The Professional Cheerleader Blog

Charlotte Lady Cat Amanda didn't dream of dancing in the NBA or cheering in the NFL while growing up in North Carolina, because there were no major league teams in the state at the time. But eventually expansion came to Carolina and Amanda earned the opportunity to cheer and dance for not just one but three professional teams: The Charlotte Lady Cats, The Carolina TopCats, and the Charlotte Honeybees. Throw in a two-year stint as a Washington Redskins Cheerleader Ambassador when she worked in the nation's capital and she's done quite well for someone who never even thought she would have chance to cheer professionally.

Amanda started dancing at age five and cheered throughout high school at Parkland High in Winston-Salem. At UNC-Charlotte she was a member of the school's official dance team the 49er Gold Dusters, and graduated with a BS in Business Management/Human Resources.



Out of school Amanda says Professional Cheerleading was the natural next step in performing. When the opportunity came up to audition for the Panthers, She decided to give it a shot.

Telling herself that she would be fine no matter what happened, Amanda arrived at Ericcsson Stadium (now Bank of America Stadium) on audition day, pinned her number to her outfit, made a few friends upstairs to keep her company. She remembers taking a peak at the field from one of the luxury suite windows high above and wondering if she'd be down there performing.

When she was done with her audition, Amanda was thinking - "It's fine if you didn't make it this year, you took a chance, you showed up, you did your best, there's always next year." She didn't have to wait for next year. Her name was called (she describes as one of the best feeling of her life) and advanced to the next round. She was hooked and eight years later she's still in the game.


Amanda in her rookie TopCat season

Having danced in the both the NFL and the NBA, I asked Amanda what was the biggest difference. Her answer was "The Fans".

She explained that it's a function of the number of home games. In the NFL she saw many more season ticket holders. And it's only natural to begin to connect with them more and more throughout the season and from year to year. She describes the first NFL pre-season game is always like a reunion with your closest friends.

She describes the NBA as equally great, but in this case you are meeting many more fans at their first, or a father taking his young son to an NBA game for the
first time. With so many more NBA games Amanda says it creates more opportunities to hear those stories and be a part of those memories.

As for a favorite moment in her pro cheerleading career Amanda can't pick just one. In the NBA, she says it would have to be when the Hornets made the playoffs in 2001. The energy and excitement of the fans was like nothing she had ever experienced. She says she's usually very calm before performances- but the playoffs create a whole new world for NBA dancers.

As for the NFL her favorite moment came in her second year when the Panthers defeated Cincinnati 52-31. Carolina had started the year off great and then lost eight games in a row and it was starting to feel like the 2001 season all over again. The Panthers were coming off a win on the road against Cleveland. Amanda's a huge Rodney Peete fan and she was hoping he'd have a good showing on the home turf. The game seesawed: one team would score, then the other, but in the 4th quarter it was all Panthers; she says it was one of the best victories she experienced as a TopCat.

And Amanda says there are some feelings that are part of any particular moment. Such as being able to be a part of a new team in Charlotte and help start traditions or being part of the rich tradition of Washington Redskins.


Redskins Cheerleader Ambassadors Amanda and Sara

Some of Amanda's best friendships have developed from being a member of these squads. And this will come as no surprise to longtime readers of the blog, the one thing she's had in common with each experience is meeting and working with the most amazing women. They're mothers, lawyers, accountants, teachers, students, and friends. They all have dance in common and they all have the love of our teams in common - and in the beginning that's what brings them together but in the end they become your family.

When she wasn't on the field or the court Amanda's been working in the financial industry for the past 12 years, mostly in support roles for commercial sales teams until recently deciding to make a career change to executive assistant. Currently she's an Executive Assistant for a senior level executive at a Fortune 10 Company.

She doesn't find balancing work and cheering difficult at all. She says it's all about time management and prioritizing. She will admit that she has had a
stressful moment or two where she's felt the pressure of having to be a million places at once, but she's always been very honest with herself and quick to
remember what comes first in her life. She says as long as you know the time commitment involved when you join a team then everything else just falls into
place.


But Amanda's real passion is volunteering with various charities in her community. She volunteers two Saturdays each month at the Charlotte Visitor Info Center helping people navigate the city on their visit or assisting folks that are considering a move to Charlotte find out more about the city. She also just wrapped up leading her company's campaign for the 2008 March for Babies benefiting the Local March of Dimes Chapter. The campaign is projected to surpass $75K in funds raised for the cause. Amanda also assists at events with the The Hendrick Marrow Program and will begin volunteering regularly at Charlotte's Levine Childrens' Hospital this summer.

She hopes one day to create and run her own non-profit that benefits the welfare of children.

Meanwhile, Amanda's currently single and is glad to be back home in North Carolina. Her immediate family is also close by in other parts of the state. Her Mom & Dad (married for 38 years!) live in Clemmons and a sister and brother-in-law are in Asheville.

Labels: Ambassadors, Bobcats, Hornets, NBA, NFL, Panthers, Redskins

Los Angeles Clippers Spirit dance team members sign autographs for fans during the NBA Nation Tour on May 18, 2008 at the Santa Monica Pier.


Auditions for Sasha's favorite dance team are Saturday, July 12th, and there's a pre-audition workshop on Monday, June 30th. Full details here.

Labels: Clippers, NBA

From CBS4.com

The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders are heating up Central Florida with their annual swimsuit calendar photo shoot.

The ladies are even getting up close and personal with some Dolphins off the field and we're not talking about football players but real Bottlenose Dolphins at the Discovery Cove in Orlando.

"I walked into the water and warmed up to him and he came up to me and I got to almost touch them which is really cool. Not a lot of people get to do that so I feel very fortunate," said Ashton the cheerleader.

"We are thrilled with the opportunity to incorporate live dolphins in the Dolphins Cheerleaders 2009 Swimsuit Calendar," Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Entertainment Dorie Grogan said. "It is a perfect match."

The weeklong shoot will include stops at Sea World, Aquatica and the Renaissance Sea World Resort. In addition to shooting the calendar, the ladies will be making public appearances at a variety of Orlando locations.

This is the 13th Annual Swimsuit Calendar Shoot.

Watch a video of this report here.

Labels: Calendar, Dolphins, NFL

Final squad to be announced
May 20 2008
Bengals.com

Well ladies and gentlemen and fans! We finally pulled off our cheer finals for 2008 with a fabulous group of young ladies. I just sent out their congratulatory letters moments ago. It is a five-week process that seems to go on forever.

We had two preliminaries, one semifinals, and the final. [Photos here] Involved were interviews, skill sets, dancing ... and you know the rest. Every year as I enter my 14th year of directing just amazes me more and more. My passion for the program and the joy these young ladies bring both skills and on a professional level is overwhelming. I can't wait until tomorrow. It is like "the night before Christmas" then all heck will break out tomorrow, Wednesday, May 21. We will officially be out of the gate running. Our first meeting and outing is May 29 at Bang after the ladies sign their life away in a contract.

Rules are strict and the schedule is tough. We have chosen a lawyer, sales reps, school teachers with their masters, a person earning their PHD most likely this year, interior designer, photographer, and of course a few still in college. To say the least, an amazing educated group with overall talents that will make the year even more rewarding.

On top of it ... brand new uniforms designed by none other than Angela King. Our salon sponsor Perfections is still on board. Mention the Bengals and Kenneth will give you a 25% discount first round! Smart Cover cosmetics is also with us this year giving us makeup, concealor, etc. Of course our limo service, DC is there for us to deliver the beautiful ladies wherever they need to go. Life as a BenGal could not be better.

Jim Stouffer will be shooting our calendar beginning at the end of June. Please contact me, Charlotte Jacobs if you are interested in a sponsorhip.

Thanks for your continued support. You couldn't have supported a more beautiful inside and out group of young ladies.

Go BenGals! Stop by Bang on the 29th of May to say hello.

Come on Chad. We need another proposal!

Sincerely,

Charlotte Jacobs

Labels: Auditions, Bengals, NFL

Uniform shots of the 2008-09 Oakland Raiders are online at Raiders.com. Here we have the new faces we didn't see on last year's squad. Click here to see the entire squad.

Labels: NFL, Raiders

Written by Ayesha Thomas, Multimedia Producer
News 10

SACRAMENTO, CA - Clarivel Avila loves to dance. But she also has a passion for making the streets a safe place to be.

Filled with gang violence, rape, and range of other bad influences Avila grew up watching the men and women of the Modesto police force work hard to keep the streets safe.

She now works as a CSI forensic specialist with the Concord Police Department.

"That feeling right there that I got that ... I'm going to be OK because they’re here to protect me," said Avila. "If I can give that feeling back to anybody ... when I'm around them, that's payment enough for me. That's why I do this job."

Recently, she pursued her love of dancing when she auditioned for a spot of the Kings Dance Team.

"I was completely overwhelmed with the whole experience because I'd never experienced anything like that and watching all these girls, and thinking, literally in the back of my head, there is no way. There's no way that I make this team."

But the 29-year-old did make the cut.

News10's Bryan May spent the day with Avila to see how she juggles two careers that are different as day and night. Click on the link above to see his story.

Labels: Kings, NBA

Last Friday night the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Pioneers handily defeated the visiting Albany Conquest by the score of 69-27. Mid-Atlantic Dave make the long trek up the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and returned with photos of the Pioneers Dance Team, The Pony Express.


Lisa

More photos from Dave in the gallery.

Labels: AF2, Pioneers

Two cheer teams from Auckland, NZ's top Rugby teams - are having a dance-off! It's the Vodafone Warriors v. the Sky City Blues

From the Vodafone Warriors Cheerleaders blog on Vodafone One Tribe: Check this video out! A great clip about the cheer off events between the Vodafone Warriors Cheerleaders and the Blues Cheerleaders.

The first cheer off went great at the Blues vs Hurricanes game last Friday night, and there is another one this weekend at the Vodafone Warriors vs Roosters game at Mt Smart. Just another great reason to get along to the game!

[cheer-off photos]

Labels: Contests, Int'l, Rugby

by Scott Sowers
NorthFulton.com

The lights dim in the Arena at Gwinnett Center.

The voice on the loudspeaker calls for fans to cheer on their Georgia Force Cheerleaders. The girls run out onto the field in different costumes each time to provide spirit for fans as the teams take a breather on the sidelines.

One of these dancers has been making a name for herself cheering for both the Force, and their big brother, the Atlanta Falcons the last few years and calls Cumming home: Courtney Black. After moving from San Jose, Calif. when she was 13, Black has grown up in Forsyth County, going to Forsyth Central and eventually Lanier Tech, and continues to call it home to this day.

"I have continued to live in Forsyth because it's small and quaint," she said.

Although planning her November wedding takes up much of her time, she said, the couple still plans to live locally – somewhere between Cumming and Marietta, where the groom's family lives.

Black, who has been dancing since age 3, said she first heard the call to be a Force dancer when she was 19.

"I heard an ad on the radio announcing tryouts, so I got up the morning of them and went out and made the team," she said.

After cheering that season with the Force, Black then moved to the NFL's Falcons, cheering four seasons in a row with the Dirty Birds. She took last season off from cheering before returning to the Force. She hopes to make the Falcons squad in the fall.

"Even though I've been with the teams for several years, I still have to tryout every year," she said. "Being on the team in the past doesn't help you at all at tryouts. You're competing against 300-400 people to make the 30-person squad."

When off the field, Black works for a production company which she said is responsible for putting on stage shows throughout the Atlanta area.

But her real passion is dancing. One of the biggest moments of her career saw her dancing on national TV at the CMT awards during Big and Rich's finale performance.

Black has also graced the silver screen, taking part in a scene in the movie The Gospel.

"It was really weird going to the movies with my friends and seeing me up there on the screen," she said.

For now, though, Black is comfortable where she is, planning for the walk down the aisle and hoping for a honeymoon in Jamaica.

Labels: AFL, Falcons, Force, NFL

by: Brian Olson
9News.com

At age 38 winning any sort of championship is an amazing feat.

For Tiffany Yee, however, winning the 2008 Miss Fitness USA competition in Las Vegas was shocking since most of her competition was only half of her age.

Yee is no stranger to competing against younger women.



In 1998 Yee tried out for the Denver Broncos cheerleading squad and made the team becoming the second oldest that year.

Some of her 18-year-old teammates were amazed that she "could still move" at her age.

After her one year of cheerleading for the back-to-back World Champion Broncos, Yee decided to move on to her current career of fitness competition.

After being crowned Miss Fitness USA she finished 9th place in the world fitness competition.

Watch a video of this report here.

More on Tiffany here and here.

Labels: Alumni, Bronocs, NFL, Pageant

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, May 20, 2008 – Historically speaking, Vikings and Afghanistan don’t have much in common, but all that changed yesterday when five cheerleaders from the National Football League’s Minnesota Vikings pumped up a standing-room-only crowd of servicemembers here.

The event started with songs, dancing and cheers intended to vitalize the troops’ spirits, Vikings Cheerleader Peyton said. Team policy is to use only cheerleaders’ first names.


New Zealand army Cpl. Murray Kinnell holds up the “No. 1” sign as Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders Sarah cheers him on. Kinnell competed, and was unanimously voted best, in a “touchdown dance” competition.

“We are all very glad to be here, and we are going to put on a great show,” Peyton said as she warmed up before the event. “This is our last show in Afghanistan, and we want to make this a night the troops will remember.”

With a promise to give the night their all, the cheerleaders went backstage and the event coordinators began letting in the men and women who were anxiously waiting outside.

First through the door was U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Oscar Bruck, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron phase crew chief. “I’ve been waiting here since 6:20 (p.m.),” said Bruck, a Marlett, Mich., native deployed from the Royal Air Force base at Lakenheath, England. The event did not start until 8 p.m., but waiting nearly two hours didn’t bother Bruck. “I wanted a front-row seat to make sure I got good photos,” he said.

Good photos were not all Bruck received. He also got picked to come onstage, meet the cheerleaders and challenge 19 other servicemembers to a push-up contest.

Bruck did not win the contest, as his skills were no match for Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Gilbert Corpuz, who knocked out 103 regulation push-ups in a minute. For his victory, Corpuz was rewarded with a Vikings calendar, autographed by all the cheerleaders.

After the push-up contest was finished, the cheerleaders performed another routine, and then they picked 10 servicemembers to join them on stage for a game of “Cheerleader Says,” modelled after the classic children’s game “Simon Says.”

Once again, the stage was speckled with an array of U.S. uniforms, and a Polish soldier also joined the ranks. The Polish soldier and two U.S. soldiers were eliminated in the first round. Two airmen and two more soldiers fell in the second round. Four rounds later, a tie was called as Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Winger and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Billy Grant refused to be outsmarted.


Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Winger, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Billy Grant and Peyton, a Minnesota Vikings cheerleader, gather on stage. The soldier and sailor tied for first place in a game of “Cheerleader Says.”

A fair mix of rivalry and camaraderie added to the evening’s excitement, one coalition NCO said. “I like American football; it is tough, yet fun. This is like the feeling of the people here -- keyed up and still having fun,” French army Sgt. Domera Phelippon said. “I know the Minnesota Vikings because I saw them on TV. Still, I didn’t imagine the cheerleaders would be this pretty. I am glad I came.”

What Phelippon may or may not have known was that the cheerleaders were equally as pleased to meet him and the other men and women in attendance.

“My favorite part of the tour is meeting so many people from so many places and hearing all their different stories,” said Payton, whose brother serves aboard the world’s first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise. Another cheerleader, Amanda, said her father retired from the Air Force.

The team’s captain, Sarah, said that although she doesn’t have family in the military, she has spent a great deal of time with servicemembers lately. She volunteered for the Super Sunday Tour in Iraq in February and said she feels blessed to have the opportunity to travel to military bases through the Vikings, she said.


Sarah and Bailey, two of five Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders who toured and performed at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan

After the performance, a line of men and women stretched around the Morale, Welfare and Recreation clamshell here, as the cheerleaders volunteered to pose for individual photos and sign autographs for the servicemembers.

“I had a blast here,” said Pfc. Ryan Clement, a route-clearance soldier and Earlham, Iowa, native. “Not only did I get to see a fine performance, I got to come up on stage and embarrass myself in the ‘Cheerleader Says’ competition.” Clement only made it to the third round, but that did not abate his mood at all.

“I’ve been out at the [forward operating bases] and on patrols outside the wire since I came here,” he said. “To see this event and the energy these ladies put in on our behalf helps out a lot. It really boosts our morale.”

Labels: NFL, Trips, Vikings

By Eric Allen, Sr. Managing Editor
newyorkjets.com
May 18, 2008


And then there were 51. Late today, New York Jets Flight Crew director Denise Garvey announced the finalists for the ’08 squad. [finalist photos]

“I’m actually really excited about this group,” she told me after the selections. “I think there is a lot of talent and a lot of potential. I think we had girls who came out today and got our interest, whether it was in their dance ability or their look or their energy.”

The finalists included a pair of Hofstra students who actually graduated this afternoon. After performing throughout the day and then hearing their names called by Garvey in the 3 o’clock hour, Bianca and Tracey were headed across the street to Shuart Stadium.

“It was very nerve-wracking not only for the process, but we weren’t sure we were going to get to our graduation in time,” Bianca said to me as she and Tracey jogged out of the bubble. “It was the most fun and yet the most torture you could experience in an audition process. It was great and it was well worth it.”

Bianca was an exercise physiology major while Tracey majored in dance. They literally were wearing graduation dresses when Garvey announced the exciting news.

“It was a very exciting to be able to dance all day, get the call back and then go and graduate in the rain,” said Tracey while the wet stuff fell from the clouds high up above the Weeb.

Seven veterans of the Flight Crew made their spring tryout debuts today. After receiving a free pass to Round 2, they showed up in the bubble wearing specially made Jets jerseys. The sign of solidarity cast the spotlight on the girls amongst the 100 hopefuls.

“We just wanted to stand out and come in as a team,” Meredith said.

Garvey didn’t call out her selections in any particular order. In fact, Jennifer was the first name announced and Meredith was the 51st and final. The best friends were bookends on a nerve-wracking day.

“I was crying in the end,” said Jennifer of her emotions as she anxiously waited to hear Meredith’s name.

All seven potential returnees (three members of the ’07 squad have chosen to explore other opportunities) will be at Marc Ecko Enterprises on June 1 for the finals.


“They are bringing with them some experience that I think will work to their advantage, but ultimately we’re going to have to wait and see on June 1," Garvey said. “The potential of the other girls who made it to the finals is spectacular. We’re really going to have to wait and see — there are no definites in this game.”

The next step for the Jets is interviews this week with all the remaining 51. The young ladies can obviously perform, but Garvey wants to get to know them on a personal level.

“The girls are pretty and they can dance, but we want to be the Jets' connection to the fans,” she said. “We want to be able to send them out and do appearances and do events.”

Two weeks from today, the 2008 Flight Crew will be set.

“When they come back, they’re going to redo the choreography that they learned today, so they will have two weeks to prepare,” Garvey said. “Anybody who made mistakes because they were nervous or because the whole experience was quite tense, they’ll have the opportunity to come back after two weeks of practicing and feeling really confident about the choreography.

“In addition, they’re also going to be doing a solo presentation. Coming into the June 1 finals, they’re not learning anything new and they really have the opportunity to show us their best.”

