I have been going to NFL games since the mid 1980’s and I have seen many changes since 9/11 that have made it increasingly difficult to take photographs at such events. Since then, many venues do not allow fans to bring in certain types of camera equipment, mainly “professional” cameras or lenses. Whether it is for security reasons or for image control reasons, it is often left up to individuals, often lower paid contracted security people, to define what is “professional” or not. In truth, this is an arbitrary term and as any first year law student would tell you not sufficiently descriptive to be understandable. The real impact of such vague definitions is that some people, people like me, are arbitrarily subject to increased scrutiny and action whereas others people in similar circumstances are left unfettered.
Why am I discussing this matter as opposed to subjecting you to my usual game day drivel? Well, the past two weeks I have been asked to stop taking photographs of the beautiful Charger Girls because there is an issue with the camera equipment that I have been using for the past several years. And I have been a season ticket holder since 1999 and have been taking photographs for all that time. My specific equipment may have changed over time, as I have upgraded, but it is essentially a DSLR and a long telephoto lens.
To their credit, the Chargers organization has had a very generous policy with respect to photographic equipment, that is digital and video photography is allowed provided it is for noncommercial use. But apparently this year, the policy has been amended to say that long or large lenses are not allowed. I have no real issue with their right to impose such restrictions, since it is their prerogative. The issue I have is that this new policy was not communicated to the season ticket holders in the A-Z fan guide provided, nor was it published anywhere on line. I only discovered this new policy when the security people stopped me from using my gear during the first quarter.
Okay, I am a law and order type of guy and though disappointed, I complied. And this is where my dilemma comes in. I asked, for future reference, if my lens was unacceptably large or long, then what is an acceptable length so that I could be in compliance for next time. He couldn’t tell me. All he knew is that he thought my lens was too long…and in all fairness it is a long telephoto lens. And in fairness to me, I would not have brought it in if I knew that it was, in a change from years past, too long because all I want to do is to photograph the absolutely fabulous 2010 Charger Girls.
Upon his recommendation, I went to Guest Services at halftime to seek clarification so that I will be able to continue to photograph the absolutely fabulous 2010 Charger Girls in the future. Now, the two points I raised were valid and perhaps was the reason why the very nice and understanding Guest Services people granted me permission to continue to use my gear for this game. Here are my two points: 1) if there was a new policy or amended policy, why is it that the fans weren’t made aware of it because I was not the only one with a DSLR and long lens at the game. And 2), so that I could be in compliance for next time, what is an acceptable length of lens that fans could bring in? Well, to that second point, there is no specific or definable answer, as of yet.
Other stadiums restrict, if they do so at all, lenses to be of a certain focal length. 200mm is common, if any restriction exists. Or they restrict lenses by length in inches. No longer than 8 inches is common, if any restriction exists. Some venues are more restrictive. Some venues, like at Qualcomm stadium until this year, have no such restrictions.
Now why am I bring up this up here? There is no reason other that as a long time season ticket holder, I want to be able to comply with their restrictions and be able to photograph the absolutely fabulous 2010 Charger Girls in the future…ostensibly with the same equipment that I have been using for years, but that might not be possible. And I am certain that the Chargers organization will find some acceptable middle ground where my interests can coexist with theirs.
No. The real reason why I am discussing this matter is the larger issue of personal freedoms in the post 9/11 era. In this security conscious day and age, we have lost so many of our personal freedoms, little freedoms like taking photographs in certain public places or accepting increased scrutiny and security screening when entering places such as an NFL game. Certainly most of these sacrifices are reasonable and necessary to ensure our overall security. As a law and order Republican, I sympathize with the most ardent Progressive who passionately defends his rights to exercise his personal freedoms without unnecessary governmental interference.
This little incident, while impacting only me and only in a small way, though a very personal way…made me think about all that we have lost since 9/11. We have lost our innocence. We have lost our sense of safety and security in era of modern anti-American terrorism. And we have lost many of our personal freedoms as a consequence of this new reality.
