Our last day in China...
posted: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Before I get to my last blog entry from the NBA Van Jam, I want to remind everyone to vote for us in the
NBA Dance team bracket! We are up against Houston today, it's tough competition, so make sure to
vote!
Here in Guangzhou, Sunday breakfast is winding down at a leisurely pace followed by, yet another shopping mission. We've bought an extra suitcase and are conspiring to have one of our chaperones check an extra bag for the trip home tomorrow. We are all ferocious shoppers and bargainers. On the other hand, weight and volume of purchases may not have been so precisely calculated. I can't wait to tip the scales tomorrow!
Meanwhile, back on the outdoor breakfast terrace, a cluster of koi swim to snap up the last bits of bread tossed into the reflecting pool by hotel guests. We've really enjoyed our big breakfasts, too. Once we head over to the Jam Van venue we are unable to venture out for food due to the rock-star type atmosphere that pervades. Breakfast at The Garden Hotel is a Sino-American experience, spiked with a few Euro-Japanese food items. Sticky rice, Chinese stir-fried noodles and deep-fried taro and pumpkin balls are countered by made-to-order omelettes, bacon and sausages. There are French cheeses and Italian salami, plus Japanese miso. Asian pear, pineapple, papaya, banana, starfruit and watermelon offer a tasty burst of color and flavor.
Our hotel is terrific. A recent renovation added enough Vegas splash to traditional Chinese stylings to make for a very visual place. The giant, showtime lobby floral displays are right out of Wynn Las Vegas.
During a 90-minute break yesterday, we were able to bus back to our hotel and walk to a nearby tea shop. The seven of us squeezed around a tiny table in the tiny shop to learn about and sample an array of special teas. We learned which water temp to have for which tea, how to clean and ready the thimble-sized cups for the tea. Ginseng Oolong seemed to have topped most of our "favorite" list, but the rose blossom ball that opened in the steaming brew provided the greatest visual show. Most fun? Kung Fu tea. The tiny dried spinach pellets would do Popeye proud.
The Chinese crowds at Jam Van have been young, mostly male. Their enthusiasm and energy has been amazing. We have had a lot of fun with the meet and greet/autograph sessions. At the conclusion of every routine, we have worked the crowd, high-fiving, waving and getting up close with everyone. I suppose that's the mission after all, getting to know new faces and places, realizing that the passion for hoops and its show, transcends any kind of barrier -- language, culture or politics.
See you soon!
Another day, another performance...
posted: Monday, April 02, 2007 at 10:01 AM
Make that performances.
Full day number two in Guangzhou was devoted to two things for the
BlazerDancers: 1) three outdoor peformances, plus a meet and greet/autograph session and 2) shopping, shopping, shopping. After conquering the 90% humidity and near-80 heat at performance time we saved energy to stalk the fashion bargains of Guangzhou on a Friday night.
After being buried with boxes and bags last night, I am beginning to wonder what our weight load will be on the NWA flight home early Monday morning. When we’re not dancing -- or eating -- we are all the consummate shoppers!
It seems as though the image of Colonel Sanders has replaced that of Chairman Mao in the streets. Aside from gracing the 100 Renmimbi Yuan, Mao has been absent from view. Like Portland, Guangzhou boasts a Starbucks at every corner. There is simply no escape from Frappucino-land!
Jam Van is a very high energy set of events: Lots of different performances, hoops shooting contests and interactive games. Our bus, with it's insect antennae-like mirrors protruding forward creeps into position back of the Jam Van and stage. Then with a dozen security guards, we are swept through the crowd to the front where we are greeted by a sea of enthused new fans. Our DJ host -- sporting a Brandon Roy jersey, of course
-- teases in Mandarin spiked with some Cantonese street jive. (Think of a hyped up Todd Bosma playing that Trail Blazers crowd.)
