Flashback Friday – Ladies of Ontario Fury

A few days ago, I learned that the Ontario Fury has decided not to field a dance team this year. With the passage of the cheerleader minimum wage law in California, the economics of offering a dance team did not work for the Ontario Fury and I would imagine several other minor league sports are also feeling the pinch. I know that the San Diego Sockers came to the same conclusion last year and the Socker Girls were eliminated.

Fact of the matter is that although professional cheerleaders were egregiously underpaid over the years, dance teams are a significant expense for most franchises and in an era of increasing costs, they have become, in many cases, expendable. And that is truly unfortunate because I know first hand the value of the Ladies of Ontario Fury and the goodwill that they fostered for the organization with their public appearances, community outreach efforts and junior cheerleader programs.

For me, this loss is devastating because I have covered the Ladies of Ontario Fury and their predecessor organization, the Anaheim Bolts Dance Team, for several years. And the most impressive thing is that under the direction of Lynae de Leon, these two programs have been a hot bed of dance talent and a breeding ground for major league cheerleaders. Lynae’s girls have gone on to perform with the Laker Girls, Charger Girls, Clippers Spirit, Sacramento Kings, 49ers Gold Rush, Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders.

In this Flashback Friday post, we recognize the Lynae’s efforts in developing dance talent to fulfill their potential and achieve higher level success. So here are a few of Lynae’s girls from the past few years that have made it to the next level. We present: McKenzie, Sativa-Skye, Kellie, Lizzie, Krista, Courtney, Diana, Alex, and Madison.

2015-McKenzie

2015-SativaSkye

2015-Kellie

2015-Lizzie

2017-Krista1

2016-Courtney

2017-Diana

2017-Alex

2017-Madison

I hope the Ontario Fury finds the resources to bring back the Ladies of Ontario Fury because they are an asset that cannot be described by mere dollars alone.

Snapshots – The Ladies of Ontario Fury in the MASL Playoffs

It’s playoff time in the MASL and this past Tuesday, I attended the Ontario Fury game against the San Diego Sockers.   The visiting Sockers won the first game of the series, making this a must win game for the Fury if they wanted to keep their playoff hopes alive.  If the Fury wins, then the two teams would play a 15 minute abbreviated mini game for the rights to move on in the playoffs.  So there was a palpable sense of urgency for the home team…win and they would continue on, lose…well…see you next year.

The game started off fast for the Fury as they scored three first quarter goals before the Sockers responded with two goals in the second period.  As the game tightened up, the play turned physical with several hard tackles and some hard feelings that carried over into the locker area during half time.  In the second half, the Fury outscored the Sockers 5-2 to win the game and force the 15 minute mini-game.

Final Score: Ontario Fury – 8, San Diego Sockers – 4

After a brief 15 minute break, the two teams returned to the field to play the decisive mini game.  Nine seconds into the rubber game of the match, the Sockers scored the lone goal of the mini-game.  With more than 14 minutes left to play, the Fury were unable to score an equalizer and the Sockers went onto prevail and move on to the next round of the playoffs.  And with that, the Fury’s season was over.

As it turned out, this was also the last game of the season for the Ladies of Ontario Fury and perhaps the last time this group of young women will perform together.  It’s audition season and Lynae de Leon, the director of the Ladies of Ontario Fury, has a knack of developing dance talent that go onto major league dance teams.  Last year alone, four members of her 2016 squad made it to NBA and NFL dance teams.  And on Sunday, the first of several local NFL and NBA auditions begin and I know that several of her current squad will be trying out.

So let’s take a final look at the 2017 Ladies of Ontario Fury.

Fury17P1v001

Fury17P1v002

Fury17P1v005

Fury17P1v008

Fury17P1v009

Fury17P1v011

Fury17P1v013

Fury17P1v004

Fury17P1v003

Fury17P1v006

Fury17P1v010

Fury17P1v012

Continue reading “Snapshots – The Ladies of Ontario Fury in the MASL Playoffs”

Snapshots: Ladies of Ontario Fury – 02/04/17

Another week, another Ontario Fury game.  This past Saturday, I watched the Ontario Fury battle the Turlock Express in another exciting MASL soccer game…exciting if you are a fan of the hometown team because this one was a blow out.  The MASL doesn’t have a 10 run mercy rule like they have in Little League Baseball, but maybe they should.  The Ontario Fury thoroughly dominated the boys from Stanislaus County, taking a 7-2 lead into halftime and never looked back.  Five third quarter goals put the Ontario Fury up 12-2 before the Express started playing some soccer, scoring three fourth quarter goals to keep the final margin of victory at 10.