I am not suggesting that we eliminate all the restrictions in what we can bring into a stadium. But what I am suggesting is that we not lose the essence of what made America the greatest country on this earth. The freedom to do what we want to do, when we want to do it. This a founding principle of the American way of life. I expect my little issue to be discussed amongst the powers that be within the Chargers management and clarification to be reached. It may even be a league issue because in the digital era, image control issues are a hot button topic and protecting your rights is a concern.
What I am suggesting is that to the powers that be is to take a stance for the fan and allow a few more personal freedoms to be reinserted in this game day environment. Let the old policy stand. Do not take the easy road and take a hard line stance against “professional” cameras and lenses. Let people like me to continue to enjoy taking photographs of the Charger Girls and photographs of our game day experience, so we can share them with our families and friends. So, we can share the joy of going to an NFL game with those who may not be so fortunate.
So, let us be bold and take a stand for more personal freedom and take a stand for the American way of life…the way it used to be before 9/11.
* * * * *
And now let us return to our regularly scheduled programming….THE ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS CHARGER GIRLS!
Football season is upon us once again and the Chicago Bears were in town to play the San Diego Chargers in the first preseason game for both teams. When the Chicago Bears come to town, thousands of Bears fans usually make the trip to San Diego. So, there was a nice crowd on hand to enjoy the mild California weather and get their first look at football.
Preseason is where coaches and fans get to evaluate the new players and see what they have to offer. Now if you’ve read this blog, you know how I feel about preseason NFL football. Hint: it’s a rip off and the caliber of football sucks. So for me, preseason is where I get a chance to evaluate the latest crop of Charger Girls and get to size up the rookies. And let me say this to all Charger Girl fans…these girls are amazing and are worth the price of admission alone! This is a hot looking squad and I was very impressed with rookies and veterans alike.
With all due respect to Katy Perry, introducing the 2010 Charger Girls. California Girls, each and every one of them.
So let’s begin with the 2010 Line Captains: Tiffany, Katie, Giselle and Ashlie.
Let me apologize in advance if I incorrectly identify any of the Charger Girls. The audition photos online are not very good and after their makeovers a few girls look vastly different from their squad photo from which I got their names.
* * * * *
A couple of years ago, I started a new tradition called the Charger Girl of the Day. It was my way of identifying that Charger Girl who left the most memorable impression. This week’s Charger Girl of the Day is Kylie.
A longtime reader of the blog, Nick M., sent me some photos of the 2010 Charger Girls at FanFest from this past Saturday. So, here’s our first look of the 2010 Charger Girls in uniform.
Notice something different this year? Michelle is a brunette.
Thanks to reader Nick M. for these wonderful photos. The first preseason Charger game is this Saturday…stay tuned for the first Charger game day report of the year.
It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again. This is my fourth year covering the Clippers Spirit auditions, and I have to tell you, it never gets old. Wanna hear about it?
For those who said NO! I will provide the photo link right up front. I know some of you who are routinely bored to tears by my rambling. Click here to go right to the pictures.
Clippers Spirit auditions usually take place at the Spectrum Club, where the basketball team trains. This year the Spectrum wasn’t available, so the open call took place at GMT Studios. I gather this is a place where they shoot tv shows, videos, commercials, and that sort of thing. It’s a big empty place with high ceilings and giant access doors for equipment, vehicles, extremely tall people, etc.
“Big” and “empty” were the attributes most useful for our purposes.
They also had a couple of dressing rooms which was a nice bonus. It beats the crap out of elbowing your way up to the bathroom sink.
Amanda
You’ll notice that all of the walls are painted black. It looks a little cave-like in some of the photos, but I assure you, these auditions did not take place in a cave, a coal mine, or underground bomb shelter. I’m pointing this out because the tryouts could very well be here again next year. I don’t want you to be too frightened to come to auditions. I assure you, there was plenty of light and fresh air to be had. And - except for the panel of judges scrutinizing your every move - there was absolutely nothing to be nervous about.
