2010 Minnesota Swarm Performance Team

By Alec Schimke
mnswarm.com

Tryouts for the Swarm Performance Team (SPT) were held last weekend at CorePower Yoga in Minneapolis, where a competitive field of over 40 dancers gave it their all for a chance to represent the Swarm in 2010. In the end, ten women were selected to join the squad, which enters the sixth season in Minnesota this winter.

“We had a lot of talented girls out here tonight and there was a lot of subjectivity to the scoring,” said Head Coach and Coordinator Tami Krause. “We really had to figure out which ten were going to be the best both individually and collectively to represent the team.”

The final ten were announced after dancing for nearly four hours in front of the judges. Krause explained that this year’s team has a great mix of both veteran and fresh talent.

“It’s a nice ratio because we brought back some staple girls that have been here before and can help lead the way. We also have some new faces that the fans are going to love to meet and watch perform this year.”

Another face joining the squad this year is Co-Coach Allison Drusch, who will enter her first year of coaching after spending time as an SPT member.

alt Allison talks about her return to SPT.

“It will be a joy and an honor for me to share my experiences as a performer and I’m excited to transfer that to coaching,” stated Drusch.

Drusch alongside Krause faced the difficult task of narrowing a very deep field.

“The talent keeps growing every year for the girls who come audition. It really is harder to select than any other professional team because there are only ten spots,” said Drusch.

The steady increase in SPT hopefuls captured the attention of French National Television, who were on hand covering the event for a documentary that will air early next year. Krause explained that it was nice to see an outside group show interest in the organization.

“It added some excitement for the girls that were here tonight, knowing that they are going to be featured on a television program. I think the Swarm brand name is starting to reach beyond Minnesota and that is exciting.”

The SPT are partnering with CorePower Yoga in 2010, with members of the team practicing and working out in some of the locations across the Metro.

Krause announced that the team will sport new uniforms this season, which will be unveiled during the home opener on January 15 against the Calgary Roughnecks. The team will also produce its first ever calendar and take its first road trip. The SPT join the Swarm for their exhibition game against the Colorado Mammoth in Des Moines, IA on December 5 at Wells Fargo Arena.

Krause expressed that Swarm fans should be excited about this year’s team.

“I keep saying it every year, but I honestly want them know that this is going to be the best SPT we have ever had. We just got the best of the best here tonight.”

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Back Row: Ginger (Timberwolves vet), Brianna (MVC Vet), Betsey (Lawyer) , KC (Swarm Vet and MVC Training Program), Carrie (6th year vet and original team member)
Front Row: Acacia (MVC and Swarm vet), Beth (MVC Training Program), Katie (MVC vet, also currently coaches the MVC All Stars), Laura (MVC Vet), Jes (3-year Swarm Vet)

Head over to the Swarm website for videos from the auditions.

Monday Tuesday Morning Cheerleader: Jamilla of the Washington Redskins

By Steve Mazzucchi
Esquire

Some honest answers (“The blooper reel isn’t a good look on national TV”) about a 2-and-5 team and its on-the-rocks coach after a Monday-night loss to the Eagles

Seven games into the season and the Redskins finally faced a team that wasn’t winless. Considering they’d triumphed in only two of those first six, no one was exactly shocked when Philadelphia’s DeSean Jackson torched them for 136 yards and two touchdowns last night. All this as Washington committed four turnovers — including a fumbled snap on fourth-and-goal — in a 27-17 loss that wasn’t as close as it looked and might put the ‘Skins in the cellar for good.

Indeed, these are dark days in D.C., but we found a beacon of hope in cheerleading captain and premium season-ticket executive Jamilla, who performs for U.S. soldiers across the globe (“I really hope we can bring our troops back soon”) and pursues a hobby that’s, um, sparkling (“I’ve rhinestoned all the girls’ boots, my boss’ nameplate, and the fax machine here in the office”). She talked about key injuries, a struggling young O-line, and how the Skins can still, say, win out and make the playoffs.

ESQUIRE: Okay, so first game with former senior center bingo caller Sherman Smith sending in plays instead of Jim Zorn, and the ‘Skins score 17 points, matching their best offensive output of the season. Thoughts?

JAMILLA: I’ll be honest, I’m glad that they actually got into the end zone. It was just good to see that we are able to do that. Even though one of the scores was really late and a lot of fans had already left, it might be a step in the right direction.

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ESQ: Were you anywhere near Clinton Portis when he chucked his helmet?

J: No, I wasn’t, which is probably a good thing. That might have hurt a bit. The guys are fired up, and that shows in their frustration.

ESQ: Well, an interception, fumbles, dropped passes, six sacks, a ball bouncing off Antwaan Randle-El’s facemask into Philly’s hands — it’d be a pretty funny blooper reel if it weren’t your own team. Hard to watch from the sidelines?

J: When the Eagles scored in the first two minutes, I was like, “Wow.” We have a lot of key players out, like pro bowler Chris Samuels on the offensive line and now tight end Chris Cooley. This is a good time for a bye week — hopefully we can regroup and get back to playing Redskins football at Atlanta. The blooper reel isn’t a good look on national TV.

