Cara Desjarlais ('12) Chosen to 2014-15 Celtics Dancers

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Boston Celtics Dancers 2014-15 Auditions Highlight Video

BOSTON, Mass.-  The Boston Celtics Dancers have announced their 2014 squad and Endicott alum Cara Desjarlais ('12) has been named to the roster.  Desjarlais, who was an athletic training major while at Endicott, was selected to the roster following a difficult and lengthy audition process and now joins a team that had just 19 women on the roster last year.  

"The weekend of the Celtics auditions was a very long, intense process," stated Desjarlais.  "I showed up early Saturday morning looking 'game day ready' and was mentally prepared for a fun, full day of dancing. That day, the choreography was thrown at us very quickly. We had minimal time to practice and were then sent to the floor to perform the routines to the best of our ability. After making it through an across the floor combination, a jazz routine, and a solo round, I was thrilled to find out that I had made it to the finals. The next two days of auditions consisted of learning a new jazz and hip hop routine, as well as a solo that we had to perform Monday night in front of an audience. It was non-stop dancing for three days straight! The group of finalists were such talented women that I was so surprised and thrilled to find out that I had made the team at the end of the show. I couldn't be more excited to fulfill my dream of dancing for thousands at the Garden!"

Under the guidance of Endicott dance coach and Coordinator of Dance Nicole Sao Pedro-Welch, Desjarlais competed with the dance team and spoke highly of her time representing the Blue and Green.  "Being a part of the Endicott dance team played a huge factor in my success of becoming a Celtics dancer. My coach, Nikki Sao Pedro-Welch, always pushed me to bring out the best in my dance ability. Throughout my four years, I saw my technique improve, my ability to pick up choreography improve, and my performance quality improve. During the Celtics final show, one of the judges stressed how important it was to perform to the entire audience, not just those sitting in front of you. I instantly thought of my days performing at Endicott basketball games and how Nikki taught me to do just that."

While it was her individual performance that set her apart at the auditions, Desjarlais knows the importance of being a part of something bigger than the individual.  "Most importantly, Nikki taught me what it meant to be a part of a team," she recalled.  "During my tenure on the Endicott dance team, all of the dancers helped one another, motivated each other, and respected one another. Since graduating I have truly missed the team bond I formed with the Endicott dancers, and can't wait to experience that again. Dancing professionally post-college would not have been possible without the guidance of Nikki and my experience on the Endicott College Dance Team."

Sao Pedro-Welch, who has enjoyed a great deal of success during her tenure as the coach of the Endicott dance team, was elated for her former athlete.  "Since the first day I met Cara as a freshman at Endicott, I knew she had the talent and personality to become professional dancer post-college. Having the chance to work with her for four years to make her see what she is worth, has truly paid off. I could not be more proud of Cara. The Celtics Dance Team is lucky to have such a talented, kind, and hard working person and I am excited to see her perform!"