Trivia factoids:
Fear of caves = Speluncaphobia
Fear of nuclear bombs = Nucleomitiphobia
Fear of dark places = Lygophobia
Fear of the color black = Melanophobia
As for me, I have my own issues. My clumsiness, fear of strangers, social awkwardness, etc have all been well documented in other posts, so there’s no need to go into all that again. However, for those of you keeping track, I am happy to report that I survived the day uninjured and relatively unembarrassed, which makes me 2 for 5 so far this year.
I was feeling pretty good going into auditions this year, because I had a heads-up on the retirees. Nothing harshes my mellow on audition day like running into a bunch of veterans retiring from the team. This year, I had the scoop on most of the girls and I’d had plenty of time to cry it out in advance:
Ariel has conflicts with her schedule for school. She’s a ChivaGirl now, so we haven’t lost her entirely. (Chivas has a more flexible schedule than Clippers)
Melissa is taking a shot with the Laker Girls. Good luck, Melissa!
That’s seven. That leaves me with nine Clipper Girls. Nine is an ok number. It means I’m keeping most of my girls and there’s room for a few new ones. I can live with that.
Michelle and Ariana
(Ariana is a San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush alum)
Destiney danced for the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Hawks.
This year’s audition followed the usual format: three rounds (across-the-floor, jazz, and hip-hop), with a cut after each round. Lizzy Richardson (former Charger Girl who currently choreographs the Clippers Fast Break Hip Hop team) choreographed the first two combinations. Lizzy is up to all sorts of interesting things, career-wise. You may have seen her in Christina Aguilera’s racy new video for “”Not Myself Tonight.” She’s the second fem-bot from the left.
Going across the floor is usually pretty basic. Its just a few 8 counts that take the dancers from one side of the room across to the other side of the room. I expected to see one or two kicks, a pirouette, a leap, and some filler. Lizzy introduced a little twist on the usual.
Instead of crossing the room from right to left, the first part of the choreography brought the dancers forward, from the back of the room to the front, and then across to the right. It seemed like a good idea to me. Every audition I go to, it seems like the dancers start waaay off to the right, and they finish with a leap waaay off to the left. Most of the combination is out of the judges’ direct line of vision. This format also limits the length of the routine because you can only do so many eight-counts before running into the far wall.
Lizzy’s approach meant (a) much more of the dance was performed directly in front of the judges, and (b) the combination could be a whole lot longer. I imagine this was a bit of a surprise for those dancers who expected to ease into the day with a quick little combination. Only a couple of girls showed it, but I know more than a few were thinking “What the hell…?”
Personally I appreciated the change because it meant I didn’t have to run around as much and I could get some great photos of the kicks and leaps.
The dancers had a short amount of time to rehearse on their own, and then it was time to start the first round of judging. The song was “Took the night” by Chelley, and boy howdy, when you loop it, that chorus really stays with you. (”Hate. Hate. Hate hate hate….” That’s the lyric, not my personal opinion.) Now that I think about it maybe that was the song for the jazz combo…
Afterward, the judges went off somewhere to deliberate. They returned shortly to make the first cut, and then it was time for the Jazz combination. This was when last year’s veterans joined the group. As you can see, there were seven, not nine. Whatever. I was glad to see the ones who were there.
I was a little embarrassed to face a few of them, considering how I’d cornered them at another event a few weeks prior and demanded to know who was retiring. I asked them collectively. I asked them individually. I asked them about the girls who weren’t there. Then, I went back later and asked again. It was harassment, plain and simple. That’s how it happens at these events. It’s like someone else takes over my body. I have a question, or I want someone to do something for me, and I just barge in and start throwing my weight around. It’s not until afterward that I realize how rude I’ve been, and then I’m just mortified. But these girls are remarkably tolerant. I haven’t been told even once to buzz off, though I’ve deserved it on several occasions.
The jazz combination, also choreographed by Lizzy, was really cute. This is the dancers’ chance to show a little personality. (Read: convince the judges that you’re fun to watch.)
Once again, the dancers had to learn quickly. It seemed like these auditions were going much faster than they had in the past.
The second round of judging was a blur.
