know that you wanted to be an NBA Dancer?

Arielle: I’ve been part of different dance teams throughout my life and have discovered that’s when I am the happiest. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by people that share the same passion and push you to your fullest potential and beyond. I knew I wanted to become an NBA dancer because I wanted to continue to pursue dance in one of the most prestigious ways.

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

Arielle: Like most Asian families, my family would have liked to see me pursue a career in the medical or dental field, but they are very supportive in what I do and are proud of what I have accomplished.

ASIANCE: When did you realize that you wanted to be a Sacramento Kings Dancer?

Arielle: After moving to Sacramento for school, I danced with my college’s dance team for a year. It was fun and a great experience, but I wanted to push myself even further. After hearing about auditions from a friend, I looked up what the team was all about and was determined to be on it. I loved their style of dance, their talent, their performance, their drive, their commitment, their community service, and how well they presented themselves on and off the court. Each dancer was the whole package and I wanted to be one of them.

ASIANCE: Who is your current favorite Sacramento Kings player?

Arielle: My favorite Sacramento Kings player is Isaiah Thomas. I love that even though he is one of the shortest players in the NBA, he is just as capable and plays just as hard as any other player.

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

Arielle: My favorite player of all time is Bobby Jackson.

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

Arielle: The first thing I notice in a man is his smile.

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

Arielle: When looking for a boyfriend, I look for the whole package. I want a guy who is thoughtful, funny, loyal, sweet, genuine, considerate, smart, generous, caring, understanding, trustworthy, supportive, likes to dance, and just someone I can laugh with.

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!

Arielle: Channing Tatum because he’s a hunk, he’s funny, and is a great dancer! I wouldn’t mind dating Ryan Reynolds, Zac Efron, Taylor Lautner, Paul Walker, or Chace Crawford either though.

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

Arielle: “If you were a booger, I’d pick you first.”

ASIANCE: Name three words that describe you.

Arielle: Easy going, positive, and spunky

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

Arielle: My favorite activity to do in Sacramento is hang out and float on the river with friends.

ASIANCE: What is your best feature?

Arielle: I would say my best feature is my big smile.

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

Arielle: I haven’t done anything too crazy, but I love to try new things such as dirt biking, wakeboarding, jet skiing, snowboarding and shooting guns.

ASIANCE: What is the best part about being a Sacramento Kings Dancer?

Arielle: I love everything about being a Sacramento Kings Dancer! I get to work with amazing and talented people, be a part of the community, have the opportunity to travel around the world, make a difference, and do what I love to do the most, dance! My experience dancing with the Sacramento Kings Dance Team has been a dream come true.

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

Arielle: Although Asians do not seem to make up the majority on most NBA dance teams, the opportunity is still there and the exposure and involvement in the team are equal among dancers regardless of race.

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

Arielle: Other than dancing for the Kings, my greatest accomplishment is being accepted into and attending a university.

ASIANCE: Where do you hope your NBA Dance experience will lead you to?

Arielle: My experience as an NBA dancer has already opened up opportunities that I couldn’t have imagined. I have not only grown as a dancer, but as a person as well. Being a part of the Sacramento Kings Dance Team is a tremendous privilege on its own and I have no doubt that it will play a big part in what the future holds for me.

Arielle

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

Arielle: We get time before the game to get “game ready” and a couple, short breaks throughout the game to change our costumes and to adjust or reapply anything that needs to be fixed. Hairspray, fake lashes, bronzer, and a good setting spray are all game day must-haves!

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

Arielle: The best beauty secret is to take care of yourself. Sleeping, exercising, eating right, and staying hydrated are not only going to make you feel good but it’s going to help you look good as well. Smiling, enjoying life, and having a positive attitude also enhance a person’s attractiveness.

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

Arielle: Work hard and believe in yourself! Nothing is out of reach when you set your mind to it.

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

Arielle: I think it’s great! It’s amazing how he was able to turn his basketball career around. He is living proof that hard work and dedication pay off and he is representing the Asian community well.