Final Score: Ontario Fury – 15, Turlock Express – 5

Twenty goals in 60 minutes of game play.  That’s a goal every three minutes  And with each Fury goal…you get some dancing!  So let’s take a look at this week’s snapshots of the Ladies of Ontario Fury, the hottest dance team in the MASL.

Fury17R2v003

Fury17R2v004

Fury17R2v006

Fury17R2v010

Fury17R2v008

Fury17R2v011

Fury17R2v005

Fury17R2v007

Fury17R2v009

Fury17R2v012

There are many more photos after the break.

Continue reading “Snapshots: Ladies of Ontario Fury – 02/04/17”

Snapshots: Ladies of Ontario Fury – 01/26/17

A little known secret in professional sports is the MASL, an indoor soccer league composed of 17 teams that play a brand of soccer that can only be described as up tempo, fast break soccer.  It’s fast paced, high scoring and very exciting to watch.  It’s physical too! I saw a player get checked into the dasher boards and he was horizontal as he crashed into the corner.  He had to take a minute or two to compose himself…I bet he thought MASL soccer was non-contact.  Not hardly.

Many of the MASL squads have dance teams.  Of course, being from Los Angeles, my team is the Ontario Fury and they have a very special dance team…the Ladies of Ontario Fury.  When January and February come around, I like to spend some quality time with the Ladies of Ontario Fury.  This past Friday, I attended the Ontario Fury game against the Dallas Sidekicks game.  And let me tell you, that game was an exciting, back and forth affair that only ended with an overtime goal by the home team.

Final Score: Ontario Fury – 11, Dallas Sidekicks – 10 OT

What I like about going to a Fury game is that you can get up close and personal to watch the game and get up close and personal with the Ladies of Ontario Fury.  Indoor soccer is an intimate game…wink! wink!

So let’s take a look at some snapshots that I took at the game.

Fury17R1v001

Fury17R1v002

Fury17R1v004

Fury17R1v006

Fury17R1v008

Fury17R1v010

Fury17R1v012

Fury17R1v014

Fury17R1v016

Fury17R1v017

Fury17R1v019

Fury17R1v072

There are many more photos after the break, including photos of their special country themed halftime performance.

Continue reading “Snapshots: Ladies of Ontario Fury – 01/26/17”

Holidays With The Ladies of Ontario Fury

The Major Arena Soccer League season is underway and the Ontario Fury hosted the Turlock Express this past Friday at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. Fortunately for me, I was able to spend the day after Thanksgiving with the hottest dance team in the MASL, the Ladies of Ontario Fury for game day.

Fury16v067

Fury16v064

Fury16v062

Fury16v071

Fury16v135

Fury16v132

Fury16v131

Fury16v094

Fury16v083

Fury16v076

My game days with the Ladies of Ontario Fury are filled with photographic opportunities and I started my day or more properly my evening (it was a night game) off with some posed photographs. The girls greet incoming fans one hour prior to game time and they are available to mingle and take photographs with the fans. You can get up close and personal with the Ladies of Ontario Fury and I did just that, snapping a few photos with the girls in front of a large Christmas Tree.

Fury16v003

Fury16v008

Fury16v009

Fury16v017

Continue reading “Holidays With The Ladies of Ontario Fury”

Ladies of Ontario Fury Announce Dance Team Auditions

Auditions 2016 Website Header

Click Here to Pre-Register Today!

Date: Sunday, October 2, 2016

Time: Registration Starts at 9:30am (Auditions begin promptly at 10:00am)

Location: Anthony Munoz Community Center (1240 W. Fourth St, Ontario, CA 91762)

The Ladies of Fury uphold a high standard of quality dance performance and community involvement to represent the Ontario Fury with professionalism on and off the field.  During the audition process, applicants will be judged on dance ability, showmanship, physical fitness, crowd appeal, and individual applications. Final round dancers will participate in a group interview and display their own choreography highlighting strengths and specialties (music will be provided).

To ensure a professional and relaxed atmosphere for all participants, the auditions will be closed. No guests or spectators allowed.

