Kings officials discussed the change for months, and the new squad will have even numbers of men and womenNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
The NBA Kings franchise is "disbanding its longtime dance team in order to form a gender-inclusive hip-hop dance troupe," according to Anderson & Harris of the SACRAMENTO BEE. Members of the Kings Dancers group were "saddened because they believe the organization is making a mistake in eliminating a dance team that has influenced the fan experience in Sacramento for more than 30 years." The team is planning to replace the Kings Dancers with the 916 Crew, which will be "comprised of men and women who perform hip-hop dance routines during home games." Kings officials had "discussed the change for months." The team said that the 916 Crew will have "about 18 members with even numbers of men and women" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 5/22).
FOLLOWING THE TREND: In Dallas, Sharon Grigsby noted the Mavericks are "dropping" their dance troupe -- "at least in its current form -- along with the ManiAACs, in favor of a more diverse, family-friendly entertainment lineup next season." Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban said that the decision was "one the organization had been talking about for a while." Cuban: "Our goal is to continuously improve the fan experience. The dancers have done a great job, but we felt like there was more we could offer as part of our in-game programming." This decision "tracks closely" with what the Spurs did last year, when they "eliminated their Silver Dancers squad and shifted to a coed team of stunt artists, tumblers and acrobats." A competition will be held July 13 at American Airlines Center, and the chosen performers will be "part of the inaugural Mavs entertainment squad -- although ownership promises that a much catchier name is coming" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 5/18).