Lisa
Rebecca
The photo above shows the ending pose. One girl ended the routine facing completely the wrong direction, and I can’t for the life of me figure out how that happened.
Once again, the judges disappeared for deliberations. I stepped outside to catch a breeze and spotted the girls down yonder walking through the next combination. It looked complicated.
Kristin, Shannon, Ashley, and Lynae
It was hard to believe that the most physically demanding part of the day was still ahead of them. It was hot outside, the dancers were starting to melt, and now they’d have to summon up enough energy for another go round. This was turning into an endurance challenge.
When the judges returned came back, they whittled the group down to 50-something dancers. They were only going to take about 30 people into finals, so things were getting real serious.
Round three, the hip-hop combination, was choreographed and taught by former Clippers Spirit Kristin E. She assured me that the dance was tough but the dancers could take it.
I didn’t recognize it at the time, but there was definitely an evil glint in her eye.
I wasn’t paying attention when she first started teaching. I had nabbed the book of headshots and was busily scribbling down names so I could label my photos correctly. This was also my opportunity to snoop learn something about the dancers’ background. There were a few girls from other pro teams, one from the Utah Jazz Dancers, one from the Houston Rockets, one from the San Francisco 49ers. One girl was a USC Song Girl and I wondered if she had been on the team with Jacquelyn, one of the veterans. Audrea, the Spirit Director was a Song Girl, so I always look to see how the Song Girls do in the audition process. Not that I suspect shenanigans. Song Girls get the same consideration as everyone else, no more, no less. I’m just interested in knowing these things.
I was about halfway through the book when I heard Kristin say “Ok, now here’s the part where you can breathe” and I heard one girl mutter “Thank GOD” under her breath. That’s when I started watching. What did she mean, here’s THE part where you can breathe? There’s only one part where you get to breathe?
You should’ve seen what Kristin did to those poor dancers. The dance was fast. Real fast. And she taught it fast. Real fast. It blew my mind. As I watch auditions, I usually tell myself, “Please, that’s not so hard. If I were thinner, cuter, younger, and a much better dancer, I could totally do that.”
This was one dance I couldn’t wrap my head around. Not even in my thinner, cuter, younger, better dancing fantasies
For one thing, it started with a turn on count 5. What kind of craziness is that? Where I grew up back East, we learned that one, two, three, and four, come before five. One, two, three, and four aren’t optional, ok? You don’t start the alphabet at F, and you don’t start counting at FIVE. I tried to remember if Kristin was a native Los Angeleno. I mean, I’ve heard the public schools here are pretty bad, but dang.
By the time Kristin got to the part where you have to slide on the floor like you’re skidding into home base, I could hardly watch. It’s a good thing all the girls wear pants for hip-hop, because OUCH. Then again, I’m sure that after two rounds of auditions in a boiling hot room the dancers were psyched to put on sweat pants. Just what they needed – another layer of clothing.
Nicole L.
There was something to do on every single count, and sometimes between the counts. In no time, the dancers were sweating like marathoners. By the time they finished learning the dance, most of them looked like they’d been blasted with a fire hose. And yet, for the most part, they were handling it.
Sienna
Keep in mind who we’re dealing with, ok? Some of those girls still looked better than you or I ever will. Fire hose notwithstanding.
The ones who still had makeup on must’ve been wearing the industrial strength stuff.
Jacquelyn
Then Kristin said the magic words: “Now, let’s try it with the music.” DJ Dense turned the music on. It was hella fast. All around me, game faces started to crack. I could almost hear people making plans for what else they can do this fall and winter since obviously they are not going to be on this dance team.
Kristin, oblivious to the sound of so many hopes and dreams crashing to the ground, blithely went on dividing the gang into smaller groups so they could take turns dancing full out.
I contemplated pulling her aside for a little chat. “My God, woman! Have you gone mad with power? What are you doing to my people?”
The next thing I know, they’re telling everyone to go freshen up for the next round of judging. It was barely enough time to blot dry, wring the perspiration out of their hair, and make sure the false lashes weren’t crawling up their foreheads. I was all sweaty and gross, and could easily imagine how much worse it was for them. Sweating in pantyhose/tights is a unique form of discomfort, and there’s nothing like powdering a sweaty face to make you feel glamorous. These were trying circumstances, indeed.
