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Positive Role Model

written and photos by: Andrew Nicholson
6/24/08

Sacramento Kings Dance Team members make more than 100 community appearances every year making a positive impact on the youth and underprivileged in the Sacramento community. On Tuesday, Kings.com tagged along with SKD Becca, who was joined by SKD Ari, at Hiram Johnson High School to teach the girls at Kops N Kids a few dance moves and talk about what it's like to be a part of the Sacramento Kings Dance Team.


9:15 a.m. -- Becca has been up for more than two hours by the time she arrives at ARCO Arena to pick up supplies for the day's appearance.

"Generally, I have to wake up pretty early if we have a morning appearance so I have enough time to do my hair, make-up and attire," Becca said smiling as always. "And then I want to make sure that I am educated on what I'm going to be doing. So today, for Kops N Kids, I went online and researched what they are all about so that I go there educated."


9:45 a.m. -- Despite I-5 construction detours, Becca and Ari arrive at Hiram Johnson High School 15 minutes early and go over the plan for the appearance.

"I always set myself up to have two hours to prepare for an event, especially if there is travel time," Becca said. "If I'm not sure where I'm going, I want to make sure I have directions and time to get there early."

"Today, we are at the Kops N Kids community event," Becca continued. "It's basically a kid's camp that gives kids the opportunity to get involved with crafts, sports, dance and cheerleading. So what we're going to do is go to their camp and teach them a brief routine and then let them ask us questions."


10:00 a.m. -- Becca and Ari introduce themselves to the group of young women attending Kops N Kids.

"I love speaking in front of people," Becca said before taking the stage. "I feel like that is the most natural thing for me. That's how I express myself best, and the second would be dancing."


10:30 a.m. -- Ari leads the girls in one of the Sacramento Kings Dance Team warm-up routines.

"I love getting out and interacting with the youth of Sacramento," Becca said looking across the stage of young dancers. "It means a lot to actually help kids and let them know the importance of education and following your dreams. Being here as a positive leader to show them how I got where I am, as an example of following my dreams, is an example that anything is possible."


11:00 a.m. -- Becca leads the animated bunch through a SKD routine.

"We participate in community events as often as we can," Becca said. "We love to get the opportunity to be a part of anything that is going on in the community, whether it's with kids, adults or maybe the American Cancer Society, anything that helps us get out and let people know that we care and that the community is important to us."


11:15 a.m. -- Becca and Ari answer questions from the crowd of eager campers.

"I love being able to speak in front of people as a Sacramento Kings Dancer and share with them what we're all about. We're not just dancers, we work very hard at other jobs, or are going to school full-time," Becca said proudly.


11:30 a.m. -- Becca and Ari sign autographs on the Sacramento Kings Dance Team poster, share hugs and take pictures with their fans.

"My favorite thing about being a Sacramento Kings Dance Team member is performing in front of thousands of people doing what I love to do, which is dancing," Becca said still smiling. "But the one thing I get the biggest rush out of is definitely going out in the community and being with these kids and being able to reach out and give back."


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