Inside the auditions for the New York Liberty’s over-40 dance squad

The New York Liberty play their home opener against the Las Vegas Aces on May 17 at the Barclays Center. But on Tuesday evening, there was another competition for court time.

More than 100 dancers auditioned for just 21 spots on the Liberty’s cheerleading team, the Timeless Torches.

Founded in 2005, less than a decade after the creation of the WNBA, the Timeless Torches are a co-ed dance group in which every member is at least 40 years old. Last season’s squad ranged in age from 42 to 87. Every member has to re-audition for their spot each year, except the team captain.

“We are breaking barriers,” said Margaret Hamilton, who has captained the Timeless Torches since their inception. “We are telling people: Just because you're a certain age, life doesn't end.”

She said Tuesday’s turnout was one of the biggest the team has ever had, likely sparked by the Liberty’s championship win in October as well as the dance team’s reputation for inclusivity.

The open call for “people who love to dance,” as the flyer put it, drew a line of hopefuls that nearly wrapped the block beyond Barclays.

“ I cannot believe the amount of people that are here for this audition,” said Liberty ​​Senior Director of Entertainment Criscia Long, who has been with the team for six seasons. “This is our 20th season and being champions, what less would we expect [then] to have all these people come out here?”

The Torches aren’t alone in professional basketball. The Los Angeles Sparks’ Ole Skool Crew is also a 40-plus group. The Las Vegas Aces’ High Rollers’ and the Washington Wizards’ Wizdom are also made up of dancers over 50 and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Grand Dancers and the Golden State Warriors’ Hardwood Classics are 55-plus.

The Torches' audition started off with a high-spirited warm-up that felt less like a competition and more like a dance party.

They entered to enormous applause. All of them were about to vie to retain their spot.

Hopeful Torches danced to classic ‘80s and ‘90s hits before learning a few basic steps from coach Christy Tolbert.

Contenders then performed the brief choreography to a clip of a Nelly Furtado remix.

Judges handed numbers to those who made it through the first round. Later, numbers were announced to let folks know who should stay and who should leave.

After some hopefuls were cut by having their number announced, a freestyle element was added to the routine, allowing dancers to show off their personal flair.

“ I feel so grateful just to be here, to celebrate myself, Brooklyn, Liberty — I'm a season ticket holder,” said Lisa Perez, 57, who arrived at Barclays around 1 p.m., more than four hours before the start and was first in line.

She said that she grew up nearby and found the experience of just being there was amazing, regardless of whether or not she made the team.

“ I'm so excited. I love the Timeless Torches,” said Reese Scott, a boxer, gesturing outside. “That line outside? Listen, we show up.”

She added, “I'm real light on my feet, so I'm ready."

Timeless Torches have to commit one or two days each week to evening practices, plus games and other events, with no accommodations allowed for work schedules.

Hours passed. Many were cut. Many remained. The vibe stayed strong.

Ellie the Elephant, the team’s mascot, eventually sashayed up to the judging table, fashionably late, holding a purse shaped like a half-basketball. She took her place among the judges, who included Long, Hamilton, Tolbert, Liberty Senior Manager of Entertainment Shenay Rivers, Liberty Chief Brand Officer Shana Stephenson and Liberty Director of Player and Community Engagement Epiphanny Prince.

After four hours, the judges had gotten it down to around 40 finalists and called it a night. There was an announcement that those selected would get a call in the coming days.

As finalists and formerly hopefuls exited, the mood remained joyous.

Despite four hours of rigorous cardio, many danced out of the building.