FIBA Intercontinental Cup: Muse Girls thrill fans with nifty moves in Singapore
Cheerleaders from Chinese Taipei's Hsinchu Lioneers aim to get crowds going at every arena they go to
SINGAPORE — They light up arenas with their nifty choreography and vivacious energy, and the Muse Girls - the cheerleading team of Chinese Taipei professional basketball club Hsinchu Lioneers - came to entertain fans at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday (23 September).
Formed in 2020, the cheerleaders quickly gained a social media following with their lively acts in their purple-themed costumes during Lioneers games.
With the Lioneers playing an exhibition match with Singapore side Eng Tat Hornets at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, it gave the cheerleaders a chance to showcase their talents overseas for the first time.
Due to their rising popularity, competition for places among the Muse Girls is tough. Team member Bradee told Yahoo Southeast Asia how she had to follow a choreography given to her barely 30 minutes before her audition.
"For me, I had never danced professionally before, and it was really nerve-wracking because you're up against so many girls wanting to be part of the team. I remember my stomach felt like it was twisting up, my body was shaking, I was so nervous," she recalled.
"But when they told me two days later that I've made it into the team, I was so happy that I was crying when I told my mum."
Rousing Singapore fans out of their seats
Getting into Muse Girls team means regular training to master the dance moves designed by the team choreographers. For Bradee, it means juggling between her studies and training sessions to get in sync with her teammates.
Come game time, however, the dance moves are secondary to rousing the crowd out of their seats at the arenas.
"As cheerleaders, we must be able to hype up the live crowd," Muse Girl member Xiao-ying said.
"At the start of the games, the fans may not be too energetic. That’s why we have to be at our most passionate to get them pumped up and dance along with us. If we do succeed, it gives us a huge sense of achievement."
Judging from their rousing performances at the Indoor Stadium, the Muse Girls are certainly a welcome addition to the high-quality basketball games at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
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