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Harmony answered your questions about making it to the Conference Finals of the NBA Dance Team Bracket, whether Michigan winters or LA traffic is worse, her experiences as a Spirit Dancer and much more!
The Spirit Dancers face the Heat Dancers in the Finals of the 2008 NBA Dance Team Bracket. Vote online until April 4th at 9:00 am (PT)! You must be registered as an NBA All-Access member to vote in the NBA.com Dance Team Bracket. Access is free, so sign up today.
Harmony: Hey Clipper Nation! Thanks so much for logging on today. Please be sure to vote for us today and tomorrow. Hopefully we'll be back for the Finals! Let's get to your questions.
Clipper Izzy (Los Angeles): With a hectic dancing schedule (and everything else that's involved with it) how do you manage to also work as a hair stylist? Or is the Hair gig only off-season? Also, are you a Coke or Pepsi girl?
Harmony: Luckily with my job, I'm able to make my own hours, so I just schedule my hours accordingly between the salon and the Clippers. If I have a game I only work at the salon for half a day. As for Coke vs. Pepsi... I don't drink pop. (For you west coasters, "pop" is the same as "soda.") I'm a H20 only girl.
Clipper Fi, Hollywood: First off, let me just say I have a TON of respect for you for being able to balance out a full time career AND succeed as one of my most favorite Spirit Dancers.
You've been on board with the Clippers as well as the Pistons franchise. What's the biggest difference between working for either team?
Harmony: The biggest difference is that the Spirit dances more on the court than Automotion did during Pistons games. In Detroit we only did two performances during the game. Here we're constantly performing and changing our uniform.
You must be a marine, "Clipper Fi." Thanks being a true American hero! My boyfriend was a ranger in the Army, and I truly respect everything that you do!
Manny (Santa Monica): If I looked at your iPod, what would be the top five "most played" songs?
Harmony: Probably "Toy Soldier" by Britney Spears, "Low" by Flo Rida, "Nobody's Perfect" by Hannah Montana, "PYT" by Michael Jackson and "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John.
Katie C. (Los Angeles): Which celebrity's hair would you love to get your hands on? Who has the best and worst hair in Hollywood?
Harmony: The celebrity with the best hair is probably Jessica Simpson. I think her hair always looks great and she always looks put together. The worst hair... Ms. Britney just needs some work on her extensions. I'd love to "Harmonize" her!
When I work on the other Spirit girls' hair, they always say that I "Harmonize" them!
Ron P. (Sherman Oaks): Who is your favorite Clippers player? Who else around the league do you enjoy watching when they come to town?
Harmony: My favorite Clippers player is Cuttino Mobley. The other NBA star that I love watching is Jerry Stackhouse. I loved watching him back when I was on Automotion in Detroit.
Mark (LA): What is your favorite memory as a Spirit Dancer?
Harmony: There are so many! I would honestly have to say my most favorite memory was last night at the game. My neice Horizon was in town and she danced with the Jr. Spirit Clinic. We performed at halftime and it was just such an amazing experience to dance with her and all of my friends on the team.
Marianne (Thousand Oaks): What's your cheerleading and dancing background like? I want to audition for the team this summer - any pointers?
Harmony: I've been dancing for more than 20 years. I cheered for one year in jr. high school, then the rest of the years in high school I spent on the dance team. I taught for the National Dance Association for five years and I also coached a high school varsity dance team for five years. I spent three years on Automotion (the Pistons Dance Team), and this is my third season with the Clippers Spirit.
For auditions, come out and look the part. It's not just about dancing, the girls who make the team all have personality, showmanship and confidence. I don't know if you've been to a game, but our hair and makeup are always spot on. So just be sure you look the part. Dance experience is a must as well!
Albert (Northridge): Your bio says you love to travel. What's the best trip you ever took?
Harmony: The best trip I ever took was to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. But I'm looking forward to future travels. I'm planning a trip this summer. I'm hoping to see Greece. Fingers crossed!
Josh E. (Hollywood): I'm originally from Michigan too. Do you root for Michigan or Michigan State? What was the biggest culture shock for you when you moved to Los Angeles?
Harmony: Even though most of my friends are Spartans, I bleed Maize and Blue. Go Blue!
The biggest shock to me was the weather! 24-7, 365 days a year, the weather here is way better than Michigan's could ever be!
Raul (Westminster): Hey Harmony! You're obviously the most beautiful cheerleader anywhere. How will you feel when you girls win the title for best NBA cheerleaders? Will people give recognition to the Clippers Spirit as beautiful women like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders? Also, what interested you into coming to work for the Clippers?
