Raiders B*Dazzled By San Leandro Dancers

While Raider Nation fans look ahead to this afternoon's contest against the New England Patriots, the girls of San Leandro's B*Dazzled Dancers are still buzzing over their half-time performance at last's week's game in Oakland.

B*Dazzled Dancers has been in San Leandro since 1986, offering Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Tap and Tumbling from beginner through competitive.

B*Dazzled director Jaime Wray said the Raiders approached her over the summer, asking if the girls would perform during halftime.

Duh!

A month of rehearsals led up to last week's excitement.

Here is Wray's lightly edited account of the event:

What a day! We met up at a tailgate and sold some chocolate bars as a fundraiser then headed to lot K at 11:00 a.m. Lot K is the players entrance so the girls felt extra special.

The Raiders were very accommodating and led the kids down to the field. We thought we would be peeking at the pre-game show through a window but we were shocked to find out they had folding chairs for us on the field.

Since it was the season opener they did a huge pre-game show and then right before the game began the girls got to meet (actor) Adam Sandler (who was there to support the losing New York Jets). He was great with the kids and was happy to shake hands and wish them luck in their half-time performance.

We were able to remain on the field through the first quarter, getting up close and personal for the first Raiders' touchdown.

The girls prepped during the second quarter, did a quick rehearsal and applied last minute make up.

Then it was showtime.

Their adrenaline was pumping and they took the field energetically. Our girls were filled with confidence while they danced and it showed through their smiles.

The 5-minute performance flew by and then they got to watch the rest of the game in their seats.

The Raiders choreographers and Raiderettes were wonderful with the kids and set a great example of what they can work toward as dancers.