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NBA Halftime Performance Registration Opens Sept. 25
Updated: Sep 27
AVA Dance Company will return to Capital One Arena in Washington DC on November 4 to perform during halftime at the Washington Wizards' match against the Atlanta Hawks! Registration opens Friday, Sept. 25 at 8AM!
We are seeking dancers to join us at Capital One Arena for a special performance opportunity. Challenge yourself by learning a professional-style routine, enjoy a basketball game with your new dance friends, and perform on an NBA court with your loved ones cheering you on!
Whether you're thinking about auditioning for a professional team or seeking a "bucket list" experience, this event is one you'll want to be apart of!
We will be bringing two groups of dancers onto the court: Street Jazz and Hip Hop. So how does it work? Each style will have its own dedicated rehearsal time and choreography sections. The groups will alternate during the piece and then unite at the end for an all-cast section!
Rehearsals will be held on the following Thursdays at Gold's Gym - Ballston. Street Jazz will rehearse from 7:45P-8:45P and Hip Hop will rehearse from 8:45P-9:45P. The exception will be dress rehearsal on October 29 as both groups will rehearse simultaneously from 7:45P-9:45P.
October 1, 2026
October 8, 2026
October 15, 2026
October 22, 2026
October 29, 2026 - dress rehearsal
The waitlist for this performance opportunity is open. Dancers can add their name and will be contacted ahead of the first rehearsal if a spot becomes available. Filling out the waitlist form does not guarantee you a spot.
The registration cost for this experience is $265. Additionally, dancers will need to purchase any costume needs as well as their game ticket using our AVA Dance Company link in order to perform.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I can't make a rehearsal, can I still participate?
Priority will be given to dancers who can attend all rehearsals. If spots are still open, we will open registration up to remaining dancers!
How does registration work?
Registration will open at 8AM on January 30 via the above Google Form link. Spots will fill on a first come, first served basis and the form will close once it hits the maximum capacity. We suggest being ready right at 8AM as our performance opportunities historically fill quickly.
What style is the routine?
Dancers can expect an energetic, pro style routine with dynamic formations.
Do I need any skills or experience?
We suggest dancers have an intermediate understanding of Street Jazz or Hip Hop. Intermediate level of retention is also suggested!
No specific skills are required! After registration, we will send out a questionnaire so you can tell us about your skills & we may incorporate them into the performance!
Where is the game / what is call time?
The game will be held at Capital One Arena in Washington DC and begin at 7PM. While an exact call time to the arena is TBA, it will likely be approx. 2 hours prior to the start of the game. Our performance will take place prior to tip off.
Where are the rehearsals held at?
Rehearsals will take place at Gold's Gym - Ballston, located in Arlington, VA. This is also where we host our drop-in classes! It is a short walk from the Metro’s orange and silver lines (Ballston-MU & VA Square stops) and has a free, large parking lot for dancers who drive! Park in GYM ONLY designated spots to prevent having your car towed!
Meet the Choreographers - Leah and Marielle
Leah has been dancing and sharing her passion for dance with others for over 30 years. Leah was born and raised in Long Island, NY where her dance career started. In college she led her college dance company and choreographed routines that won leading scores in competitions. After college, Leah danced professionally for the Washington Wizards for three seasons, serving as co-captain of the team during her third season. During her time dancing professionally for the NBA, she won Rookie of the Year, was chosen to represent her team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the NBA 3x Events; Atlanta, Georgia for the annual All P-R-O Dance Convention; as well as New York City for the 2015 NBA All Star Events. Leah has always loved sharing her passion of dance with her community and is grateful to continue to provide so many dance opportunities to our dancers here in the DMV through AVA Dance Company.
Born and raised in New York City, Marielle developed her love for dance in her early childhood years studying a variety of dance styles. She studied at UNCG where she earned a BA in Dance Education (K-12) and was a member of the Spartan G’s Dance Team for five years, serving as a captain for three years. Dance has taken Marielle to different places such as Atlanta, Las Vegas, Italy, and China. She coached the Washington Mystics’s dance team, Mystics Mayhem, for two seasons and danced for the Washington Wizards for four seasons. Marielle is one of AVA's original guest instructors, having choreographed countless drop-in classes with us, two Showcase performances and our NBA debut in 2022. She is currently based out of New York City.
Check Out Our Previous NBA Halftime Performances
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