Tassie dancers audition for JackJumpers ‘hype squad’

About a dozen dancers will be JackJumping for joy if they are selected to join the basketball team’s “hype squad”. SEE THE PHOTOS FROM THE AUDITION >>

These dancers will be JackJumping for joy if they are selected to join the NBL team’s “hype squad”.

More than 40 performers danced their hearts out on Sunday for a chance to become a member of the Tas Gas Jump Squad.

Zali Kingston, Jonty Coad and Gabrielle Shaw at the Tas Gas Jump Squad tryouts at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

The squad joins the Tasmania JackJumpers at all 14 of its NBL home games and any finals to entertain and energise the crowd during the breaks.

Tas Gas Jump Squad manager Sarah Morrison said she had double the dancers rock up to the audition on Sunday compared to last year.

Laura Jackman at the Tas Gas Jump Squad tryouts at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

“This is a paid opportunity for these guys to work as professionals,” Ms Morrison said.

“Some of them will be able to dance in front of 5000 people.”

She said she was hoping to recruit the same number of males as females to make it clear that the crew were not cheerleaders, but performers.

About a dozen dancers will find out within the week whether they have been successful.

Zali Kingston was a member of the Tas Gas Jump Squad during the 2021-22 NBL season and said performing at the games was “unreal”.

Zali Kingston, Jonty Coad and Gabrielle Shaw at the Tas Gas Jump Squad tryouts at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

“The arena comes alive and it feels so good to perform and be in front of that live audience,” Ms Kingston said.

She is auditioning again to allow the selectors to curate the strongest squad for the 2022-23 season.

“There’s so much talent in Tasmania, so it’s more than fair to bring everyone together for the audition.”

Tas Gas Jump Squad tryouts at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Originally published as Tassie dancers audition for JackJumpers ‘hype squad’