In 2004 and '05, Layla was part of the Miami Heat dance team. Before and during every home game, she and her teammates would entertain the audience very much in the same way that cheerleaders do for pro football teams. They would dance, fire the audience up and get them ready for the night's game. What they did was very much what an opening match wrestler does. He, or she, is not the main focus of the night's event but they are integral in setting the tone for the rest of the evening's festivities. The 2005-6 season, Layla's final with the team, saw the Heat go on to capture the NBA title. As a result, Layla received something no other Diva can claim, as she detailed in an interview with King Magazine.
I danced for them for two years and it was very exciting. Do you know how many girls audition to become a Miami Heat dancer? I was passionate about dancing and basketball, so being able to do that, having Shaq on the team and winning a championship ring is an experience I will always treasure. One day when I have kids, theyll be proud of me.
Dancing was clearly Layla's first love and she did it at one of the highest levels possible, performing for thousands of fans in one of the hottest NBA cities in the country. Having that history of performing in front of large audiences readied her for what would ultimately be a prolific and lengthy WWE career. More importantly, her dance career and her overall athleticism helped prepare her for the ring game. Though she has regressed in recent years, thanks to injury and poor booking more than anything else, she is still a talented worker and proves it when given the opportunity and time.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
