Raptors Dance Pak Nina

Toronto is lucky to have Nina (Photo via Raptors)

The NBA Dance series of interviews continue and this time we took our talents to Toronto to chat with göt2b Raptors Dance Pak Captain, Nina.

You’d be hard-pressed to find another human that loves the Raptors more than Nina, but even beyond the team, she is head over heels in love with everything that is Toronto. If the Toronto Visitors Bureau is reading this, consider this our formal nomination for Nina to be your next billboard. In case we failed to mention it, she’s absolutely beautiful, a ball of joy to chat with plus a lover of cars.

Actually, Nina’s so cool maybe she should even be the Mayor? Ok, that’s probably taking it too far, but she’s an all-around cool chick that we’re happy to showcase in our exclusive interview so you can see for yourself…

Jayme Lamm: Where are you from?

Nina: I grew up on the beach in Sarnia, Ontario, small town!

JL: Occupation and/or school?

N: Right now I am finishing my Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Dance from York University. It has taken me five years to complete so I am beyond happy to finally be finishing school! I am also part other dance companies in Toronto. My life basically consists of Raptors, dance, school, and more dance. Couldn’t ask for anything better.

JL: Years on team?

N: This is my fourth season with the team and second year being Captain. I was lucky enough to make the team the first year I auditioned; it’s been a wild ride so far.

JL: Tell me about your dance background?

N: Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started when I was four years old and have been addicted ever since! I have had awesome opportunities this far in my dance career and I’m so happy I can say I continued on with dance this far in my life.

JL: Hardest part about being an NBA Dancer?

N: I would have to say the most challenging part about being an NBA Dancer is the time commitment. Besides the intense game schedule, we are always in rehearsal and participating in other göt2b Raptors Dance Pak-related appearances. There is much more to being an NBA Dancer than just dance! It definitely is a challenge but a challenge I love.

JL: Have you ever forgotten your routine?

N: Never! I always make sure I am focused and prepared before I step out on to the court. But the nerves never go away; every game feels like my first game!

JL: Favorite NBA player?

N: I’m going to stick within the Raptors family and say Amir Johnson. He has always been a great representation of the Raptors team and the city of Toronto. #WeTheNorth

JL: What’s the best part about basketball?

N: I love the constant entertainment basketball has to offer. There is always so much happening at a Raptors game that it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The Raptors fan base gets bigger and better every season. Feeling the energy from the fans makes my job that much more rewarding. We recently performed a Britney Spears tribute routine and I got to be Britney! Fun routines like that are really enjoyed by all the fans. Every game day is surreal!

JL: What’s the coolest part of your arena?

N: I call Air Canada Centre my second home! I have been going there almost every other day for four years now and it is such a comfortable environment. The fans fill the seats with excitement and support for the team. And obviously we have the most amazing mascot in the NBA, that Raptor means so much to me…and to the fans!

JL: Biggest misconception about NBA dancers?

N: Being on the göt2b Raptors Dance Pak for four seasons now, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with the most amazing dancers. We all have such unique personalities and come from all different dance backgrounds. The göt2b Raptors Dance Pak is an amazing representation of Toronto because we all have our own diverse stories just like the community that makes up this amazing city. We are all normal people who get to live out the dream of dancing for an NBA basketball team! Being with each other every other day or even sometimes every day, we get to learn and grow with each other in life. There is more to just dance than being part of the göt2b Raptors Dance Pak and we all have our own spot on the team for a reason. As a team we represent the Raptors organization and share that love for the team in our own individual ways.

JL: Favorite music to dance to?

N: I think because I am a dancer I can dance to any type of music. When I hear a beat I just naturally start moving. It is in my blood!

JL: What song instantly puts you in a good mood?

N: Anything by Alanis Morissette. Too many childhood memories of singing along to her music with my sister and aunt.

JL: Dream vacation?

N: Going anywhere with my family or friends. I love to travel but never get that many opportunities to travel with the people closest to me! I know I am going to have fun wherever I go if it involves my family and friends, but it is an added bonus if the destination is an amazing location.

JL: Look in your purse/bag right now – what’s the most random thing in there?

N: The most random thing? I would have to say a comb. But being part of the got2b Raptors Dance Pak we do so many famous RDP “hair whips” my hair can get a little extra tangled.

JL: Fan of selfies? Do you have any secrets to the perfect selfie?

N: I’m not going to lie and say I have never taken a selfie. I do take selfies and I think my biggest secret about them is they are never planned or staged. I love candid selfies especially with my friends. The simpler the better, people!

JL: Favorite thing about your city?

N: I absolutely love the city of Toronto. Every day I walk out my door there is always something different to experience. Nothing beats the fast-paced energy of Toronto that you feel when you are walking down the streets. It is full of culture! I have grown up and learned so much from living in this city that I am proud to call it home.

JL: When I say the letter “W” what’s the first word that comes to mind?

N: Win! It is what we look forward to the most during every game. Raptors for the “W”!

JL: What app do you use most?

N: My weather app! The weather in Toronto is always changing and right now I have my eye on anything that is above zero degrees. I am sick of the cold!

JL: If you could go to dinner with any celebrity/athlete in the world, who would it be?

N: I would have to say my lifetime crush…Johnny Depp. He will always be my number one and it will never change. 21 Jump Street to Pirates of the Caribbean — I have been a fan of him my entire life!

JL: Homebody or adventurer?

N: I am definitely an adventurer. Life is so short you have to make the best of it! I think I have a “fear of missing out” about things so I always make sure I am taking on an adventure. Why not right?

JL: Tell me something people would find completely out of character?

N: There are a couple of things that people would find interesting about me. I have always had a passion for drawing and painting. My sister was a huge fan of art so growing up I definitely gained my artistic style from her. And I am also a huge fan of cars. I have my mother to thank for that…old cars or new cars I love them all.

Check out Nina on Twitter & Instagram: @ninapizans

A huge thanks to Nina for giving us an exclusive interview and a big thanks to Ideal Protein Houston for sponsoring this series. Ideal Protein is a medically developed protocol, which is only available from qualified professionals. Ideal Protein provides one-on-one weight loss coaching for educational support along with motivation and weekly weight and body measurements analysis. Go visit Ideal Protein’s website to learn more about their health and management offerings for weight loss.

Click here to see the original article of Nina on CBS Man Cave Daily.