If you attended a Dallas Mavericks game between 2009 and 2011, chances are you saw Jenna Gillund performing and cheering on the team during halftime. The former Mavs Dancer was born in Chicago but made Dallas her home for years before moving to Los Angeles. Now, the 28-year-old will appear on Bravo’s new docu-series, “Timber Creek Lodge,” that premieres on Monday and follows the staff of a luxury ski lodge in Whistler, Canada, as a number of shenanigans occur. I caught up with Jenna on her time with the Mavs and what led to her TV debut.
Q. How did the opportunity to be a Mavs Dancer come about?
A. I had a scholarship to the University of South Alabama coming out of high school for cheerleading. After my first year there, I knew I was capable of more. I packed up shop and drove to Dallas. I honestly didn’t know Irving from Plano. I googled where the team practiced and literally drove up and down that street, got a job at a local golf course, and applied at a local community college within the first few weeks of being there. I initially auditioned for the Dallas Mavericks Dancers in 2008 and made the 2009-2010 team. I went to every prep class and worked very hard. Only about 16 girls make it and at least half are returning veterans.
Q. What was being on the squad like?
A. I was a cheerleader for the Mavs for the 2009-2011 seasons. My first year, I was just a 19-year-old girl. I worked so hard to get on the court. Just because you “make” the team doesn’t necessarily mean you get to dance on the court. My coach really made us work for that spot. By my last season, I got to do so many different things and was cheering at every game. When we won the [2011] championship is when I thought to myself, “Okay, Jenna, it’s time to take a break and find a new path.”
Q. How did you snag a spot on Bravo’s Timber Creek Lodge?
A. I’ve been living in Los Angeles two years now. I was approached by someone I knew regarding an opportunity to go work in Canada for a few months as a lodge staff member [as part of the show]. At the time, I was in between apartments, living on people’s couches, and dental assisting. It seemed like a cool opportunity that I didn’t think would come around again. Of all the jobs available, the one I applied for (housekeeping) seemed like the best fit for me. It was very easy for me to put my life on hold in L.A. and spend a few months living and working in Whistler. I know I was my true self while working at the lodge and I hope that shows through. I definitely bring Texas to Canada.
Q. Do you plan to move back to Dallas at some point?
A. I still visit! I miss my friends there, and my younger sister still lives out in Fort Worth. I love Dallas. Who knows what my life will be like in 10 years—maybe I will end up back there.