WHY I LOVE MY JOB:

Dancer, Atlanta Hawks dance team

JOB: Dancer with A-Town Dancers, the Atlanta Hawks dance team

WHAT I DO: Vera M., 24, is one of 19 members of the A-Town Dancers, who entertain at the Atlanta Hawks basketball games, where they "keep the crowd's energy up and support the team." During the game, the dancers perform two complete routines, entertain and cheer on the sidelines, and join in promotions. It's a part-time job that involves a lot of hours, including nine hours of practice a week. On game days, dancers can spend five hours at Philips Arena practicing, putting on costumes and makeup, performing, cheering and greeting fans.

The Atlanta Hawks
Vera M., a member of the A-Town Dancers, also is a full-time chiropractic student and coaches a dance team at Morehouse.
"Once the game starts, we are in full swing," said Vera, who, according to team policy related to security, is identified only by her first name and last initial. The team also makes community appearances and performs at high school basketball games and other events. Like other members of the dance team, Vera is more than a dancer. Vera, in her second season with the Hawks, is a full-time chiropractic student at Life University in Marietta. She also coaches the dance team at Morehouse College, Mahogany-N-Motion, for performances at football and basketball games and works with the Junior Hawks dance team of children ages 8 to 13.

WHAT GOT ME INTERESTED IN THIS: "I've been dancing since I was 4," she said. "I can't imagine my life without it."

The Atlanta Hawks

BEST PART OF MY JOB: "Being able to dance - a lot" for a variety of crowds in a city as interesting as Atlanta. She also enjoys being with the children at the game, especially when they show their stuff on the "jam cam" or when little dancers want to sit next to the dance team on the sidelines.

MOST CHALLENGING PART: "Leaving the other life we all have [outside the Hawks] and focusing on supporting the team. We all have to refocus. We all have a variety of things going on."

WHAT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT MY JOB: "That it's not our full-time job. We all have lives outside the Atlanta Hawks," she said. Even away from the arena, dancers have to be "mindful of our role" as representatives of the Hawks.

WHAT KEEPS ME GOING: "Knowing I'm dancing because it's a gift from God. I remind myself of that when I'm tired, that I'm glorifying God." Vera also said the process of preparing and primping for a performance gives her a boost. "I can say, 'OK, I'm glamorous now.'"

PREPARATION NEEDED FOR THIS JOB: Excellent dancing skills are essential. "You have to be strong technically and have lots of energy. It takes years to develop that on a professional level." You also have to look good, she added. "Most of the outfits show our stomachs. You can't be shy." Vera studied dance through college. After graduating from Spelman College with a degree in French and preparation in pre-med, she tried out for the Washington Wizards dance team near her home in Maryland. She spent one season there before joining the Hawks.

- By Karl Ritzler, for ajcjobs. Got an interesting job that you love? E-mail your story to jobseditor@ajc.com.

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