Meet Daylee C! Former 4x OKC Thunder Girl!

Daylee's reason for pursuing dance, training regimen, best piece of advice, and favorite parts about being an NBA dancer along with what it has taught her.

For this week’s edition of MTP we are exclusively featuring…

Daylee C.

Former 4x OKC Thunder Girl 

1. Tell us more about your background and what led you to pursue a strong interest in dance? 

I have been dancing since the age of 3 and I have had a passion for performing ever since!  Dance gave me discipline, pride, and a sense of self!

2. What kind of training did you do to make it as an NBA dancer and how did that training evolve as you continued on the team? 

Fortunately, I was in a place in my life that I was able to train for 3 straight months, full time, for the NBA team I was auditioning for!  And while it was a unique position to be in, it was what I needed to do in order to accomplish my dream!  I had auditioned for the Oklahoma City Thunder Girls in 2017 after graduating from college and did not make it.  So I came back the next year with more passion and dedication to becoming a standout dancer and an "absolute yes."

Training consisted of: weight lifting with a personal trainer 3-4 times a week, taking 1-2 dance classes (pro style, combo, or technique) each week, taking fun/energetic work out classes at the gym 2-3 times a week, and meeting with former Thunder Girls for private dance lessons 1-2 weekly.  

When I made the team in 2018, my training regimen changed (the above is not standard and is not sustainable!!) to 2 weekly team workouts that were a mix of cardio & weight lifting, taking 2-3 OrangeTheory classes/week, and dancing at practice 3-4 times a week!

3. What piece of advice would you like to give other dancers looking to pursue their dreams as a professional dancer? 

I have 3 main topics/questions I tell people to consider when it comes to pursuing a pro dance career:

1 - Do you have the time commitment? 

2 - Can you pick up choreography quickly and/or be willing to dedicate extra time to learning routines quickly?

3 - What makes you, YOU? Bring your personality with you every time you walk into a room! 

4. What were your favorite parts about being an NBA dancer? 

My favorite aspects of being an NBA dancer were: cheering in the stands that were consistently at 85% or more capacity (there is nowhere like that arena atmosphere!!), the people I would have the honor of interacting with during community appearances, having the pride of accomplishing a goal that I had since I was 16, and being apart of a legacy of women!

5. What three things has being a professional dancer taught you (good and bad) that you carry with you in your day to day life?

You learn a lot when there are high standards and expectations set before you.  Having respect for others & yourself, the value of time management skills, and learning strong communication skills are three qualities that being a professional dancer taught me. 

HUGE thank you to Daylee for taking time out of her busy schedule to share with the MTP fam! Daylee exudes true beauty inside and out as well as a genuine love for dance. I love how willing she is to help others and even more thrilled to have been able to interview her. I hope Daylee’s joy and passion encourages you to self-reflect, dream, and act!