Armed Forces Entertainment launches Houston Rockets Power Dancers tour
Launch Crew and Clutch to accompany Power Dancers on explosive performances for the U.S. troops overseas
September 20, 2006 download story

The Houston Rockets Power Dancers, Launch Crew and mascot Clutch “The Rockets Bear” will perform for U.S. troops stationed in Europe, Sept. 26-Oct. 9. The group of entertainers plan to execute highly-charged routines for their first overseas tour with Armed Forces Entertainment.

“We are all really looking forward to entertaining our troops and meeting Rockets fans from all over the world,” said Susie Boudwin, Rockets Power Dancers coach and choreographer. “In particular, we are excited to be performing for those troops from our home state of Texas.”

Formed in 1994, the Rockets Power Dancers perform at all home games and at more than 250 community, corporate and private events every year. The largest crowd the Power Dancers entertain continues to be at their home arena, Toyota Center, which seats approximately 18,500 people.

Consisting of 22 members, the Power Dancers lead full-time careers away from the court as business professionals, teachers and students. The Power Dancers pride themselves on making an impact on the lives of local children and their community.

“The Rockets Dancers, Launch Crew and Clutch put on an exhilarating show that keeps fans pumped up and on their feet,” said Air Force Captain Aubrey Semrau, Armed Forces Entertainment circuit manager for the European circuit. “What better way to show their support to the troops than by doing what they do best, lifting spirits and entertaining crowds.”

The Power Dancers, Launch Crew and Clutch have put on a number of shows in China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Taiwan, Alaska, Russia, Canada and Mexico. Clutch became the official mascot of the Houston Rockets in 1995. He quickly established himself as an innovator and a leader by introducing the “AIR” or inflatable mascots to professional sports in 1997. Among his many achievements as a professional mascot, Clutch was voted professional mascot of the year by his peers’ in 2005 and inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in August 2006.

Formed in 2003, the Rockets Launch Crew is a talented group of gymnasts, break dancers, stunt performers and rope jumpers that put on dynamic multi-faceted shows. The group of performers also assist with on-court contests, throwing t-shirts and prizes into the crowds and energizing the audience throughout the game.

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Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment.

Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.

To learn more about Houston Rockets Power Dancers, Launch Crew and Clutch, visit www.rockets.com.

Houston Rocket Power Dancers tour schedule: