Breanna Stewart isn’t just dunking basketballs—she’s dunking hearts. This week, the New York Liberty superstar paused her championship victory lap to honor Denise Bellog, a member of the Liberty’s electric and beloved dance squad, the Timeless Torches, who passed away recently.
For those unfamiliar with the Timeless Torches, think of them as the Beyoncé of halftime entertainment—except with more knee braces and a “40 and fabulous” vibe. Since 2005, this vivacious crew of dancers has been lighting up the WNBA with moves that could make even TikTok influencers sweat. And Denise Bellog? She was the heart and soul of this ensemble for a remarkable 16 years.
Bellog wasn’t just a dancer; she was a force of nature. A Jersey native with a theater dance background, she spent her weekdays teaching middle and high schoolers and her weekends inspiring audiences with the Torches. The woman had more energy than a double-overtime playoff game. Her journey with the Timeless Torches began in true New Yorker fashion: she saw an ad, said “Why not?” and became a regular fixture on the Liberty sidelines.
This week, the Liberty family felt her loss deeply. They took to Instagram with a heartfelt message, which Breanna Stewart reshared with the subtle eloquence of emojis—a dove and a heart. Sometimes, no words are the perfect words.
For Liberty fans, Denise wasn’t just a performer; she was a symbol of joy, resilience, and rhythm (with the occasional high kick). Whether it was dazzling crowds at Madison Square Garden or showcasing her moves on national platforms like Good Morning America and 30 Rock, Bellog embodied the spirit of the Timeless Torches: dancing like nobody’s watching, even though the entire WNBA definitely was.
While Liberty fans mourn Bellog’s passing, Stewart—fresh off a career-defining season—showed once again why she’s a leader both on and off the court. The 30-year-old MVP has been living her best basketball life this year: bringing home Olympic gold from Paris, leading the Liberty to their first-ever WNBA championship, and dishing out assists of the emotional kind.
If we’re being honest, Stewart’s 2024 season deserves its own Netflix documentary. After knocking out the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals (sorry, Aces fans, but the receipts don’t lie), she dedicated her performance to her wife, Marta Xargay, and her late father. When it came time to face the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals, Stewart made sure the Liberty weren’t leaving the hardwood without the trophy. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.
Now, in a year that’s been all about wins for Breanna, she’s taking a moment to celebrate Denise Bellog—a woman who proved that age is just a number and that life’s greatest moments are spent dancing to the beat of your own drum.
Here’s hoping the Timeless Torches continue to dazzle in Bellog’s memory, reminding us all to embrace the rhythm of life—preferably with some sequins and a bit of sass.
Rest in peace, Denise Bellog. Your moves, your spirit, and your legacy will forever be timeless.