Highlights

  • Perform at Ontario Fury home games at Citizens Business Bank Arena
  • Participate in the annual team photo shoot
  • Serve as ambassadors for the Fury organization as well as the Inland Empire Community
  • Be a role model to young dancers and children in the community through Jr. Dance Clinics and various appearances
  • Media exposure
  • Possible travel opportunities
  • Give back to the community through the Fury Foundation and other charity events
  • Invaluable friendships and memories with fellow teammates

Requirements

  • You must be at least 18 years old by date of audition
  • All dancers must have flexible schedules for rehearsals, games, and appearances starting immediately
  • A total commitment is required to the Ontario Fury for 1 year
  • Must be able to attend all Ontario Fury home games
  • Must be available for mandatory mini-camp on Saturday, October 8 – Sunday, October 9
  • Rehearsals every Sunday from 3:30pm-6:00pm

Application Procedure

  • All interested applicants should complete an application
  • REGISTRATION FEE: $20 Pre-Registered Online or $25 Walk-Up Applicant (cash only)
  • A 5×7 or larger (head shot or full body shot) photo is required (photo will not be returned)

What to wear

  • 2-piece attire (crop top w/ athletic shorts or briefs)
  • Skin colored nylons
  • Jazz, dance or athletic shoes
  • Hair worn down; Full hair and make-up
  • All tattoos must be covered up

For further information, contact Dance Team Director, Lynae de Leon at Ldeleon@ontariofury.com.  We look forward to seeing you there!

*                *               *               *               *

Editor’s Note: I have been covering the Ontario Fury and their predecessor organization, the Anaheim Bolts for several years now and Lynae de Leon has a knack of developing dance talent that make it onto major league dance teams in the NFL and NBA.  This past season, four of her 2015-2016 Ladies of Ontario Fury dancers (Sativa-Skye, McKenzie, Lizzie and Kellie) made it to the Rams Cheerleaders, 49ers Gold Rush, Clippers Spirit and Sacramento Kings Dancers.  And several others on that squad were finalists.

So if you are an aspiring professional cheerleader, you might want to hone your skills with Lynae de Leon and the Ladies of Ontario Fury.

2015-SativaSkye2

2015-McKenzie

2015-Lizzie

2015-Kellie

Ladies of Ontario Fury Announce Pre-Audition Workshops!

The Ladies of Ontario Fury, the premiere dance team in the MASL, have announced their pre-audition workshops, presented by Fresh Peaches Custom Swimwear.  Click here for more information and to register.

fury16v065

Workshop #1 (Pro Dancer Workout & Audition Prep)

  • Date:  Sunday, September 18, 2016
  • Time:  Registration 12:45pm  |  Workshop 1pm-3pm
  • Location:  The Look Fitness (2125 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Newport Beach, CA 92660)
  • Receive a full body workout and fitness/nutrition tips from Pro Dance Trainer, Bryan Green from The Look Fitness
  • Plus, learn previous choreography and get audition prep!
  • Limited Availability – Must pre-register to save your spot!

Workshop #2 (Audition Ready Make-Up/Hair & Audition Prep)

  • Date:  Sunday, September 25, 2016
  • Time:  Registration 12:45pm  |  Workshop 1pm-3pm
  • Location:  The Talent Factory (13613 12th St #A, Chino, CA 91710)
  • Receive overall audition/game-day make-up/hair tips from current dance team member, Brittany with a full make-up tutorial
  • Plus, learn previous choreography and get audition prep!

How to Register

You must reserve your spot ahead of time by submitting your information to the right and submitting payment. We will have limited availability for each session to ensure personalized time for each attendee.
Registration Fee

  • 1 Workshop = $25 Fee
  • 2 Workshops = $40 Fee (Save $10 when signing up for both!)

What To Wear

  • Comfortable dance tire. Jazz shoes, athletic shoes or dance sneaker

What To Bring

  • Water and towel
  • Optional: Audition outfit, Application/Head Shot to pre-register for auditions

What To Expect

  • Learn a short routine in the style of dance we perform during the season (different routine taught at each workshop)
  • Receive personal feedback after workshop
  • Go through a mock-audition, so you know what to expect on the day of auditions
  • Workshop #1: Receive fitness and tips from Pro Dance Trainer, Bryan Green from The Look Fitness
  • Workshop #2: Receive overall audition/game-day make-up/hair tips from current dance team member, Brittany with a full make-up tutorial
  • Different routine will be taught at each workshop
  • Receive audition tips from Dance Team Director, Lynae de Leon
  • Question & Answer session
  • Meet new people and have fun in a comfortable and safe environment!

fury2015v200

Cheerleader Profile: Ladies of Ontario Fury Dancer Madison

Our next featured cheerleader is the tallest member of the Ladies of Ontario Fury…introducing Madison.

