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Courtside MVPs: A Look At The Las Vegas Aces Entertainment Team

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, August 2nd 2025 at 20:36 GMT by The Blast
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Courtside MVPs: A Look at the Las Vegas Aces' Entertainment Team

In the electrifying world of professional basketball, where the spotlight often shines brightest on the athletes dribbling and dunking on the court, there's an unsung group of performers who elevate the entire experience: the entertainment team. For the Las Vegas Aces, the WNBA's powerhouse franchise based in the entertainment capital of the world, this team is more than just a sideshow—they're the heartbeat of the arena, turning every game into a spectacle that rivals the city's famous Strip. Dubbed the "Courtside MVPs," the Aces' entertainment squad encompasses dancers, cheerleaders, hype crews, mascots, and interactive performers who keep the energy soaring from tip-off to the final buzzer. This deep dive explores who they are, what they do, and why they're essential to the Aces' winning formula.

At the core of the Aces' entertainment operations is the Aces Dance Team, a group of highly trained performers who blend athleticism, choreography, and showmanship to captivate audiences. These dancers aren't just filling timeouts; they're storytellers, weaving narratives through movement that reflect the team's spirit and Las Vegas's vibrant culture. Led by a seasoned choreographer with roots in Broadway and music videos, the team rehearses rigorously, often starting months before the season. Practices involve everything from high-energy hip-hop routines to elegant contemporary pieces, all tailored to the Aces' branding of empowerment and resilience. One standout routine from last season paid homage to iconic Vegas performers like Elvis and Cirque du Soleil, incorporating aerial elements and LED lights for a visually stunning display. Members of the dance team come from diverse backgrounds—some are former college athletes, others professional dancers who've toured with artists like Beyoncé or performed in Super Bowl halftime shows. Their diversity mirrors the Aces' commitment to inclusivity, with performers representing various ethnicities, body types, and ages, challenging traditional stereotypes in sports entertainment.

Complementing the dancers is the Aces Hype Squad, a dynamic group responsible for crowd engagement and in-game antics. These energetic individuals roam the stands, leading cheers, tossing T-shirts, and hyping up sections of the arena to create waves of enthusiasm. Unlike traditional cheerleaders, the Hype Squad focuses on interactivity, using props like giant foam fingers, confetti cannons, and even mini-games during breaks to keep fans involved. A key figure in this group is the team's mascot, "Lucky the Ace," a charismatic character designed as a high-flying aviator with a nod to Las Vegas's aviation history and the team's name. Lucky isn't just a costume; it's a role that requires stamina, improv skills, and a knack for reading the crowd. The performer behind Lucky shared in an interview how they prepare by studying fan reactions from previous games, adapting skits to current events or rivalries. For instance, during a heated matchup against a rival team, Lucky might stage a mock "duel" with the opposing mascot, drawing roars of laughter and applause.

What sets the Aces' entertainment team apart is their integration with the broader Las Vegas entertainment ecosystem. Many members moonlight as performers in Strip shows, bringing a level of polish and creativity that's unmatched in other WNBA franchises. This cross-pollination fosters innovation; for example, routines often incorporate elements from magic acts, acrobatics, or even pyrotechnics, making Michelob ULTRA Arena feel like a mini-Vegas production. The team's director emphasizes collaboration, holding joint brainstorming sessions where dancers, hype crew, and even players contribute ideas. This holistic approach ensures that entertainment aligns with the game's narrative—celebrating big plays, motivating during lulls, and amplifying the Aces' themes of female empowerment. During playoff runs, the team ramps up with themed nights, like "Aces Queens" where performers don regal costumes to honor women's strength, complete with custom music mixes and fan giveaways.

Behind the glamour, the entertainment team's work is grueling. Rehearsals can last up to six hours a day, focusing on precision timing to sync with game clocks and broadcast requirements. Physical demands are high; dancers execute flips, splits, and lifts while maintaining smiles amid the arena's heat and noise. Nutrition and fitness regimens are strict, with team members following personalized plans to sustain energy through back-to-back games. Mental preparation is equally vital—performers train in crowd psychology to handle everything from enthusiastic cheers to occasional hecklers. One dancer recounted a challenging moment during a high-stakes game when a routine went awry due to a technical glitch; quick thinking and improvisation turned it into a viral moment, showcasing the team's adaptability.

The impact of the entertainment team extends beyond the court. They serve as ambassadors for the Aces in the community, participating in outreach programs like youth dance clinics and charity events. These initiatives not only build fan loyalty but also inspire the next generation, particularly young girls who see role models in these multifaceted performers. Social media plays a huge role too; the team's Instagram and TikTok accounts feature behind-the-scenes content, tutorials, and challenges that garner millions of views, extending the Aces' reach globally. Fans often cite the entertainment as a reason they attend games, with surveys showing that interactive elements boost overall satisfaction and repeat attendance.

Evolution has been key to the team's success. When the Aces relocated from San Antonio to Las Vegas in 2018, the entertainment squad underwent a major overhaul to embrace the city's showbiz flair. Early seasons focused on building a core group, but recent years have seen expansions, including the addition of a junior dance team for aspiring young performers. Challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic forced adaptations, such as virtual performances and socially distanced routines, which ultimately strengthened their resilience. Looking ahead, the team plans to incorporate more technology, like augmented reality filters for fan interactions and drone-assisted light shows, to stay at the forefront of sports entertainment.

Individual stories within the team add layers of inspiration. Take Sarah, a lead dancer who's been with the Aces since their Vegas debut. A former gymnast turned professional dancer, she balances her role with teaching classes at a local studio, emphasizing discipline and passion. Or Mike, a Hype Squad veteran known for his infectious energy; as a single dad, he draws motivation from his daughter, who attends games to watch him perform. These personal narratives humanize the team, reminding fans that behind the sequins and spotlights are dedicated individuals pouring their hearts into every performance.

In essence, the Las Vegas Aces' entertainment team embodies the city's mantra of "go big or go home." They're not mere fillers; they're integral to the Aces' identity, enhancing the thrill of women's basketball and making every game an unforgettable event. As the WNBA continues to grow, teams like the Aces set the standard for how entertainment can elevate the sport, proving that the real MVPs aren't always the ones scoring points—they're the ones keeping the crowd on their feet. Whether it's a perfectly executed dance break or a spontaneous fan interaction, these performers ensure that the energy in the arena is as dynamic as the city itself, solidifying the Aces' place as a beacon of excitement in professional sports. (Word count: 1,048)