Labels: Auditions, Jets, NFL

Miami Dolphins
May 16, 2008

On Sunday, May 19, the 24 veterans of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders will depart for the 13th annual swimsuit calendar shoot. The Dolphins have partnered with Busch Entertainment and will shoot their 2009 calendar on-location at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to incorporate live dolphins in the Dolphins Cheerleaders 2009 Swimsuit Calendar. It is a perfect match.” said Dorie Grogan, Senior Director of Entertainment for the Miami Dolphins.

This week long shoot will include stops at Sea World, Aquatica, and the Renaissance Sea World Resort. In addition to shooting the calendar, the ladies will be making public appearances in Orlando at a variety of locations. [video] [photos]

MIAMI DOLPHINS CHEERLEADER APPEARANCES
Monday, May 19 ESPN Club at Disney’s Boardwalk
5:30 pm Performance & Autographs

Tuesday, May 20 Universal CityWalk
8:00 pm Performance on the main stage
8:30 pm Autographs at Red Coconut

Wednesday, May 21 Tavern on the Lake - Orlando
6996 Piazza Grande Ave.
7:00 pm Autographs

Be sure to visit MiamiDolphins.com next week for daily “behind the scenes” stories, photos and videos of the trip.

Labels: Calendar, Dolphins, NFL, Trips

Minnesota Vikings: Several members of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders are in Afghanistan visiting the troops as part of a goodwill tour. While they are across seas, the girls will be blogging on vikings.com. Click here to read the first entry, and make sure to check back with vikings.com for updates over the coming days.


MVC Visit Soldiers in the Middle East
Sarah - 4th yr veteran
May 14, 2008
Vikings.com

Over twenty hours of traveling and we are officially on the other side of the world. Jessie, Peyton, Bailey, Amanda, and I arrived in Doha, Qatar yesterday at 2100 to start our show tour. After resting for the evening we were excited to meet the soldiers.

Today we were at Camp As Sayliyah which is a base where soldiers go for a four day rest and relaxation. We spent time at the DFAC (dining facilities administration center) for an autograph session and met many soldiers here on “vacation”. Afterwards we had the opportunity to attend a briefing with COL Cotter (ASG-Qatar, Commander). We learned about the responsibilities of this base and what it’s used for.

Soon it was time to get ready for our first show! Decorating the spacious stage was a magnificent American flag. It gave be goosebumps to be dancing in such a patriotic environment. The show consisted of introductions, dances, crowd interaction and ended with our own fight song SKOL! We actually had a couple soldiers in the crowd who sang along! What a great first experience showing our appreciation for the service the men and women do for our country!

Tomorrow we are on our way to Afghanistan in a C130. So many troops to thank, so little time!

View photos taken by a fan in the audience. SGT Butler's gallery here

Labels: NFL, Trips, Vikings

All-Pro3 Inc, the company that produces the P-R-O Convention is expecting the biggest turnout ever at this year’s convention in Atlanta. Professional Cheerleaders and Dancers from all over the world will shake it, toss it, and flaunt it the weekend of June 7-8.


Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders at last year's P-R-O Convention

“We’ve got some exciting new instructors for 2008” says Tracy Rutledge of All-Pro3. “Shannon Kingsley will be joining us from the Seattle Seahawks, and Marla Viturello of the Philadelphia Soul is one of our new guest instructors as well.”

Add that to the veteran instructors who make up the starting line up and you’ve got a talented crew of choreographers.

P-R-O Instructors for 2008:

• Tami Krause - Minnesota Vikings & Minnesota Swarm
  
• Sandy Charboneau - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  
• Tammy Putala - NBA Entertainment
  
• Alto Gary - Houston Texans
  
• Stacie Kinder - Tennessee Titans
  
• April Smith - Indianapolis Colts
  
• Brandii McCoy - Charlotte Bobcats & Charlotte Checkers
  
• Marla Viturello - Philadelphia Soul
  
• Shannon Kingsley - Seattle Seahawks

Rutledge adds that “Our numbers grow every year. Our sponsors such as The Line Up, Peavey Hosiery, Satin Stitches, and Tech.Nitions, help make our event even more extraordinary each summer!”

Hurry! Time is running out to register for the low price. Register before June 1st for only $240.00. Visit AllPro3.com for more information.

Labels: AllPro3, Conventions

The Carolina TopCats had open call tryouts process back in March, and after a two month long audition process, the 2008 squad has been selected.



A group of 27 (12 veterans and 15 rookies) women, the TopCats represent all regions of the Carolinas and range in age from 21 to 39 years old. Their careers are in a variety of professions, including business, finance, medicine and teaching.

Complete TopCats roster here.

Labels: NFL, Panthers

Sunday at Six Flags Great Adventure in NJ, a second round of auditions for the Six Flags Thrilleaders was held. After the auditions, the judges huddled together and made their decisions. The result: six ladies and one guy are the first ever Thrilleaders.



It's Ashley and Jasmine, who were selected for the team at the first auditions. Ashley's a Math major and Jasmine is a Psychology student.



Candidates learning the choreography.






After the squad was selected, they entered the park and posed for photos.