And oh yeah, they also had to remember the choreography. Don’t forget, it starts on FIVE.
The dancers lined up, put on their best smile, and here we go again!
Teresa
Maki
Kimberly
Celestine
I must say, I was impressed. The dancers really brought it. There were mess ups, of course, but the music was so fast, how could you tell who had messed up and who had done it right? By the time your brain registered the mistake, the dancers had moved on.
Many of them really performed for the judges. I don’t know how. I personally was out of breath and stressed to the max, just from watching. A few of the girls, I tried to figure out “Are you like, the best actress ever, or are you actually enjoying this?
The veterans all did really well, and I had my eye on a couple of the new girls. Two of the blondes, Chelsea and Mandi were really working it. I don’t know where the energy came from, but they didn’t look tired at all. Mandi (who is a member of the ChivaGirls) was beaming like this was the most fun she’s had in weeks. I predicted that her days as a ChivaGirl were numbered.
Chelsea
Mandi
While everyone was dancing, I was mentally making my predictions for who would make the team. (Barring personal injury, a catastrophic interview, and/or a complete meltdown at finals.) I count the veterans as a given, which I know you’re not supposed to do, but whatever. I thought they all deserved to make it back. So that’s seven spots gone. Who would get the other nine? The judges had a real chore ahead of them. They went off to their super secret location, and the dancers collectively slumped to the floor. This, in my opinion, is the hardest part of the audition. The deliberations are intense and the wait seems endless.
But time passes, as it always does, and the judges returned to make their announcement. 31 dancers were going to finals. This included all of the veterans (told ya), Mandi, Chelsea, Liz and Emi (two more Chiva Girls), Ariana from 49ers, Jocelyn from Utah Jazz, Destiney from Atlanta Hawks/Atlanta Falcons, and Song Girl Anasheh. (Rhymes with “Natasha”?) I also remembered Justene, Jacy, and Lisa from previous finals. This was a talented group. It’s too bad this isn’t the NFL, because then they could keep all of them.
After Marianne read the numbers of those moving on to finals, it was time to clear out. All the girls were scheduling their interviews over the next two days. I helped clean up and then bolted out of there. There were more auditions scheduled for the next day: Clippers Junior Jam in the a.m. and Clippers Fan Patrol in the p.m. These auditions usually happen on different weekends, but Audrea thought she’d try doing it all in one fell swoop this year. (I don’t know if she’s going to do this again next year, and I probably don’t get to vote, but I’d like to go on record as saying NUH-uh.)
The next day would be super fun, but dang, I was tired. All I wanted to do was go home, shower, and lie on the couch for a couple of hours. I would like to say I ran home and immediately began processing the day’s photos, but it simply isn’t true. The most strenuous activity I had planned for the rest of the day was scratching my cat behind the ears the way he likes, and even that would be for a limited duration!
I didn’t look at the photos until a few days later. I’ll be honest, I was dreading it. The lighting situation for auditions had been a little iffy. I’m sure a pro could handle it, but I expected to see a bunch of dark, blurry photos. When I eventually took a peek, I was pleasantly surprised. Some of them turned out really well. And hello, that girl Kellie is ridiculously photogenic. But I imagine you’d like to see for yourself, so click here and get going.
I think it’s time for another Charger Girls fix, don’t you? Let’s talk about this year’s finals. Better yet, I’ll show you.
This is the first time I got to go to finals, so I was way excited. This did not prevent me, however, from falling asleep behind the wheel. This happens every time I drive to San Diego. It takes Nothing personal against San Diego, but I don’t have the attention span for long drives. It takes about 2.5 hours to get to San Diego. I get bored about 45 minutes into it. At the hour and 15 minute mark, I start nodding off. I’ve tried blasting the radio, rolling all the windows down, chewing on ice cubes, singing to myself. One time I brought a spray bottle and spritzed myself in the face every few minutes. None of it worked. (Although admittedly I only tried the spritzing thing once.)
