Interview with Celine Edmondson

Interview by Anthony “AntBoogie” Rue II for Dancers Are Athletes

Behind the smiles, halftime performances, and game-day energy is an incredible amount of discipline, preparation, and leadership. Celine Boom knows that reality firsthand. From her years performing at the highest level to now helping lead the next generation as an Assistant Coach for the Brooklynettes, she offers a candid look at what it truly takes to thrive in professional dance.

1. What moment in your career made you realize, "I belong here?"

Honestly, hosting the last Boom Prep event in collaboration with Push Professionals was the moment that made me realize I belong here and am doing what I'm supposed to be doing. Seeing so many young dancers of color in a room that I was part of leading hit hard because there weren't a ton of people who looked like me leading the spaces where I trained.

2. You've performed for years at the highest level. In your opinion, what separates elite professional dancers from talented dancers who never break through?

It's the little things that have nothing to do with the actual dancing. Are you a good and kind person to work with? Are you on top of things logistically? Can you be adaptable and moldable? The list goes on and on, and over the years I've realized that what keeps you working does not only have to do with how good of a dancer you are.

3. People see dancers smile on game day, but they don't always see the conditioning behind it. What does staying performance-ready for an NBA season actually require physically?

When I was dancing on the team, cardio was so important and I'm pretty positive it still is haha. We are pretty much sprinting with a heel on once the game begins. From performing the opening, quick changes, seat visits, and at least two in-game routines we are daaancing! But what you do at home really matters. Proper nutrition and prioritizing rest and recovery is crucial.

4. How do you manage stamina and recovery during a long season where energy has to look fresh every single night?

Rehearsal is where the magic happens and where you build that stamina. Physically, it's all about getting your reps in and understanding how to be a great performer and storyteller.

Keeping things looking fresh every single night is a mindset. When I was performing, I was striving to have a new experience every single game. Each game we played a different team, so that alone shifts the energy. It could have been someone's first time at a basketball game and I was part of making that experience magical for them.

Now, from my experience behind the scenes, I can honestly say we are always trying to out-do ourselves. We are constantly bouncing ideas off of one another to see how we can elevate the show, the dancers, and ourselves.

5. Going from veteran dancer to Assistant Coach changes the lens completely. What did leadership teach you that performing never could?

Before I became Assistant Coach, I was the captain of the team for three seasons. Being in a leadership position for a team full of strong, talented, and beautiful women can seem really daunting but on the other side of it I have learned grace, compassion, boundary setting, and how to be a steward.

Performing and leading at the same time helped me understand the needs of my team, how to communicate them, and how to advocate for them. I found my voice and learned how to use it. That is one of the biggest lessons I learned and now carry into my role as Assistant Coach.

6. When building routines for a team environment, how do you balance technical excellence, crowd energy, and entertainment value?

#1 Listen. To. The. Music.

Everything I make comes from the music first. Then, from there, it's like cooking and understanding how much of each element you need.

I understand our audience and what they're going to react to that takes cultural literacy. When coming up with the movement, I strive for what will challenge the dancers but still look great on court. I also push for a lot of individuality to juxtapose the dancing in unison.

7. What makes someone coachable in a professional dance setting?

Simple. Checking your ego at the door.

Yes, we all love what we do and, as artists, can be sensitive about our stuff. But another lesson I've learned is to not take things personal until they are. But that's a different conversation!

8. How do you motivate a team when everyone is talented, competitive, and trying to stand out at the same time?

I remind them that we are all there for a common goal to go out there, do what we love, and inspire at least one person in the audience.

9. What's one behind the scenes truth about NBA dance teams that fans would be surprised to learn?

A lot of people are shocked to learn how quickly we learn our routines and perform them! We usually learn, clean, and stage in 2–3 rehearsals. Sometimes, we may only have one rehearsal.

10. If you could redesign the future of professional dance careers pay, recognition, training, opportunity what would you change first?

There's a lot of gatekeeping (which I think sort of keeps the essence of what our industry is), but I would change the spread of knowledge and opportunity.

I would also change the RESPECT we get as dancers. I think with social media, that part is slowly changing, but we have a loooong way to go.