The Lion Dance officially opened the Jam Van yesterday. Marlene and Mindy were honorary participants. Their task: Awaken the sleeping lions. Patting each ersatz feline on the head, the cats' eyes opened. With calligraphic brushes in hand, Marlene and Mindy first painted a red third eye on the forehead of each beast, then added red pupils to the lions' eyes. This set off the lions extended dance, which included some hoop to the amusement of the crowd. Lashing, swirling, diving and rising, the lions at last stretched to retrieve suspended vegetables stage left. Placed in a basket, this symbolized a good growth season for all. I suppose there's a metaphor there for all of us in Blazerland, as we roll to summer and the promise of our own off-season growth and renewal!
Ciao from China,
BlazerDancers in China
posted: Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 11:39 AM
Greetings from Guangzhou!
We are drawing to the close of our first full day in the People's Republic.
We are still acclimating to the time zone -- 15 hours ahead of Portland -- and the steamy, overcast weather. No jacket required!
Before I give you an overview of our trip so far, I want to remind everyone to go the
nba.com and vote for us in the Dancer Bracket! We are up against the Memphis Grizzlies and we need all your votes to make it to the next round!
We got our first taste of China's "Flower City" early this morning. That's when our local guide met up with us here at the Las Vegas-like Garden Hotel for a day-long discovery of things Cantonese. With six million people in the city proper, Guangzhou is a bustling place. One-hour plus from Hon Kong by train, Guangzhou is both a business and industrial center. The city's lush green is spiked by palm trees and shaded by banyans. Birds of paradise and orchids also prevail, a nice counterpoint to the humid, gritty air and gray skies.
To our battle cry of "shopping", when asked what we wanted to do today, our Cantonese guide this morning first suggested a cultural experience to start the day: The Guangdong Folk Art Museum. From life-sized pottery to intrically carved ivory, we took a very close look at the Chen Clan Academy. Later we did some serious shopping. Silk clothing, pearl necklaces, leather goods and more will be dutifully packed for the return trip.
Kristin and I sized up the still-living turtles we could have turned into lunch, but didn't We opted instead for the once upon a time living shrimp and fish we'd seen on the way to our table instead. Somehow, that seemed a little less like eating someone's pet reptile.
We drew attention everywhere they were today. Must be something about us wearing matching red Trail Blazers tank tops and having perfect dancer bodies!... no to mention having three blonds in tow. In the late afternoon, we checked out the Guangzhou Six Banyan Pagoda -- a Buddhist temple and monastery. Then tonight, Marlene and I took at look at the NBA Jam Van set-up for tomorrow's launch. We are excited about dancing with Chinese "lions" to gets things started tomorrow.
More on the Jam Van and other experiences in the PRC... soon!
Wow, Busy Game
posted: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 at 12:59 PM
It was a busy game on Sunday from the moment I stepped in to the arena at 2:30 in the afternoon. It was expected to be a big game against the Miami Heat but some of the Blazer Dancers had other things going on as well. A short meeting was held right before practice re the All-Star Dance Team competition with the candidates, Melissa, Marlene, and I, as well as our coach and Craig Miller.
Want to vote? Click here! Details were finally given out, which made things feel all the more real. Following our meeting was a long, hard practice for the game. With all that was on my mind, I soon discovered I was set as a point for a routine I briefly learned once and now had to perform! I was fortunate to have the ability to learn routines fast.
A few of the dancers have also been sick, including myself, which made it a little more difficult to dance. But we pushed ourselves to work hard and eventually got through it. By the end of practice, which seemed would never end, I was drenched in sweat. I had about 5 minutes to dry off and prep for the game before I was brought upstairs in to the blazer office for a radio interview by phone with a talk show on Guam.
For those who don't know, I am a local island girl of the tiny island where I was born and raised for 16 years. Following my interview was another meeting with my coach re other matters.
Check out the story here! I was able to get two bites of food in my system before I had to rush back to the dressing room for all the usual pre-game stuff. With 20 minutes to get ready for the game, I was practically sprinting in my stiletto boots on to the floor to cheer for opening! Have you ever seen a Blazer Dancer fall and scrape her knee then run on to the court and smile and cheer ignoring the painful throb like it never happened? The few lucky individuals by the loading dock and Garden garage would say yes. But despite the madness the game was awesome and our routines rocked! In the end, it was disappointing to lose to Miami, but the memory of that game will stick with me for a long time!