ESQ: Despite all the mistakes, the ‘Skins only lost by 10 points. The other losses have been by 6, 5, 3, and 8. Do you feel the team’s tantalizingly close to having a lot better of a record?

J: Definitely. With some of the scores being so close, that’s kind of heartbreaking. The defense has been holding the team together — defensive end Andre Carter is having a phenomenal year. If the offense could stay on the field just a little more, that would make the difference. With about half the season left, we can still be successful. We’ll see the Eagles again.

ESQ: What are the keys to turning it around?

J: I think the offense is starting to gel, although Jason Campbell gets sacked more than we’d like to see. Thanks to injuries, our offensive line is young — this is only Stephon Heyer’s second season — but guys need to step up and keep other teams off our quarterback.

ESQ: With five minutes left, down by 17 and facing fourth and goal, the Redskins botched the snap. One of the MNF commentators said, “And that… summarizes the Washington Redskins.” Agree or disagree?

J: Disagree. That may have come from a lack of focus and frustration, but I don’t think that characterizes us as a team. What does characterize us? Well, the cheerleaders are the sexiest ladies in the NFL — a very sophisticated, classy, highly educated group that loves to dance and loves the Redskins. As for the football team, I do believe our players have a lot of heart. We just need to get everyone’s heart in the same place.

ESQ: The oft-criticized Jason Campbell was actually 29 for 43 for 284 yards and two TDs, with a passer rating of 91.6. What’s the feeling about him around the team?

J: That he’s the quarterback. A lot of times people point fingers at the quarterback, but overall he’s done a good job. Him having a different coordinator every year hasn’t helped. He’s more of a silent leader, as opposed to being very outspoken and in your face, but I think he encourages everyone around him by how hard he works and how he plays, things we don’t always necessarily see.

ESQ: On a related note, head of football operations Vinny Cerrato says Jim Zorn’s job is safe until the end of season. What’s the feeling about him?

J: I met Coach Zorn when he came here last year, and he’s a really nice guy who coaches with a lot of heart. It’s a tough situation going from quarterbacks coach to head coach, especially here in D.C. where the fans are so into the team. I’m sure walking down the street, the pressure is always on. But around here we still support him, and I don’t see why the average fan wouldn’t.

ESQ: Your final nine games include only one against a team with a losing record, and match-ups with the undefeated Broncos and Saints. You’re the cheerleader. Give ‘Skins fans a reason to be optimistic.

J: We’ve had some tough starts in the seven seasons I’ve been here. This is probably the roughest, but late in the season we are often able to turn things around. We’re gonna cheer hard and smile pretty, and I believe the team could rally, win every last one of the games and go to the playoffs. Stranger things have happened.

[Jamilla at Redskins.com]

NFL Gallery Update

There are loads of new photos from week 7 on NFL.com. This week, they have the Rams, Raiders, Cowboys, Bucs, Jets, Texans, Chiefs, Dolphins, and Redskins Cheerleaders. It was a fun week, with special performances for Military Awareness Day, Halloween, and Breast Cancer Awareness month. Click here and have a look.

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Book by Former Laker Girl in Bookstores Next Month

bookmeWith the new craze in Dance shows, advertising and recording artists on Television and Feature Films, there are many new opportunities for dancers! Figuring out how to navigate the small circle and the tough competition in the entertainment industry is where this book excels!

BOOK ME! Details the following and much more:
• Information for Before you make the move to Hollywood
• Landing an Agent
• Building and Writing Your Resume
• Making contacts and Lasting Relationships
• Dos and Don’ts at Auditions & On the Job
• Health & Beauty Tips (Secrets from Top Hair Stylists & Makeup Artists)
• Insights from Top Choreographers:
Mia Michaels, Jamie King, Jerry Mitchell, Shane Sparks, Dave Scott, Tony Testa, Kevin Maher, Sonya Tayeh and more!

Sandra has put together a comprehensive book that will help dancers from novice to professional skip over some of the hurdles facing dancers today and help them make their passion a thriving success! Sandra was a Top Finalist on Season 1 of FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance, has performed on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno singing back-up for Paulina Rubio and Katharine McPhee, danced in music videos for Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Chelo and Too Short, has been in commercials for Nationwide Insurance and Fruit of the Loom, HBO special with Cedric the Entertainer, Bring It On: All or Nothing and national print ads for So You Think You Can Dance and IBM. Sandra was featured by BACKSTAGE East/West as a rising singer, has toured Europe with Rihanna and is trained in voice, tap, jazz, hip-hop and gymnastics disciplines.

Sandra ColtonJust Dance, Sandra’s first album, was a club hit and garnered Los Angeles Music Award nominations for Best Pop Artist and Best R&B Song in 2007. Sandra had the opportunity to open for Sean Kingston at Key Club in Hollywood. Sandra premiered her last music video on Yahoo! Music in July 2008 to go along with the new single release and is completing songs for her second album to be released in 2009.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa to Pamela and Darwin Colton, Sandra has a range of talent that assures pure success! A triple threat, Sandra has been performing since age three and got her start in Las Vegas as a song and dance opening act with her sister performing alongside Bill Cosby, Lou Rawls, Savion Glover, Gregory Hines and the Nicholas Brothers. In an early role, Sandra played a young Johnnie Mae Gibson in the CBS TV Movie of the Week. This movie portrayed the life of the first Black FBI woman, which was played by Lynn Whitfield as the adult Johnnie Mae Gibson.

