Earlier this week, the lovely and talented Candace from your very own Sacramento Kings Dance Team sat down to take some fan questions from you here at KingsForum.net. We’d like to extend a very special thank you to Candace for being so kind, and for taking time out of her extremely busy schedule to answer our questions, and doing so with such in-depth answers. We wish her the most continued of success! So, with all that said, enjoy Candace’s interview - and again, a very special thank you to Candace, Jenn, and the Sacramento Kings for helping us out.

1) So, how did your job as a Sacramento Kings Dance Team member come about?! We know you used to live up in the Great North West, so, was it by a stroke of luck? Did you move to the Sac area?

I lived in Roseville, California when I was a little girl because my parents were divorced. When they decided to remarry one another, we moved up to Springfield, Oregon where I went to high school and college. After being involved in the dance community for several years, I realized my dreams and aspirations may take me outside the state of Oregon. For three consecutive years, I auditioned for another NBA dance team but never made it past the final cut. When the opportunity came up for me to move to California I took it, and persistently began searching for auditions when a lightbulb went on. I remembered as a little girl going to a Kings practice for a field trip and we saw the dance team there. I got onto Kings.com and did my research. Then, things just fell into place as they should have all along!

2) What would you say is the most beneficial part, when it comes to being a member of the Kings Dance Team?

The most beneficial part of the SKDT is the relationships I’ve built with each of my teammates. If you think about it, 20-30 years from now, I won’t remember the dancing or the performances, I will have remembered the people in my life. People influence you on a daily basis, and being a part of the team has allowed me to grow as a person and learn more about life in general because of the relationships I’ve maintained and built.

3) We know you’re very skilled in talented in a variety of dance styles, but, what is your favorite style and why?

My favorite style of dance is hip hop for sure! Dancing is fun because it’s like acting in a way. You can play different characters, and with hip hop, I get to play up a style that’s very raw and unique and fun!

4) Rumor has it - you’re quite a talented singer….in your car, when nobody is around. Any truth to the rumors?! haha

Yes there is! I do like to sing, but I’m too shy to sing in front of anyone. My roommate has caught me a few times, but I’d love to be able to sing in front of a crowd one day. Maybe after a few voice lessons too! I’m no Mariah Carey!!! Haha.

5) You take part in quite a few fitness competitions - what do you like about them?

What I like about the fitness competitions is the journey! There’s so much self discipline and dedication that goes into a goal like that. To apply yourself consistently for 8-10 weeks straight on a daily/hourly basis is very draining! You push yourself harder and further than you ever thought possible. You have a coach that breaks you down and won’t let you give up. There’s an army of people behind you cheering you on to the finish line, and the second you want to give up, they don’t let you… they help carry you for the moment! The shows (for myself) are more self-fulfilling than anything else. There is also more of a learning process involved. To open your mind to the possibilities that you never thought existed! Then, to receive the physical strength and endurance that comes with the training is very empowering. There is absolutely nothing else like it! I am addicted to it! Now I know how the most talented athletes do it!

6) I’m sure you’ve experienced quite a few amazing memories during your time on the Dance Team, however, what would be one or two memories that really stick out over the rest? (they can be anything…charity work…a game…whatever)

My most memorable moments of the team always involve children, family and travel! I love doing charity work in the community, especially when there’s a child involved. To have the opportunity to instill hope and love in a young person’s life for that moment is very fulfilling for me. I believe in the power of inspiration and the power of change, and it starts with the innocence of a child. The most memorable, still to this day, was going to Shriners Children’s Hospital my first year (and every year thereafter). The experience changed me, and my perception of life itself. It was a powerful moment to have shared with one child going through leukemia in particular.

7) We know you love movies, and love to quote them. What are some of your favorite movie quotes?!

My favorite movie quote?! "Do you REALIZE what you’ve dooone!!!" Oh well… hmm… anything from Dumb and Dumber, Night at the Roxberry, Wedding Crashers, The Sandlot! "I’m sweatin like a toasted cheezer!" "You’re killin me smalls!" "You’re brothers… no… YES!!!" "And I was like… Emilo!!!" Hahaha. Oh I could entertain myself for hours thinking and reciting quotes!

8 ) What other "talents" do you have besides dancing? Any hobbies?

I’m very creative and outgoing! I’ve been snow skiing since I was six years old. I love to water-ski and wakeboard! I’m pretty good at scrapbooking (when I have the time for it!) Oh… and can I say that if there were the Olympics for talking… I’d take the Gold for sure!!!

Speed Round -

A) What’s your favorite cartoon character? Arial from Little Mermaid!

B) Your favorite music/artists are? Journey, Janet Jackson, Bob Marley!

C) Song that is getting heavy rotation on your MP3 player? All of the Rocky Soundtrack songs! They ALWAYS pump me up!

D) Favorite Foods? A GIANT salad with all the toppings! A giant hamburger! Seafood! Fruit! And anything CHOCOLATE!

9) Do you have a prep routine before Game Night? Do anything special? You know…listen to music, do pushups, recite the National Anthem in your car…hah)

Yes, I always workout before each game to get my body warmed up! I go through routines consecutively in my head for a mental warm-up, and pack my game bag… and say a little prayer.

10) Lets go with the old question here; 5 things on a deserted island…you would bring what (and they will always work, IE a cell phone wouldn’t need to be charged, etc)

Okay things or people??? Hmm things… Chapstick, Sunblock, Cell Phone (if alone), an all purpose knife and matches!

11) If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why?

Well I’d like to think I already am a superhero… the Orange-Head! Haha JK I’d like to be able to have healing powers if someone were hurt.

12) If you had the ability to see the future, would you want that? And why or why not?

If I had the ability, I would accept it for what it is and use it to my advantage to help others in need. I would want that because you can make a positive change in the world and in others’ lives!

13) There are a lot of young girls out there that look up to you and want to be in your shoes when they get older. How does that make you feel!?

That makes me feel honored and privileged to be where I am. I’ve worked hard for my successes, and I want the youth to know they can get there too, with hard work and a healthy/positive attitude!

14) What does the future hold for Candace?

Well… the future holds some very exciting things… but you’ll have to wait and see what unfolds. But I see many positive changes in my life. The journey is getting really exciting… make sure to check back to see what’s in store!

15) Any last words for Kings and Sacramento Kings Dance Team fans?!

I am very happy to have found a home here in Sacramento, from moving away from my family five years ago! The fans have helped in that process, and I’m so excited to be able to share my journey with them! The fans are so much more important than they realize! We all have a passion in common and it’s soo exciting to be able to share that with one another! Cheers to this year, and the next! May all your dreams come true!

You can find more about Candace here:

*Her Blog on KingsConnect*

*Her SKDT Profile*

Here are some pictures of the beautiful Candace in action

Make sure to leave your comments below on Candace’s Interview!

Images used courtsey of the Sacramento Kings, Getty, and Sacramento King Dance Team

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