More photos from the audition and with the Thrilleaders around Great Adventure in the gallery.

The Thrilleaders will be making their first official appearance this Thursday in NYC. Six Flags is celebrating the start of summer in the heart of Times Square from 11-1pm. In addition to the Thrilleaders, Bug Bunny and his friends will be on parade, there will be giveaways and a whole lot more.

Labels: Independent, Thrilleaders

To cast your vote, go to the Vikings home page and click on "take our instant fan poll."

Labels: Calendar, Contests, NFL, Vikings

Check out the Orlando Magic Dancers in this week's Sports Illustrated NBA dance team gallery. Click here

Labels: Magic, NBA, Photos

Eric Allen, Senior Managing Editor
NewYorkJets.com
May 17, 2008

05/17 — The Flight Crew is making international waves. When the Jets hosted an open tryout today at their Weeb Ewbank Hall facility, the 250 or so participants included a young lady from Noriko, Japan.

Only six months ago, Nao left her native country for Los Angeles. She is studying English at the Cal America Education Institute, but she also owns a goal of being a professional football cheerleader. Nao flew cross-country this weekend to New York to showcase her skills for the Jets.

“I liked the Dome,” she said of practice bubble where the young ladies made their cases.

Denise Garvey, in her second season as the crew’s director, and Brian Mulligan, the club’s director of special events and gameday operations, watched 47 separate groups (mostly composed of five candidates) perform 90-second “freestyle” routines today. Garvey began the morning with a 10-minute talk, then she analyzed the performances for four hours.

“I’m a season ticket holder for the Jets and I have been waiting for this like my whole entire life,” said Tara from Staten Island. “I actually wrote a speech on this for school.”

Natasha, a solid athlete from Emerson, NJ, was the first person to get her paperwork in so she had No. 1 and was a member of the first group.

“I was more anxious than nervous. You just want to know. Now that I’m done, I have to wait for almost everybody. It’s a good feeling,” she said. “I did a good job and I performed, so I did my best.”

Garvey gave the “Crew” veterans a pass to the second round, so those seven hopefuls won’t become part of this process until Sunday. Jeanine, a San Diego, CA, native, offers some pretty good experience of her own. In addition to cheering for a minor league basketball team and a soccer team in San Diego, she danced with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings for a year and a half.

“When I moved to New York, I looked to see if any of the football teams had dancers and they didn’t,” she said. “Then I saw the Flight Crew and said, ‘Oh my God, it’s so perfect.’ But then they had a closed audition last year. But I kept looking at the Website and I saw they were going to have an audition.”

Garvey and Mulligan made cuts early this afternoon and informed 93 ladies that they will have another chance to showcase themselves Sunday. Then following a paring down to 50, the final auditions will be held at Mark Ecko Enterprises — Mark is designing the ’08 uniforms — on Sunday, June 1.

“It was pretty heavy competition,” Garvey said. “The girls came in with a lot energy, a lot of experience and a lot of dance techniques. Overall the energy in the bubble was extremely high.”

There will be 21 ladies selected for the squad and then Jets fans will vote for the 22nd and final member of the Flight Crew on newyorkjets.com. Before this afternoon reached its conclusion, Tara, Natasha and Jeanine received the good news that they’ll be back in the bubble Sunday. Noa will also return to the “Dome” as she was informed that her goal is still within reach.

“People are coming from out of state and out of country,” Garvey said. “It shows us that we aren’t only getting recognized nationally but internationally.” [photos]

Labels: Auditions, Jets, NFL

Lots of exciting changes for the Washington Wizards dance team. As you probably noticed in the title of the post or in the new logo, the team is now the Washington Wizard Girls.

We're really excited about the Wizard Girls new Director Jessica Pikulski. Jessica, a good friend of the blog, just finished her fourth season as a Washington Redskins Cheerleader. Before that she was a Washington Wizards Dancer so this is sort of homecoming for her.




This photo from The Line-up's fashion show at the last year's P.R.O. Convention foreshadowed Jessica's return to the Wizards.

And then Jessica has even bigger news. She's seven months pregnant! So double Congratulations to Jessica and her husband on the new job and their first child.

Selecting an NBA Dance Team is no easy task, especially if you are in your third trimester. Fortunately, Jessica is going to get some great help from a couple of Former Wizards Dancers Brianne Ritzert and Kelly Owens. (Kelly was also a Redskins Cheerleader with Jessica)


And let's not forget the upcoming auditions. Ladies in DC, MD and VA get your dancing shoes and come on down the the Verizon Center on Saturday, June 28th for the Wizard Girls Auditions.




More on the Wizard Girls Audition here.

Labels: Auditions, NBA, Wizards

The Sweethearts for Soldiers are a group of former NFL Cheerleaders with a personal connection to the military, who visit military bases both foreign and domestic. They relate to the troops in a unique and special way, providing their own personal coins, donated military gear and care packages for the men and women serving overseas. These photos are from a recent 10-day morale tour to Iraq and Kuwait. Here the Sweethearts pose on the roof of one of Sadaam's palaces at Camp Prosperity.



