Dance, dance, dance

If the Celtics put half as much effort into their basketball team as they did their dance team, we wouldn't be talking about Sebastian Telfair as the backup point guard.

The Celtics held the final auditions for the 2007-2008 Celtics Dance Team tonight at Boston's Avalon dance club. Let's just say it was a scene.

To be completely honest, the 47 women who made the final audition were more talented than the format may have constituted. These were all phenomenal dancers, and it seemed a pity to put their fate in the hands of "Tina" from MTV's The Real World, among the other judges.

Nonetheless, those 47 were whittled down to the final 21 after a group number, dance numbers in groups of four, a swimsuit competition, and individual dance numbers to hits like 'Start me up' and 'Pour some sugar on me.'

About 200 people packed the airplane hangar that is Avalon for the two-hour event, despite the Red Sox game taking place across the street. This reporter was granted VIP access at a table originally reserved for Delonte West and crew (it said so on the placard).

What was once a group of 250 hopefuls was pared down to 46 for the final two days of tryouts. The finalists practiced for two straight days at Avalon to perfect their moves, and the show reflected the effort of all who tried out. The crowd, consisting mostly of family and friends of the dancers (as well as some who were there to 'be seen') were highly supportive of the group.

Celtics Dancer loyalists should be happy to know that Emily (of Emily's Dancer Diary) and Courtney (the team's 2007 All-Star representative) both made this year's squad.

Check out a photo gallery from the event.