Fury16v226

Why did you become a professional cheerleader?

Dance has always been an important and special part of my life. I grew up dancing in a studio, which is where I developed my love for being a part of a team. There is no better feeling than the energy and encouragement you get when you go out and perform with a group of people who all share the same passion as you. I am about to graduate from college, so I am wrapping up my last few months on a college dance team. I wanted to take that next step from amateur to professional so I can continue to pursue my passion for dance.

What was your favorite experience as a professional cheerleader?

Performing at our last home game with the whole team. The only other time we had performed all together was at our first game of the season, so it was exciting to be with everyone again and to see how much we have grown since the last time we stepped out on the field all together. We even got to perform with our mascot, Stryker, which was definitely a moment to remember!

What is your favorite dance style?

While I love a good sassy jazz number, my strong suits are definitely in contemporary and lyrical. I love being able to express myself through dance and I feel like those two styles allow me to be the most genuine.

What is your favorite dance move? What is your go to dance move?

I’m a “leggy” all the way! Kicks, tilts, and leg hold turns are my go-to’s.

What are the three words that describe you?

Funny, ambitious, creative.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I love school! As nerdy as that sounds, I genuinely love learning, my major, and getting good grades. Even after I get my Bachelor’s degree this spring, I want to keep going to school. Fun fact: I spend about 7 hours a day at school.

What is your favorite music genre? Who is your favorite musical artist?

Hip hop – Atmosphere is one of my all-time favorite artists.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I am addicted to Reality TV. Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules, The Bachelor… I love it all!

Facebook, Instagram or Twitter? Or some other app. What’s your favorite app?

Snapchat! It’s so fun! You can take the most embarrassing photos of yourself and not worry because they disappear in seconds!

Who is the one person that inspires you the most?

My little brother. Even though he is younger than me, he motivates me to be the best person I can be because I want to be someone that he can look up to.

What is your motto to live by?

YOLO! Haha, but really… it’s true! You only get one chance at life and I believe that life is what you make of it. You get what you give, so you should give it your all.

What advice would you tell someone who aspires to become a professional cheerleader?

Never stop taking classes! Every dancer can learn something valuable from watching others. Taking class is the best way to keep improving on your technique, performance quality, and ability pick up choreography. All of those things are so important, especially on the professional level.

 

Fury16v209

For more information about the Ontario Fury, please visit their website here.

[Ladies of Ontario Fury]
[Ladies of Ontario Fury Facebook Page]

Cheerleader Profile: Ladies of Ontario Fury Dancer Kellie

Our next featured cheerleader is Kellie, a first year member of the Ladies of Ontario Fury. Let’s get to know her a little better.

Fury16v023

Why did you become a professional cheerleader?

I grew up in sports. I grew up in elite sports camps, and excelled well above average in mainly basketball and track and field. In elementary I got a small glimpse of performing when I was on a community competition hip hop and drill team but again was always pushed towards other sports. In high school I decided to make my own choice & tryout for the cheer team and dance team . I then went on to college and was apart of the competitive spirit line as well. Although I started what is considered “late” in the cheer/dance world I have found my passion & after college I told myself I was just not ready to stop yet! I love everything about professional cheer.

What was your favorite experience as a professional cheerleader?

Definitely has to be appearances. One of my favorite hobbies is volunteering and community service so the fact that it’s apart of the job is awesome! My favorite experience was the Colonies Holiday Miracle appearance where we got to take underprivileged kids on a Christmas shopping spree! Seeing their grins from ear to ear was the best!

What is your favorite dance move? What is your go to dance move?

I love hip hop tricks! Head springs, freezes, Kip ups, and rubber bands! My go to dance move is probably battements and all jumps and leaps!

What are the three words that describe you?