Harmony: I would be super, super excited if we won! That would probably be one of the most prestigious awards we could ever receive. Thanks for your confidence in our potential victory!
It was always my dream to live in a warm climate and do what I love most, which is dancing. When I was on Automotion, my teammates and I used to look at the other teams around the league, and we all agreed that the Clippers Spirit Dancers were some of the most beautiful, All-American girls in the NBA. Making the Spirit was an exciting moment for me and something that I will always cherish.
Justin (Whittier CA): Hi Harmony. Do you have a boyfriend? If not, would it be a plus if he was a Clippers fan?
Harmony: I do have a boyfriend, and he is a Clippers fan. He's also a big NFL fan. We bonded over our mutual love for the Seattle Seahawks.
George (Compton): Hi Harmony, I just wanted to say that you and the Spirit have been a bright spot for us this season. Will you be coming back next season?
Harmony: Yes I will! Thank you for the compliment. I'm really looking forward to next season.
Jonathan (Sherman Oaks): Hello Harmony, do NBA cheerleaders get paid or is it volunteer work?
Harmony: We do get paid for games and practices, but this job isn't about the money for the dancers. For us, it's more about being able to fulfill our passion for dancing, our love for the NBA and the prestige that comes with being an ambassador for the Los Angeles Clippers and the community.
Jason (Ontario): Hi Harmony! What's worse LA traffic or Michigan winters? Was it easy adjusting to the LA lifestyle? Thank you :)
Harmony: That's a close one! I would have to say the brutal winters of Michigan are far worse. You native Los Angelinos don't know what it's like to drive in the snow and bundle up for nine months every year!
Yes, it was very easy to adjust. I don't think I really ever belonged in Michigan. My friends and family all said that I belonged in California. They'd tell me, "You belong some place fun!"
Macolm (In The Middle): Hi Harmony. I have been a fan of yours for many years, How do you stay in such great shape? Any tips for my girlfriend?
Harmony: I work out five days a week. I'm constantly weight training, I do fusion boot camps, circuit training, kick boxing and dancing. I like to mix up my workouts. "Clean" eating and drinking lots of H20 is my secret.
David (Riverside): Hey Harmony, I'm just curious... As a Clippers Spirit dancer, was this a passion you saw yourself doing as a child or were you just in the right place at the right time? Take Care! God Bless!
Harmony: My parents used to take me to professional basketball and football games. I would always point to the cheerleaders and say, "That's what I want to do some day!" I'm a firm believer that if you work really hard you can make your dreams come true. This was always a dream of mine, and I thank God every day for what he's blessed me with.
Pam (Century City): I'm a big Clipper Darrell fan. What do you think about his 300 consectutive game and who does your hair?
Harmony: Clipper Darrell's 300 consecutive games is an amazing accomplishment. Hopefully we'll see him at 300 more.
My friend at the salon colors and cuts my hair, but my "style" is my own creation. Styling is my specialty.
Jake (La Mirada, CA): Hi Harmony. Do you often work on mens' hair? I have a faux-hawk and am in desperate need of a good stylist!
Harmony: Yes! There are a lot of men who come in to the salon.
Jill C. (C-Town, MI): Hi Harm! Just had to give a shout out to the old C-town. I'm super proud of your accomplishments. Your representing well!
Harmony: Thanks Jill! C-town Michigan will always be my roots! Thanks for the shout out. Miss you and hope all is well!
Israel (SF Valley): Aside from dancing professionally, what are some future goals you really really REALLY hope to accomplish?
Harmony: I would really like to own my own salon one day, I want to travel and see the world and continue living an active, healthy lifestyle.
Nes (Los Angeles): In past performances in your career, have you ever had an injury that almost stopped you from dancing?
Harmony: Fortunately I have never had an injury. I've never broken a bone, had a sprain or anything. I've been very sore where I almost couldn't walk, but nothing major. Knock on wood!
Myra (Fontana): Hey Harmony, quick question... What's your secret to staying soooooo beautiful? I must know! Take care!
Harmony: I have a really good dermatologist! The sun is very damaging in California, and my dermatologist has really helped me with keeping my skin looking young and fresh. Since I started going to him, he's taught me to swear by SPF 35! If I need a tan, Mystic Tan is the way I go! Oh, and definitely, MAC makeup is #1!
Harmony: Alright Clipper Nation, I have to get going. I promised my niece a fun-filled day at Disneyland today! We're so excited to meet the Disney Princesses.
Thanks again for logging on today. I'll see you all at the game on Sunday, and be sure you continue to vote vote vote!