Now I routinely factor a 15 minute power nap into my trips. I’m so not kidding.I drive for an hour, get off the freeway, find a parking lot somewhere, crash out for a few minutes, and then hit the road again, good as new. I’m not proud of it, but I accept it.
Whatever.
The auditions were in the evening, and I got there over an hour ahead of time. It was time to get down to business.
Note: If I posted all of my favorite people here, we’d be here all day. So I’ll just share a few. Click here to see the full set of photos. (It’s not so bad this time, only a few hundred, instead of a thousand.)
The first two people I ran into were my home slices, Lauren and Jessie, who used to dance for the Clippers. They were both about as nervous as I’d ever seen them.
I, on the other hand, was totally relaxed. Oh please, like they weren’t going to make the team. I had to try hard not to roll my eyes. They’re both great dancers, great performers, smart, kind, funny, and sweet girls. They’ve got the experience, they’ve got the polish, and neither one of them’s ugly, so what’s to be nervous about?
(Sometimes I forget that the entertainment world is an entirely different reality from the one the rest of us live in. You can be the biggest, bestest, smartest, fastest, hottest thing going and STILL not get the job. That really blows.)
I chased down a few veterans: Katie, Jennifer, Lauren O., Natalie, Emily, and Kimberly. Lauren and Jennifer are sisters. Lauren got cut from the team last year, so I was really pulling for her to make it back on the squad. Correction: Lauren was on the team last year, Jennifer was on hiatus. Neither one of them got booted from the team. (I’m not that bright, so I get mixed up sometimes.)
Retired Charger Girls Vanesa, Lacy, and Tonya helped the process go smoothly. Lacy is part of the Charger Girls organization. I don’t know her exact title. Something to do with marketing, I believe.
A film crew was busy interviewing people.
I don’t know if it was for the Chargers or for tv. Drat! I should’ve asked.
The crew interviewed Charger Girls Director Lisa Simmons
They also interviewed the aspiring Charger Girls…
…And asked a couple of them to do a twirl for the camera
It’s a good thing I can’t do that move, because I’d do it all the time.
I’d be all “Watch me! Watch me!”
And people would be all aggravated like “Okay, we’ve seen it already. Now put your damn foot down”
Then I’d do it a couple more times just to show that nobody bosses me around.
Once the doors opened, someone put the music on, and the girls had a good amount of time to warm up and get mentally prepared.
I must have walked by Heather 4 or 5 times before I recognized her. In my defense, she didn’t just straighten her hair, she also changed her outfit. Ditto for Star.
Several other girls changed outfits. From what I heard, some were “encouraged” to choose something different for finals. Others just decided to change it up on their own. I would like to make an announcement: I do not appreciate these willy-nilly wardrobe changes, ok? All of a sudden, everyone looks different than I remember and I’m running around, tearing my hair out like “Argh, who are you people?”
Well, at least I can count on the veterans to look like themselves (even though Ashlie’s hair seems to have grown several inches in the past few days).
Speaking of veterans, Katie totally busted me. I was doing my usual move of “hey, I’m going to go sit with these veterans and act like I already know everyone here,” It’s the only way I can get through these kinds of situations without getting all nervous and weird about it. So there I was, minding everybody’s business but my own, when guess-who comes over with a big smile. “Hi, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Katie.” Oh, snap. I forgot for a minute I didn’t know most of those people. Perhaps I should’ve introduced myself…?
(Katie, by the way, is adorable. And I mean that in an affectionate-but-not-condescending kind of way.)
Speaking of adorable…Have I mentioned, by the way, that I am having major problems with Lauren P? She used to be adorable. Lauren 1.0 was all rosy cheeks and girl next door-ish-ness. I was comfortable with that. I was not prepared for the chick who showed up at Charger Girl auditions. Lauren 2.0: Bombshell Edition. This must be what it’s like the first time your little sister wears heels or goes on her first date. I’m not ready for this!
And FYI, not for nothing, but Ashley M is freaking awesome.
