Wayne Magazine Fall 2015 | Page 29

TEAM SPIRIT COURTESY OF DANIELLE EILERT Danielle Eilert 2009-2010 Boston Celtics Dancer Few people other than Wayne native Danielle Eilert can say they have a doctorate in physical therapy and had a successful career as a dancer. Eilert is a former Boston Celtics cheerleader, a role she landed while still in college pursuing her physical therapy degree at Northeastern University. At age 3, Eilert started dancing and at age 8 began taking classes at Performing Arts Academy, where she would dance for another 10 years until she went to college. Her time at PAA was filled with competitions in Las Vegas and Boston earning national titles, and her talent turned into a passion. While at Northeastern, she joined the dance team and dance company, and tried out for the Celtics Dancers her sophomore year. She didn’t make it then, but they asked her to try out again the next year. The following year, Eilert made the team. Her time as a Boston Celtics Dancer transferred her pro-basketball fan loyalty (she had been a Nets fan and had danced for them when she was only 6 and 7 years old). These days, Eilert still dances to stay in shape. It’s not only her sport of choice, but she says, “dancing is my therapy.” ➤ DANCE FEVER Eilert and her boyfriend, Rory Douglas, live in the Beacon Hill section of Boston, where she continues to dance with such organizations as the Boston Community Dance Project. FALL 2015 WAYNE MAGAZINE 27