More photos from the trip here.

Watch a video from KTVZ NewsChannel 21 on the trip here.

The Official Sweethearts for Soldiers Website is here.

Labels: Alumni, Independent, Sweethearts, Trips

Congratulations to the NLL Champion Buffalo Bandits and their dance team the Buffalo Bandettes!

From the Buffalo Jills and Bandettes Blog:

Out of the 4 squads we've covered here, Jills, Bandettes, Bombshells, and Rush, only the Bandettes have ever gotten the reward for their efforts that they deserved. The Bills' 2 AFL titles came before the Jills Organization came into being, the Bombshells left town as the AFL's Buffalo Destroyers moved to Columbus and the Rush squad was dissolved midway through their inaugural season due to league mismanagement.

While the Bandettes as a squad has enjoyed getting to cheer on Championship teams before, those times came 12 years ago and more and do little to reward the efforts of the current squad. Of the current squad, Beth, Erin H, Erin Y, Kimberly, Meghan, Melissa, and Sarah were part of that squad that cheered on the Bandits 2 seasons ago. It was the ultimate in letdowns for these young ladies as they cheered their hearts out and worked their tails off all season long and during that title game hoping to see their Bandits hoist the Champions Cup only to see them fail right in front of them.



This season, those 7 girls came back along with Amanda H and Ashley from last year's squad as well as Casey, Karla, and Korinne who had each been off the squad for at least 2 seasons. They added on rookies Amanda Z, Jessica, and Justina to round out a 15-girl squad and behind the coaching of a former Buffalo Jills Pro Bowler at coach in Erin J as well as the assistance of former Bandette Jaclyn, they worked hard all season long and got the reward they so richly deserved in a Champions Cup-winning Bandits team.

More on the Bandits Championship, photos and video at Phil's Blog.

Labels: Bandettes, NLL

('scuse me folks. Seems like I'm always playing catch-up these days...)

Earlier this month former Cincinnatti Ben-Gal Kristen Schneider tied the knot with her fiance Rob Bolt. BIG TIME congratulations to the newlyweds, who have been together for almost nine years.

Those Ben-Gals are a tight family. The Bride was a Ben-Gal. The groom caught himself a Ben-Gal, two former Ben-Gals were in the wedding, and the bride's "Man of Honor," her brother Brandon, was stationed overseas with the US Army for several years and helped arrange the first Ben-Gals overseas tour in 2003. And of course, past and present Ben-Gals turned out en masse to show the couple some love, including Allison Leonard, Christi Ray, Sherri Keyes, Amber Sterbling-Lanich, Jessica Kantner, Daphne Seldon, Deanna Hazeley, Traci Napier, Charlotte Jacobs, Sharon Jacob-Schultz, and Tara Willson.

Now Kristen, some of you will remember, was a fashion major in college and designed the 2004-05 Ben-Gals uniforms and the Cincinnati Reds Crew uniforms for 2006 and 2007. But her talents extend far beyond costuming pro dance teams. (If you've been with us for a while, you may remember the beautiful wedding gowns Kristen designed for her senior project.) It should be no surprise then, that Kristen designed and made every single dress in the wedding. She made her own gown, six different dresses for the bridesmaids, the flower girl's dress, the groomsmen's ties and vests, the groom's tie, and the aisle runner. She pulled all of this off in addition to the usual pre-wedding insanity that goes on. (Oh please, don't even act like I'm the only single chick watching Bridezillas, Say Yes to the Dress, and Whose Wedding is it Anyway? We all watch, ok? We know what goes on during the wedding planning.)

Also ladies, let me reassure you on one point: Despite the couple's love for the Cincinnati Bengals, the bride did not choose Orange and Black as her wedding colors. Not that there would be anything wrong with that.;-)

Our friend Allison (Bride's BFF-slash-Cincinnati Reds Crew director-slash-former Ben-Gal) shared a few photos with us.


On the morning of the big day, it's important to start off with the right outfit and a hearty breakfast.


Check out the detail on the bride's gown.


FYI: this kind of thing takes a heckuva lot more than a BeDazzler and some good ideas.


Kristen's good friend and former Ben-Gals teammate Missy models her bridesmaid gown. Ooh la la!


The flower girl in her Kristen Schneider Bolt Original


Kristen and Alison on their way to the ceremony. It was a tad bit windy.


Loading the bride into the limo proved to be somewhat challenging.


Five minutes later...


Still working on it...


Whew!



Bridesmaids Allison, Deanna, Missy, Suzanne, and Sara in the golden gowns designed for them by the bride. (Allison and Missy are both retired Ben-Gals)


Kristen designed this runner with the newlyweds' first initials


Just married!


The Man of Honor - Kristen's brother Brandon. (With wife Sara)


Missy and Allison


Former teammates Christi and Jessica


Former teammates Jessica, Deanna, Allison, Tracy, and Sharon


Mr. and Mrs. Bolt showing off their rings at the reception

Congratulations Rob and Kristen!