[Book Me at Amazon.com]

[SandraColton.com]

Kelly Moore: Eleven Who Care Winner

By Rena Sarigianopoulos
KARE11.com

When Ms. Moore talks, her third-grade students at Rice Elementary in Lino Lakes listen. Today’s lesson is something Kelly Moore knows something about, in fact, you could even call her an expert. She’s teaching the kids what it means to volunteer and she’s doing it leading by example.

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Kelly Moore is a Lino Lakes School teacher, cable tv music host, former Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader and more importantly a breast cancer survivor.

The folks at St. John’s Health East Breast Center know exactly how dedicated Kelly is to volunteering. She raised the money to buy a much-needed second ultrasound machine, meaning women no longer have to wait days to get their results.

“To be able to do that and to have someone that cares that much about the Breast Center at St. Johns is just incredible,” says Anita Eicher, Director of the center.

Kelly cares so much because she feels connected to the place.

“The doctor came in and handed me a folder and I looked down and it said breast cancer. I remember being stunned,” says Kelly of her diagnosis.

That was 2002. Kelly is now cancer-free, but she hasn’t stopped fighting.

“I know so many different people,” she says, “that together we can make a difference.”

And she has. Kelly started a charity called Treasured Chests. She has organized several fundraisers including a runway show, golf tournament and even a family fun day to get the students involved. All the money has gone to help breast cancer patients.

Kelly is quick to deflect the credit, saying she merely provides the platform for others to get involved. Winning the Eleven who Care Award is something she describes as “humbling”.

“This represents so many people that you can’t see. It describes the kids, the eight and nine-year-olds that are four-foot-two and making a difference. And, no on knows their faces or names, but I do,” says Kelly while fighting back tears.

Kelly’s life lessons extend far beyond the classroom. But, thank goodness they start there.

Brevard Dancer’s Life About to Heat up in Miami

Palm Bay High grad part of Miami’s pro dance team

By Autumn Shrum
Florida Today

As a rookie on the Miami Heat Dancers team, Michelle Lowry doesn’t quite know what to expect when she performs tonight for the Heat’s first official game of the season. But maybe not knowing is half the thrill.

“I cannot wait until we get in the arena and everyone’s screaming,” said Lowry, a 2005 Palm Bay High grad who auditioned for and made the 2009-10 dance team in July. “It’s going to be so much fun.”

A dancer since age 4, Lowry has been trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop. While in high school, she performed with the Palm Bay High Precision, the school’s dance team. She’s always wanted to dance professionally, but she wanted a college education, too. After high school, she went off to Florida State, and in May, graduated with a bachelor of science in marketing.

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“It’s hard to be a dancer as a career,” she said. “People do it, but you really do live paycheck to paycheck. So I decided to go get a degree and explore different areas as far as careers are concerned.”

She didn’t get many chances to dance in college, so after graduation, she decided to audition for pro teams. Of about 200 who auditioned for the Heat dance team, 25 made it. The process was rigorous and competitive, and you always had to be “on,” Lowry said.

“It was the first team I tried out for,” she said. “It was a weeklong audition process, and I made it, so it’s pretty exciting. And I moved my life down here (Miami) a week later.”

Lowry’s plan was to be a part-time dancer and a full-time graduate student–she’d been accepted into an MBA program at Florida International University. But the school told her she couldn’t do both because of the program’s no-work policy.

She had a decision to make.

“It really sucks because that’s one of the things I definitely wanted to do is get my MBA, but I’ll get it and I’ll get it on my own terms,” she said. “But right now, this is something that is once in a lifetime, so I had to take advantage of it.”

Lowry had a pretty good idea of what it would be like to be part of a professional dance team. Her older sister, Jennifer, cheered for the Atlanta Falcons and danced for the Washington Wizards.

“You meet a lot of great people,” Lowry said. “The dancers you dance with, a lot of those women go on and do amazing things.”

The Miami Heat Dancers have been voted fans’ favorite NBA dance team for the past three seasons.

Lowry has a yearlong contract with the Heat. If she wants to be on the team again next year, she’ll have to try out again.

In the meantime, she’s going to enjoy the practices, games and life in Miami.

“It’s like a whole ‘nother world down here. . . . South Beach is like a mile from my house, so it’s crazy,” she said.

Lowry’s mom, Glenda Hege, and stepdad, Don Hege, live in Palm Bay.

[Miami Heat Dancers]

Texans Cheerleaders Salute the Military

Last weekend, the Texans’ home game was also Military Appreciation Day. In honor of the occasion, the Texans Cheerleaders suited up as members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. One of your peers, Keith, was in the stands and sent us this link to his photos. Go check them out!

Thanks Keith!
(Have we mentioned lately how much we love it when you guys send us stuff? You all are the best!)

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