Fresh – I love traditions but I love contributing fresh new ideas and I feel fresh describes my personality!
Self-driven – I push myself and always try to give a perfect effort.
Reliable – You can always rely on me to be punctual, work hard, make people laugh and a friend to anyone!

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I have a fear of chicken with bones. I cannot eat chicken if it is not boneless or chicken strips. I have forced myself a few times and I just cry on the inside. Haha I don’t even know where this came from!


What is your favorite music genre? Who is your favorite musical artist?

I love hip hop, r&b and rap. I feel like there is a song for every mood and situation in life!
My 2 favorite artists are Chris Brown and T.I.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Fried foods! I love food in general but fried foods are just so delicious! My favorite is French Fries! I can eat those with literally anything and I love to make them all different types of ways! Skinny fries, curly fries, seasoned fries, cheese fries, bacon and cheese fries. . . Oh man now I want some fries!

What is the one thing you can’t live without?

The genuine support of family and friends! Having people around you who mean well and with positivity goes a very long way!

Who is the one person that inspires you the most?

Definitely my Mom! She is the strongest person I know for many reasons. I appreciate how she has been a great example and raised me to be a responsible and respectable young lady!

What is your motto to live by?

“If it makes you happy do it, if it doesn’t then don’t!”

What advice would you tell someone who aspires to become a professional cheerleader?

Faith, consistency & hard work. You definitely have to believe in yourself and work at your craft! Training is everything and confidence is everything! Be consistent with technique training and your physical health! If you really want it you have to go for it 100%!


Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years I see myself having done everything that I wanted to do in my youth; especially traveling and fulfilling my dance goals and finally settled into my career and have started a family!

Fury16v179

For more information about the Ontario Fury, please visit their website here.

[Ladies of Ontario Fury]
[Ladies of Ontario Fury Facebook Page]

Cheerleader Profile: Ladies of Ontario Fury Dancer Vivian

Vivian is our next featured cheerleader. She’s a second year member of the Ladies of Ontario Fury dance team.

Fury16v223

Why did you become a professional cheerleader?

I honestly never thought I would become a professional cheerleader. Growing up I was always in a sport or doing gymnastics but it wasn’t until I started high school; that is when I first started dancing. Eventually I joined the high school dance team & fell in love with performing. I just HAD to continue and it easily became a passion of mine.

What was your favorite experience as a professional cheerleader?

It would have to be the 1st performance of our 1st home game. Stepping out on the field and doing what I love in front of all the fans was just such a special moment for me. I still get those butterflies EVERY TIME I’m about to go on & perform.

What is your favorite dance style?

I love love love sassy and sexy style of dancing. I always enjoy hip hop as well but definitely like to add a little sass to my dancing.

What is your favorite dance move? What is your go to dance move?

My favorite dance move would have to be lots of hair flips & hip movement. Free styling is very important to me and I’m always trying to find new favorite moves:)

What are the three words that describe you?

Three words would be : competitive, passionate, determined

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

One thing that people don’t know about me is that I was never studio trained. Once I started dancing I just picked up as I went and mostly self-taught

What is your favorite music genre? Who is your favorite musical artist?

Picking a favorite music genre is always a hard one for me! I love music in general but it really depends on the mood I’m in at the moment. I can go from pop and hip hop one second then to hard rock next. And as of favorite musical artist, right now would have to be Chris Brown !

What is your guilty pleasure?

A guilty pleasure of mine would have to be MOVIES. I can sit and watch movies all day every day and it doesn’t matter which genre; although, my top five genres would have to be horror, history, drama, thriller and romance 🙂

Who is the one person that inspires you the most?

Just one!? Both of my parents would have to be the ones that inspire me the most. They have been my personal example of starting from the bottom and working your butt off to achieve better. They are constantly showing me to always work hard, be humble and never give up.

What is your motto to live by?

“Happiness depends upon ourselves.”- Aristotle . Life itself is so messy and it’s one big roller coaster of ups and downs but we always have to remember that it’s up to us to make things better. We have the power to change anything at any time.


What advice would you tell someone who aspires to become a professional cheerleader?

Always do your best & keep working hard. Never give up on whatever you’re trying to achieve. Every opportunity that comes your way, take it and if something wasn’t meant to be, that is because something better is coming. 🙂

Fury16v191

For more information about the Ontario Fury, please visit their website here.

[Ladies of Ontario Fury]
[Ladies of Ontario Fury Facebook Page]