Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control” blared over the sound system of an empty Barclays Center, bouncing off the venue’s 19,000 empty seats. The Timeless Torches, the fan-favorite dance group for the Liberty, lined up for rehearsals hours before New York was set to host Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi and the Mercury earlier this season. These dancers aren’t your typical pro sports cheerleaders—all the members are over 40 years old, the oldest in her 80s.
After some stretching the crew took center court, queuing in formation in front of Criscia Long, the senior director of entertainment, who leads the pregame dry run. The same music bellowed out of the speakers.
Thick legs, in shape
Rump shakin’, both ways
Make you do a double take
