By Alex Restrepo
It didn’t take long for former LSU basketball star Glen ?Big Baby’ Davis to get comfortable with his dance partner Christine Negulescu. The two are preparing for Big Buddy Program’s “Dancing With the Stars,” which will be held at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Saturday, April 19th at 7 p.m. While preparing for the show the veteran dancer Negulescu became nervous during a part in the pair’s routine where Davis would have to swing the vibrant performer through his legs and then up in the air. Negulescu’s anxiety was understandable. Sliding under a 6-9, 300-pound body would frighten the most experienced dancer. However, Davis calmed his worried partner by quoting the classic romantic movie “The Titanic.”
“I will never let you go,” Davis told Negulescu.
Davis is no Leonardo DiCaprio, but his words allowed Negulescu to relax for the routine.
As a “Dancing with the Stars” contestant, Davis is no stranger to dancing in front of a packed arena. After LSU defeated Texas in the regional finals to advance to the 2006 Final Four, the boisterous “Big Baby” danced at midcourt with a gold feathered boa in excitement over his team’s triumph.
Davis was contacted about the “Dancing with the Stars” event by his sister’s friend and said once he found out who was sponsoring the event he was all for it.
“Once she told me that it was the Big Buddy program that was hosting this event, I was in,” Davis said. “I knew about the program and how it helps kids in the community. That is something that I am all about. If I have an opportunity to help kids and entertain them in a positive way, then I am up for the task.”
Davis has been training with dancers Negulescu and Renee Chatelain of MidCity Dance studio for weeks.
Davis said this experience has made him appreciate the hard work it takes to be a dancer.
“I have a whole different respect for dancers,” he said. “It is amazing how they keep with it even with the bumps and bruises of the profession. I have a whole new view of dancers after this experience.”
Davis’ mother, Tonya Davis, use to be a dancer. He said his mother has inspired him throughout his life and helped make him the animated person he is today.
Through his first few practices, Davis proved to his instructors that he was dedicated to the performance. He even suggested certain moves to add and changes to make to the routine. At one point, Davis refused to dance while their song was playing because he didn’t want do the “real thing” until he felt he was fully prepared.
“Just like basketball, you need to get a lot of practice in before you are ready to go,” Davis informed his instructors.
Davis’ dedication was showcased after he arrived at LSU.
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Davis’ persona grew as fast as his body did. He went to University High, a laboratory school on LSU’s campus. When the man-sized kid arrived at LSU, he was close to 370 pounds. His coaches asked him to lose weight after his freshman season. Davis responded by dedicating himself to a strict diet. The once cheeseburger fan switched to healthier snacks, such as fruit and oatmeal.
The dedication paid off as Davis had a dominating sophomore season and was named the 2006 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year. He gained national exposure for his boisterous personality and strong play as he led LSU to an SEC title and the Final Four. However, the Tigers’ season ended with a heartbreaking loss to UCLA in the Final Four. Davis felt he let his team down with his performance in the Final Four and re-dedicated himself by deciding to return for his junior year at LSU, rather than enter into the NBA draft early.
Davis’ junior season did not go as planned as the Tigers struggled throughout the season and failed to reach the NCAA Tournament. A late-season injury restricted Davis’ play, which made the season even more frustrating for the All-SEC performer.
At a March 20 press conference, Davis announced he would forgo his senior season at LSU to enter the NBA Draft. He understands the dedication put into preparing for his sophomore and junior seasons will have to be more intense now that has he entered the professional ranks.
“I am going to be working out and preparing myself mentally and physically,” Davis said. “I am going to do whatever it takes raise my draft status.”
The Baton Rouge native says he will bring the same level of intensity he brings in his basketball workouts to his dance lessons.
“I want to take the same approach that I do with a basketball game, and that is to win,” he said. “That is the main objective. Just like with basketball, I want to do my best and compete. I am going to prepare with my dance partner like I would with my teammates.”
Davis said the transition from training for basketball to dance was not as hard as he originally thought. Chatelain and Negulescu have been pleasantly surprised with Davis’ enthusiasm and dance skills. Davis believes that his basketball skills carry over in dance.
“My skills in basketball go hand in hand with dancing,” Davis explained. “You get beat up in both, you have to be mentally strong to take each one on. Some people don’t realize that basketball and dancing are both rhythm sports. You have to have rhythm to be successful in either one.”
Davis said his last performance in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center is not only to help the Big Buddy Program, but also a sign of gratitude to the city that raised him.
“Baton Rouge is not just a place that I went to school and played basketball. It is where I was born and raised. It is where my family is and it will always be in my heart.”
Even though he may one be of the most recognized basketball players in the country, Davis says this experience has made him think about taking on a new profession.
“As hard as the dance lessons have been, it has been a lot of fun,” Davis explained. “It’s a new experience and I am considering taking it on as a new hobby. That is how fun it has been.”