I’ve decided that, on the whole, these are my kind of people. I would stalk them more if driving to San Diego didn’t involve risking my life. Highway hypnosis is no laughing matter.
I must say, everyone was looking pretty relaxed.
For the first part of the audition, the dancers performed the combination they’d learned a few days before. They danced in groups of three. Unlike previous years, they performed with poms. It was a good change. I hope they continue to do that in the future.
Everything’s more fun with poms! (Unless you’re sweaty because that plastic can stick to you in a way that is not cute at all.)
Michelle and Jenay
Jennifer
Kylie
Courtney
Kimberly
After that, the judges disappeared and the dancers had time to practice for their solos.
Ashlie was doing all kinds of nifty stuff. I have about five photos of her doing this cool matrix-y thing. Luckily, I don’t think she saw me running around behind her, clapping my hands like a three year old. “Do it again, Ashlie! Do it again!”
Seriously, try this. I bet you can’t do it.
I debated about whether to post this photo. Ok yes, you’d rather see her face, but look at that! This girl is an athlete. I bet she could cartwheel, somersault, and backflip from one end zone all the way to the other without breaking a sweat.
Solo time! Each dancer had to cross in front of the judges, then stop and introduce herself. Those were some of the quietest moments of the day. Everything was dead silent except for the swish swish of the pantyhose as each dancer walked by.
Sabrina
Some memorable moments from the solos:
Katie
Michelle
Ashley D
The judges took some time to deliberate, and then Lisa, Maria, and Lacy gathered the group together to announce the squad.
After the announcement, there were lots of smiles, tears, and texting of loved ones.
I hate hate hate, the part where people get cut. It truly sucks. ESPECIALLY when it’s a veteran. Five veterans got cut this year.
Yes, I know it happens. But I don’t have to like it.
I try to put a positive spin on it by thinking about the girls who tried out last year, got cut, came back this year, and were chosen for the team. There are a bunch of them: Melissa, Kylie, Marissa, Hayley, Maria, and probably a couple others. Look at Lauren O. She was a veteran when she got cut last year. But she came back this year, and now she’s back on the team. Perseverance pays!
One of the first things they do is take their first group photo as the 2010-11 San Diego Charger Girls.
It took some shuffling around to get it just right.
Bam! There it is! Your 2010 Charger Girls team. Nine veterans and 19 rookies. Congratulations, ladies!
After the bikini and uniform photo shoots, the hopefuls put on their audition outfits. Sunday afternoon the dancers would learn sideline routines taught by Wizard Girl Alumni. For the final audition they would perform not only the sideline routines, but the two routines taught on Saturday.
Alumni Heather (Redskins Pro Bowl Cheerleader) and Natalie (SD Charger Girl) taught some of the sideline routines.
Michelle is graduate of James Madison University where she earned her degree in dietetics. She works for the Center for Eating Disorders and cheered for the Baltimore Blast and Baltimore Mariners this past season. Continue reading Wizard Girls Auditions: Part Five
(Rawe Mag): Miss Katrina Jo, dancer, choreographer, model, CEO and business owner…she does it all! She’s definitely been hitting Floss Angeles with a vengeance and Rawe Mag got the exclusive opportunity to catch up with her. Check out her interview out here…
Keturah: For those that don’t know…what’s the government?
Katrina: Katrina Jo Balbuena
Keturah: I know you have been dancing for a while now, when did you officially start?
Katrina: I started dancing when I was 3 years old. My mom said I wouldn’t stop dancing around the house, so she decided to put me in to dance classes.
Keturah: Did you attend any schools for training and if so, where did you go?
Katrina: Yes, I trained in Northern California at Yoko’s Dance and Performing Arts Academy, took classes at Julliard in New York, and I now take some classes at the Millennium and The Edge in Los Angeles.
Keturah: Wow, that’s definitely a lot of schools you have attended, have you always known that you wanted to become a dancer?
Katrina: Yes, I think that at a young age I realized I was passionate about being a performer.
Keturah: So, lets talk about recently, how did you become a San Diego Chargers cheerleader?
