UCLA Women's Basketball Players Dance in Men's Halftime Show

Three top UCLA women's basketball players traded their jerseys for dance shoes for a halftime show. This is the first time players have performed in a dance routine during a men's game.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

A calculated diversion or genuine expression of camaraderie, the basketball stars executed a pre-arranged dance routine during a men's game.

The March Madness preparation was briefly sidelined as three prominent players from the UCLA women's basketball squad—Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Charlisse Leger-Walker—made a surprise appearance with the UCLA dance team during halftime of the men's team's game against Nebraska on Tuesday. This unusual interlude saw the athletes performing a choreographed routine at center court.

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The initiative appears to stem from a social media challenge originating on Leger-Walker's YouTube channel, where she and Jaquez proposed learning a complete halftime dance routine within a 24-hour period, in collaboration with the official UCLA dance squad. The subsequent performance, drawing over 10,000 views online, featured the three basketball players executing the learned steps.

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Details Emerge Amidst Broader Basketball Success

The exhibition occurred amidst a successful evening for UCLA basketball. The men's team secured a decisive victory over Nebraska, bolstering their chances for NCAA tournament qualification. This win, coupled with the women's team's presence, contributed to a strong showing for the program at Pauley Pavilion, with a combined season record of 31-1 at the venue. Reports indicate that the entire women's team, along with head coach Cori Close, observed and filmed the performance from courtside.

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The players involved are reported to be in their final collegiate year, suggesting a desire for a distinctive send-off before the intensatory NCAA tournament phase. The spontaneity of the act is framed by some as a personal expression of enjoyment and shared experience amongst teammates.

The event has been documented across various sports news outlets, each offering slightly different perspectives on the integration of collegiate athletes into performance art outside their primary discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did three UCLA women's basketball players perform in the men's halftime show on Tuesday?
Three players, Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Charlisse Leger-Walker, performed a pre-arranged dance routine during halftime of the men's game against Nebraska. It was part of a social media challenge they took on.
Q: Who was involved in the halftime dance performance?
UCLA women's basketball players Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Charlisse Leger-Walker performed the dance. The official UCLA dance team also participated.
Q: What was the reaction to the halftime performance?
The performance was filmed and shared online, getting over 10,000 views. The women's team and head coach Cori Close watched from the sidelines.
Q: When and where did this halftime show take place?
The surprise dance performance happened during halftime of the UCLA men's basketball game against Nebraska on Tuesday at Pauley Pavilion.