 Honeybees Spotlight: Jessica By: Hornets.com | September 9, 2011 Year as a Honeybee: First. Previous dance experience: I began my training at Helena Hosch School of Dance in Metairie. Yes, I was one of those pot-bellied munchkins with ballet tights that looked like pink sausage casings over stubby legs. I don’t recall if I was any good or not but when it came time for my first dance revue, I wowed the audience...with my tears. I cried and cried, which if you’ve ever been to a dance recital you know that everyone loves a hysterically adorable baby crying in costume. I could barely talk let alone point my toes so I’m not sure what everyone was expecting but that first performance was followed by 16 years of dance classes, rehearsals, competitions, and conventions to hone my skills. I credit my HHSD family for everything I know about dance (however, my mom claims it has a lot to do with genetics.) In high school, I was a Mt. Carmel Carmelette for one year then decided to mix things up and be an Archbishop Rummel cheerleader for the next three years. Both experiences helped build the confidence required to perform for a crowd and taught me the importance of being a team player. After that my dancing career went on a six-year hiatus – with the exception of posing as a professional hula dancer at a Hawaiian luau-themed Sweet 16. Never again. What I love about being a Honeybee: Though I’ve only been on the team briefly, it’s evident being a Honeybee brings an immeasurable amount of joy to people. I never imagined the outpouring of love and support from friends, family and fans. The day after final auditions I overheard my dad tell my aunt, “Jessica made Honeybees, the ‘hottest’ dance team in the NBA!” I promise he has no idea the slogan spawns from the fact that Crystal hot sauce is a sponsor. He’s just so proud of his little Honeybee. When I broke the news that I made the team to my best friends, all I could hear over the phone was an ear-piercing screech, they were so overjoyed, happier than I was even. When I arrive at an appearance in costume, it doesn’t take long before you hear, “Oh look, the Honeybees, can we take a picture with y’all?!” Of course I was excited to become part of the team. I just didn’t realize everyone else would be equally as ecstatic. What I love about dancing: As I mentioned before, I haven’t danced in a while. It wasn’t until this June that I performed an alumni hip-hop dance at HHSD’s revue, where someone suggested I try out for Honeybees. I laughed at first. Are you kidding, I thought. The Honeybees perform at such a high caliber and are one of the best dance teams in the NBA. Well somehow the morning of preliminary auditions arrived and there I was... contestant #44. It was like when you drive half asleep, pull into your driveway but don’t remember how you got home. I was quickly reminded how long I’ve been out of the game. The other Honeybee hopefuls were picking up the choreography at lightning speed and I felt like an ol’ dog. But I couldn’t worry about that. No one could fail me but myself at that moment, and for me that’s what dance is all about. Dance reminds me that I am a fighter. I don’t give up, even when the odds are against me. For me, dancing proves that dedication and perseverance will help you to work your way to the top (or maybe it’s the presents my mom gives me if I didn’t cry on stage). |
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It’s like loving a family heirloom that’s been passed down from generation to generation. It’s worn and funky and outsiders might not understand why it’s so precious to you – because all they see is a ragged out keepsake – but you couldn’t care less because it’s more than a ragged out keepsake. Your daddy gave it to you, and his pop gave it to him. And while Joe Blow might have his squeaky clean tchotchke with all the bells and whistles, he ain’t no original, baby!
What I love to do when I’m not performing with the Honeybees:
In my down time I’m pretty much a house cat. I love relaxing in my robe (on the couch) watching my favorite TV shows: 30 Rock, Community, The Office, Parks and Rec. If I’m feeling really saucy, I might have game night with my friends. Tensions can run high in a game of Apples to Apples if the rules have not been clearly laid out in advance. Scattergories is fun also. My brother and I like to come up with subtle facial expressions that might break an opponent’s concentration in a staring contest. Hmmm... hobbies, hobbies, hobbies... I really can't think of anything else.
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