Katrina: I actually just went to the Charger Girl audition for fun with some of my friends in 2006 and I ended up making the team. From then on, it was 3 amazing seasons with the Chargers. Go Bolts!
Keturah: What made you decide to leave and become a Clippers girl?
Katrina: I always wanted to live in LA and I always wanted to dance for the NBA. And since I did 3 years with the NFL, I felt that the Clippers Spirit dance style fit me best. I ended up going to their open dance audition and made the team. It truly was a blessing.
Keturah:. Awesome…so I have to ask, what about the Lakers? Any plans to move to this team? Or how about moving out of Los Angeles?
Katrina: I enjoy being a Clippers Spirit J although; I wouldn’t be opposed to moving out of state and trying something new in the future.
Keturah: Definitely good to be open for new opportunities, as you never know what the outcome may be! So, I’ve seen some of your choreography. It’s pretty dope! Is that what you would ultimately like to do?
Katrina: Thank you! I like performing so I think as long as I am in the entertainment business I would like to continue to do both – dancing and choreographing.
Keturah: Who else have you choreographed for?
Katrina: UCLA Dance Team, San Diego Charger Girls, PlayByPlay Models, Taft High School, “Dance High” pilot, and Yoko’s Dance and Performing Arts.
Keturah: And I hear you are a model too? How did you get into that?
Katrina: Yes, I have also been modeling since I was 3. I started in Northern California where I was signed with a modeling agency at that time.
Keturah: Such a busy woman…making moves! I like that! Additionally, I know you are affiliated with LA’s Finest. How did all of that go down? What is your role with them?
Katrina: I’m good friends with the guys of LA’s Finest and they were looking to expand their company while I was looking into starting my own promo modeling/dancer company. Long story short, we decided to collaborate and I started my own company under LA’s Finest. I am the CEO of Glam Girls which is a company that offers promo models/dancers and photo packages.
Keturah: What else is on the horizon with LA’s Finest?
Katrina: LA’s Finest has some of the hottest events in Los Angeles. On Monday’s at ECCO, Thursday’s at Industry, and Saturday’s at Empire. There is definitely more to come. Be on the look out for their upcoming artist HOPE, and new summer events with the Glam Girls.
Keturah: What else is on the horizons for 2010 for Miss Katrina?
Katrina: For 2010.. The possibilities are endless, although I’m VERY excited for my birthday that’s coming up!! I’ll also be filming a TV show in the next couple weeks so look out for that. And of course, I’ll still be dancing, modeling, and choreographing, and I am going to focus on expanding my new company!
Keturah: I know the fellas are going to want to know…Single or Taken?
Katrina: Taken
Keturah: How can people get a hold of you (give us your links)?
Katrina: For bookings email: Katrina@lasfinestonline.com
For promo models/dancers or photo packages email: glamgirls@lasfienstonline.com
Some of my links are:
www.kjhearts.us
www.twitter.com/katrinajo
Keturah: Any last thoughts?
Katrina: I’m just happy to be here and truly grateful to be able to do what I love to do, with the people I love doing it with! Feel me?! Thanks Keturah for this dope interview. I hope you all enjoyed it J Peace, love, and Hello Kitty! God bless!
The Inland Empire 66ers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the California League.They are the Single A affiliate of Los Angeles Dodgers and play their home games in San Bernardino, California.The origins of the organization date back to 1941, but for the last several years the Inland Empire 66ers have fielded a dance team.
Dance teams are a somewhat new innovation to baseball and in California the concept hasn’t quite caught on with our Major League Baseball Teams.Sure, there are squads that do in game promotions and community service, but there are only a few, real dance teams in all of baseball and we are lucky to have one in our backyard here in sunny Southern California.
One of the great things about minor league baseball is that they go the extra mile to create a fun and entertaining environment for the fans.Perhaps it’s the nature of minor league sports, but there are more fun and quirky promotions than in the big leagues.And on this night, the Inland Empire 66ers Spirit Girls turned back the clock to give the crowd that 50’s feel.