Exciting Night For the Blazers and BlazerDancers!
posted: Friday, December 22, 2006 at 9:08 AM
It was an exciting night for the BlazerDancers at the Rose Garden last night! Brandon Roy returned to the line-up, the Rose Garden was full, the fans were loud, we won a nail bitter game and we were able to wear our new all-star T-shirts.
The all-star game has more meaning to the dancers this year as one of our dancers will be included in the NBA's first time ever all-star dance team.
The dancers spent halftime in the locker room with Cody Dudley who just happens to be the BlazerDancers' #1 fan! Cody spent his visit with the dancers telling them about how he brags to his friends that the Blazers are going to win this year. I'm sure he is will be talking about last night's game for a long time!
Swimsuit Calendar Is Here!
posted: Friday, December 15, 2006 at 11:44 AM
The new
2007 Blazer Dancer Swimsuit Calendars have finally arrived and I am thrilled with how well they turned out! This was a first for the Blazer Dancers and hopefully a successful one. I’m sure Portland would not have expected such a marketing tool for the Blazer Dancers, given our modest reputation. However, compared to most typical professional dance team calendars, we managed to create a classy version appropriate for all eyes.
I am proud of my teammates and everyone involved in the making of our calendar. We found a way to be creative, tasteful, and hot! I think our fans will enjoy it and I can’t imagine much negative feed back on the pictures. I believe the calendars should be available for
purchase quite soon on the website so be looking out for them. They will make great stocking stuffers for your friends!
You can buy one now in the online store!Look forward to more pictures posted soon!
Labels: swimsuit calendar
It Was Hot!
posted: Friday, November 17, 2006 at 9:05 AM
Last week Wednesday was the game against the Lakers, which made for an exciting night. Not only was the game a success but the dancers had their own little excitement going on. For the first time, the Blazer Dancers teamed up with the hip-hop squad to perform together. We danced to "Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlake, a routine I learned and re-taught from Pro-Dance. The original choreography, taught by Chio, was hot itself, but after combining with the hip hop team’s choreography, we were amazingly hot! It was a great performance all around and I know both teams highly enjoyed it.
I could sense the intoxicating energy from when I first stepped in to the room at practice. My coach, Dee, had asked for a few of us dancers to attend the hip hop team’s practice and help with the whole process. I had no idea I would end up teaching them a few eight counts! These dancers are the best at that particular style and how intimidating it was to teach them! It was a moment of shock and slight panic, but I was fortunate to pull myself to grips.
I caught myself staring at them, watching in awe, and I also found myself observing how they interact with each other. Their world seems so different from ours. The dancers have such strong personalities and their practice seemed so laid back, yet they still dance really hard. In the world of the Blazer Dancers, we do joke around and have a great time however we are definitely more strict and focused during practice. They were quite entertaining to watch! I do hope we get to perform with them again.
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FREDERICK MARIO R. UBALDO, UNCAGED said...
It was an exciting night for the BlazerDancers at the Rose Garden last night! Brandon Roy returned to the line-up, the Rose Garden was full, the fans were loud, we won a nail bitter game and we were able to wear our new all-star T-shirts. 
Last week Wednesday was the game against the Lakers, which made for an exciting night. Not only was the game a success but the dancers had their own little excitement going on. For the first time, the Blazer Dancers teamed up with the hip-hop squad to perform together. We danced to "Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlake, a routine I learned and re-taught from Pro-Dance. The original choreography, taught by Chio, was hot itself, but after combining with the hip hop team’s choreography, we were amazingly hot! It was a great performance all around and I know both teams highly enjoyed it.
Question? I have gone to about seven games this season and the blazer dancers are never there..they've been replaced with the Jam Squad, who completely stink. Please bring back the Blazer Dancers!
Please bring back the Blazer Dancers!
i been to every home game...and the amazingly beautiful blazer dancers are there tearin it up every night !!
and i just wanna say that ione is the most GORGEOUS !! its great to watch the blazers play too...
Hey I'm from Guam also. Like to meet you someday. Haven't made it to a Blazers game. Hope to see you someday!
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