Jaclyn has been dancing since the age of 2, and is trained in tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, modern, and swing. She was the captain of her nationally ranked high school dance team, Don Bosco Prep, and also was a 3 year member of the nationally ranked Rutgers University dance team. She graduated from Rutgers with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, and a minor in Psychology. After college, she went on to do theatre and commercial work. Regional credits include: Company (April); A Chorus Line (Kristine, u/s Val); Joseph…Dreamcoat. Broadway credits: Contact (National Tour). Film/TV credits: Panasonic, American Express, SpikeTV. Music Videos: 50 Cent. Jaclyn also performed as a back-up dancer for Britney Spears.
As a 3 year veteran of the Nets Dancers, Jaclyn has been featured on the CW11, Fox News, Fox and Friends, CBS, Good Morning America, YES Network, and Tuesday Night with Ahmad Rashad. She has also done choreography for the team, and appeared as an in-arena Emcee during Nets games. In addition, Jaclyn coaches the Netsational Seniors, and was featured in their documentary “Gotta Dance”, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC.
Q&A with Jaclyn Sabol:
When did you start your dancing career?
I was 2 years old and my mom was taking a tap dancing class. I insisted that I wanted to try, and Ive been dancing ever since.
How long have you been with the Nets?
The ‘08-‘09 season will be my fourth!
Can you please describe your workday as a Nets dancer?
We’re very busy! An easy day would be a 3 hour evening rehearsal, where we would learn a new dance or set our routines for an upcoming game. A harder day would consist of teaching a dance class or clinic, having an appearance (or 2) and then a game. A day like that is usually about 12 hours long.
You represented the Nets as part of the 2007 Las Vegas All Star Dance Team, can you describe your feeling when you knew you were selected?
I was shocked! I’m still so grateful to Petra and Kim for selecting me to be in the vote – and extremely grateful to the fans for voting for me. It was such a honor.
What was your experience like as an All Star dancer?
It was tough! We had a couple days to learn several routines, and we had a lot of appearances and interviews. I don’t think I ever got more than 4 hours of sleep, and by the time we performed at the All Star game I had a 104 degree fever! But I made so many new friends, and we still keep in touch.
What was your favorite moment during the All Star event? I was doing an autograph signing, and my parents showed up to surprise me! They were so proud, and I was so touched that they flew all the way to Vegas just for me. About 5 months later I lost my mom, so I’m very happy she was able to share that experience with me.
For aspiring dancers, what advice/tips would you give to help get them into the NBA Dance Team?
Get into class! Take all forms of dance, and do your research before an audition to find out exactly what they are looking for.
When you were selected as a Nets dancer, what skill or trait do you think helped you the most in the selection process?
I think my previous dance experience allowed me to walk in with confidence and helped me to pick up the choreography quickly. In addition, my experience with broadcasting made the interview process go smoothly.
Swimsuit calendars are becoming a big hit among some NBA teams, any future plan for the Nets to jump on the bandwagon?
I don’t think so. We’re slightly more conservative than some other teams, and we aim to put on a show for the whole family.
Have you had any embarrassing moments as a Nets dancer?
I once had to wear a dress that was a little too small and it pulled up my shorts so high that I thought I was going to be fired!
What has been your favorite dance routine ? I love all our routines! They’re all so different! We do everything from hip-hop to jazz to Broadway styles.
What has been your favorite costume this season?
My favorite costume of all time was our little sailor dress – we danced to Candyman by Christina Aguilera.
Do you ever get recognized in public?
Yes. I live pretty close to the arena so most people around here are Nets fans.
Outside the Nets, who is your favorite NBA player?
Actually, aside from watching Nets games and the playoffs, I prefer to watch college basketball. So I can’t say that I have one favorite player in particular.
What do you expect to be doing 5 years from now?
I would love to work in TV, and report on sports and entertainment.
You have been coaching the Netsational Seniors, can you describe to our readers your experience with that so far?
I coach and choreograph for a team of “senior citizens”, age 60 and up. The other coach, Marla, and I teach them hip hop and they perform at one game per month. They have quickly become fan favorites and there was even a documentary about them in this years Tribeca Film Festival in NYC. It’s been quite a ride! It’s taught me tremendous patience, and it proves that you’re never too old to dance!
What do you do when you are not dancing?
I recently began working in sales for a healthcare company, and I also take voice lessons, kickboxing classes, and love to travel when I can.