Albuquerque, N.M., June 18, 2008 – The NBA Development League’s Albuquerque Thunderbirds and Duke City Stars Dance Center are proud to announce the 2008-2009 STORM CHASER auditions, July 26-27, 2008.

STORM CHASER choreographer and former Denver Nuggets dancer, Leslie Chant, will be on hand to discuss her three successful years of educating Albuquerque dancers, and what it takes to dance for a professional sports team. Many of Leslie’s dancers have continued to perform with other successful sports organizations including the Phoenix Suns’, San Diego Chargers’ and Denver Nuggets’ dance teams.

The STORM CHASERS are not only a vital part of the Albuquerque Thunderbirds’ on-court experience, but pillars of the community as well. At any given time you will find STORM CHASERS giving back through volunteer efforts at local charities and appearances at local fundraisers.

Full details on how to become a STORM CHASER:

• Who: Fun, outgoing 18 + year old girls who have flexible schedules and reliable transportation.

• When: Saturday, July 26th, 11:30am - 6:00 pm. Registration begins at 11:30am; auditions at 1:00pm. Callbacks only on Sunday, July 27th. Dancers unavailable on Sunday will NOT be considered for the 2008-2009 STORM CHASER squad.

• Where: Defined Fitness (Audition Location), 4930 McLeod NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, 505.888.7097

• Attire: Sports bra, fitted shorts (NO long pants or sweats), flesh colored panty hose or dance tights, dance shoes or athletic shoes with non-marking soles. Hair must be worn down and done as if performing live. Please cover all visible tattoos and remove any body piercings.

• Register: Pre-registration fee is $30. Day of registration is $40 - Registration forms available on the Albuquerque Thunderbirds website www.abqtbirds.com. Preregister at the Defined Fitness listed above or at the Albuquerque Thunderbirds offices at: 111 Lomas Blvd. NW Ste 240, Albuquerque, NM 87102. 505.265.DUNK (3865) Registration form must be returned with a recent full-length photo and a copy of your driver's license.

The NBA Development League is the NBA's official minor league, and the first-ever basketball league with direct affiliations to NBA teams. Having recently completed its seventh season, the NBA D-League’s goals are to provide affordable, NBA-caliber entertainment to fans of its 16 teams, as well as continue to develop players, coaches, referees and front-office personnel for the NBA. As the single source for in-season player "call-ups" to the NBA, fans of the D-League enjoy the highest caliber of basketball played outside the NBA. In fact 15 percent of players on 2008 end-of-season NBA rosters spent time honing their skills in the League. In addition, it has produced current NBA coaches and 25 percent of the NBA’s referees. The NBA D-League is an innovative and rapidly growing sports property that also serves as an experimental testing ground for new initiatives like NBA Futurecast, the live web-streaming of all games available free at nba.com/futurecast. The League also provides continuing education and professional development resources for its players, and is committed to serving its local communities through D-LEAGUE CARES and grassroots efforts.