August 15, 2007
Dancing with the stars
Villa Park grad Tiffany Miller, 19, earns a spot on the LA Clippers' Spirit Dance Team.
By LOU PONSI
STAFF WRITER
Cal State Fullerton sophomore Tiffany Miller of Anaheim Hills, a competitive dancer since about age 7, always seemed to have "a little something extra" that distinguished her from other performers, according to her mother, Eileen.
Turns out mom knew then what will soon be apparent to many others.
Miller, a 2006 Villa Park High graduate, was one of 18 women selected from a group of about 300 who auditioned July 15-17 for a spot on the Clippers Sprit Dance Team. The squad performs at Los Angeles Clippers basketball games and attends charity events and private functions.
The 19-year-old Miller is the second youngest member of the squad.
"It's amazing," said Miller, on making the team. "Without God, my family and friends, none of this could happen."
Tiffany's sister, Brandi, 9, earned a spot on the Junior Jam Squad for youngsters ages 6 to 13.
The first of the three-day audition process included performing high-energy dance routines. Only 39 women are asked to return the second day.
"(I felt) relief that this part is over and now I'm moving on," said Miller on making it past the first day.
The second day consisted of interviews in which prospective dancers were asked questions on topics such as responsibility and dedication.
"We do a lot of work in the community for the Los Angeles Clippers and it's important for us to find women who are articulate, well spoken individuals," said dance team director Jessie Christensen.
More dancing on the third day, including a 30-second solo, before the squad was trimmed to the final 18.
"The whole time, she was amazingly confident," said friend Wailana Geisen, 20, who accompanied Miller for the audition. "I could see there was no doubt in her mind she would make it."
Sprit Dance Team members get paid $75 per game and earn money for some appearances. Practices are two days per week.
The ladies are expected to maintain a fit appearance and must dress in professional attire when going to and from games. They are not allowed to socialize with players after the game.
"We're on a tight leash but I understand," Miller said.
Miller was a member of the Titan Dance Team which won the 2007 Universal Dance Association Division I Championship.
She was a cheerleader and on the dance team at Villa Park High and was a member of national title winning teams from Dance Precisions in Placentia.
Millers' parents have been Clippers' season-ticket holders since she was about 10.
"Now my parents can come and watch me instead of the other dancers," she said.
Miller hopes performing with the Clippers Sprit Dance Team leads to future opportunities.
Tiffany Miller
Home: Anaheim Hills
Age: 19
Education: graduated Villa Park High, 2006; entering her sophomore year at Cal State Fullerton
High performer: a former member of the CSUF dance team; cheerleader and dancer at Villa Park High; former dancer for Dance Precisions in Placentia