Labels: Alumni, Bengals, NFL, Weddings and Engagements

Cheerleader Leslie A. fills you in on what she did on her day off.
May 14, 2008
Baltimore Ravens

Hola Baltimore Fans! Today was absolutely wonderful!

Six different girls started their days at 4am this morning, while the rest of us had the day off. This could not have come at a better time because I feel like I’ve been going 110 mph since we found out we were selected to do this calendar shoot!

My day started at 8am with a run on the beach and a very intense ab workout. Afterwards, I joined the other girls for a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel. Most of the talk at breakfast was about how pleased each of us were with our individual shoots yesterday.

After breakfast we jumped on the hotel trolley to our only planned activity for the day. We arrived at the other side of the resort and the views of the beach and palm trees were amazing! We were greeted by our hostess who informed us we could choose between playing futbol (soccer) or taking dancing lessons as our activity for the day. As you might have guessed, we choose dance lessons! We had fun learning the local dances and acting goofy with the beautiful beach and white sands as the backdrop.

Following an hour of dancing lessons, we were ready to go back to our hotel. When we returned, the next set of girls prepared for their 2pm shoot while the rest of us grabbed lunch.

When we finished lunch, most of the girls who were off decided to lie out poolside and catch some sun. A few of them went to the beach and actually practiced some cheers. I used the free time to walk around the resort and admire the gorgeous scenery—complete with beautiful palm trees and lush green gardens. It was all a picture-perfect, peaceful setting with a panoramic view overlooking the ocean. HEAVEN!

The day ended with another team dinner. Lights outs…we have a 4am shoot tommorow morning. ADIOS!

Labels: Calendar, NFL, Ravens, Trips

Auditions for the 2008-09 Warrior Girls will take place in July, and those wishing to try out for one of the top dance teams in the NBA can register today or take part in one of the upcoming Audition Preparation Classes.



All you need to know about Prep Classes and Auditions at Warriors.com.

Labels: Auditions, NBA, Warriors

By Peter Mucha
The Philadelphia Inquirer

You've heard of eco-friendly cleaners, cars and businesses.

Add bikinis to the list.

Last week the Eagles Cheerleaders were in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic, creating the NFL's first "eco-sexy" calendar, according to Barbara Zaun, the team's director of cheerleading.

Each of the team's 38 Cheerleaders was photographed in a natural setting - on the beach, alongside a stream, amid forest trees - while wearing makeup, swimsuits and accessories that are kind to planet Earth, she said.

The project was part of the club's "Go Green" program, which has worked recycling and alternative energy into the fabric of the club's daily operations, from biodegradable beverage cups to the solar panels atop the corporate headquarters.

The new calendar, which will go on sale in July, will use recycled paper - as tickets, programs and stadium toilet paper already do.

Vinyl records, CDs, computer cables, watch parts, candy wrappers and even old traffic lights were used to craft the jewelry and other accessories used on the shoot.

"Every item that you see Cheerleaders wear is made out of the recycled, upcycled, or repurposed items," Zaun said.

Jennifer Kaiser, 25 - who also works as a financial systems analyst for the Defense Department - did her posing in front of a palm tree on May 4, the day the shoot began.

Only natural dyes were used to color the organic cotton used in her bikini, she explained. She sported a belt made of bamboo and recycled glass.

Other swimsuits were made of fibers from plastic soda bottles, and the Aaron Chang designs are reversible.

"So again, it's about living more simply and making choices that prevent additional waste," Zaun said.


Five-year veteran Amy

Amy Mecca, 25, who also works as an operating room nurse at Methodist Hospital, had her ocean's-edge photo shoot at dawn on May 4 - after an hour-and-a-half hair-and-makeup session that started at 4 a.m.

The cosmetics were "natural minerals and natural ingredients," she said.

Besides her brown cotton bikini, she wore a big seashell earrings and a bamboo necklace.

Everybody on the squad is "really excited" about the eco-friendly theme, Mecca said.

"It's really going to be cool when the calendar comes out," she added, because a writeup with each photo will tell "the story behind each girl's outfit, each girl's accessories."

The calendar will cover 16 months - the football season plus next year.

No Cheerleader will be left out, Kaiser said. The front and back covers, and pages of collages, ensure that photos of all 38 women will be included.

Zaun hopes the calendar helps spreads a message, and is more "just the latest fashion trend."

"We're hoping that this is seen as a cutting-edge calendar," Zaun said. "... I think it's important to know that every person can make a difference. ... We really do feel that if each person on the Earth takes these steps, we can reduce the harm that we're placing on the Earth."

Labels: Calendar, Eagles, NFL

For member of the Jacksonville ROAR Erin Carlisle is on the cover and featured in Water's Edge Magazine's annual swimsuit issue.



Of course Erin is no stranger to swimsuits. She was one of the 12 NFL Cheerleaders in the 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Even on Erin here.

Labels: Alumni, Jaguars, NFL