Okay, here are the last of the photos from the AllPro3 Convention in Atlanta. (I know, only 2 and half months late!) The last three galleries are of the Charlotte Lady Cats, the Washington Wizards Girls and just random photos of everyone.

Jenn, Charlotte Lady Cats

Washington Wizard Girls

Ashley A. and Buffy from the Redskins Cheerleaders.

As you can see from the last photo, not only did everyone learn a ton of choreography,  but they had a great deal of fun. And it’s not too early to be thinking about next year’s convention. Visit AllPro3.com to learn more about the P-R-O Convention.

[Washington Wizard Girls at P-R-O]

[Charlotte Lady Cats at P-R-O]

[Final P-R-O Gallery]

[All the photos from P-R-O]

I know the P-R-O Convention was back in June. I ran into a little technical difficulties with the last batches of photos, but it’s all fixed now. Coming up later this week the Wizard Girls, the Charlotte Lady Cats and a final look back. But in the meantime, it’s the Houston Texans Cheerleaders!

This is Megan, a rookie NFL Cheerleader. But Megan’s no rookie when it comes to the world of professional cheerleading. She’s been an NBA San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancer and an AFL Austin Lady Wrangler. Most recently, she was an NBA Houston Rockets Power Dancer.

She’s on stage receiving a rose and recognition for the marvelous article she wrote about her journey from the NBA to NFL for Sideline Distractions Magazine.

[Texans Cheerleaders at AllPro3]

[Houston Texans Cheerleaders]

Still wrapping up the P-R-O Convention. This time with the always enchanting Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders.

The Bucs Cheerleaders had been quite busy. A few of the ladies were just returning from a two-week tour of the Pacific and Asia and had flown twelve hours from Guam the previous day.

That smile could only belong to one person! Four-year Tiffany was one of the Cheerleaders on the Pacific tour. The day after the convention ended she was on a jet to England with another group of Bucs Cheerleaders. It was all to promote October 35th game in London when the Buccaneers host the New England Patriots.

Back for her 7th season is the Bucs 2008 Pro Bowl Cheerleader Jennifer. Jennifer is majoring in Sports Marketing.

Four-year veteran Tramane is a Physical Therapy Major at the University of South Florida.

Three-year veteran Erin is a graduate of the University of Florida and an IT recruiter.

[Bucs Cheerleaders at P-R-O]

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders]

Last year the Jackonville Axe Maidens made their debut as the first rugby dance team in the states. The response was phenomenal. Not only were they big hits in Jacksonville, but they inspired a new rugby dance team in Philadelphia, and there are plans for even more dance teams next year.

This year the Axe Maidens made their first visit the P-R-O Convention.

Darlene holds up her photos in the Sweethearts for Soldiers Calendar
The Axe Maidens are under the direction of Darlene (Waterous) Clancy, a three-year veteran of the ROAR of Jacksonville, and Captain of the Jacksonville Barracudas Ice Girls Dance Team. In addition to her duties with the Axe Maidens, Darlene is also a member of the Sweethearts for Soldiers and a board member of Professional Cheerleaders Alumni, Inc.

[Jacksonville Axe Maidens]

[Axe Maidens at P-R-O Gallery]

[Sweethearts for Soldiers]

[Professional Cheerleaders Alumni, Inc.]

(Technical problems solved and the rest of the P-R-O photos are on their way!)

This is probably the last post we’ll ever do on the Tampa Bay Lightning Girls. But don’t despair, its only because the Lightning Girls are combining with the Energy Team to form the all new co-ed Bolt Brigade.

The Lightning Girls are combining with the Energy Team to form the all new co-ed Bolt Brigade. Auditions are Sunday, August 29th, and there are still 4 prep classes left to attend.

[Lightning Girls at P-R-O]

[Tampa Bay Lightning Girls]

[Bolt Brigade Audition Information]

Jacksonville Axe Maiden, Amy M. shares her first All Pro3 experience:

“Wow, What an experience! The weekend in Atlanta (June 27-28) at the All Pro3 cheerleading convention. Ten very excited Axe Maidens cheerleaders buddied-up in cars and planes headed to Altanta on Friday afternoon. The 5-ish hour trip was long but very worth it. This year is the 5th anniversary of the convention and was the largest yet. The Axe Maidens joined cheerleaders from the Tampa Bay Bucs, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Checkmates, Seattle Sea Gals, Washington Redskins, Indianpolis Colts, Houston Texans, and many others from the NFL, NBA, Arena Football, and even some visitors from Mexico and Japan. Having the opportunity to learn from great choreographers/team coaches and dance among the best was a great way to make us better individuals and team.”

“Saturday morning started off fast….and didn’t end until we had danced the day away. Several Axe Maidens were chosen to be featured in the convention magazine - Sideline Distraction/Attraction. This was a huge surprise and honor! We had some team bonding time on Saturday night and then it’s back to dancing all day on Sunday. After many head rolls, hair flips and high kicks, our bodies were ready for a break. The soreness will subside and the blisters will go away but the experience and fun we had together will always be remembered!”

[AllPro3]

[Jacksonville Axe Maidens]

(Note: I ran into some technical difficulties but I still have half a dozen or so P-R-O posts coming - James)

FC Dallas Dancer Mary has a degree in BS in Biology from UTA - The University of Texas at Arlington (not Austin!). She works as a microbiologist in a laboratory that tests and certifies disinfectants and cleaners.

The driving force behind the FC Dallas Dancers is Director/Choreographer Tamara Jenkins. Before coming to FC Dallas, she directed the PBL Dallas Defenders Dance Team and the NBDL Fort Worth Fly Girls.

Tamara holds a B.A. Degree in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma and is certified by Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She also heads up her own marketing consulting business, NRG Communications.

[FC Dallas Dancers]

[FC Dallas Dancers at P-R-O]

Lots going on with the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders. Their new calendar is about to be released and there’s a new uniform this season. but the biggest new is MVC Head Coach Tami Krause is Mrs. Minnesota International 2009 and this weekend she’s going to Chicago to compete for Mrs. International.

Here’s a little about Mrs. International:

Beginning 22 years ago, Mrs. International® was developed to have higher standards than other pageant systems. The focus behind Mrs. International® is to showcase women 21 to 56 years old, married at least six months and a resident of the state or a citizen of the country she represents. Each contestant competes in Interview Competition, which is valued for 50% of her overall score, Evening Gown, valued for 25% and Fitness Wear for 25%. Each contestant has the opportunity to select a platform of her choice that she spends the year promoting. Husbands are a direct part of the show, escorting their wives in the Evening Gown competition, and the husband crowns his wife titleholder.

Good Luck, Tami!

[Tami Krause at Mrs International]

[Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders]

[Vikings Cheerleader at P-R-O]

On Thursday December 14th, 2008, after nearly a month long audition process, the 2009 Philadelphia Soulmates were selected. The following day, the Arena Football League suspended operations for the season.

So while the AFL and its teams shut down and the players tried to land spots in other leagues, the never-to-be 2009 Soulmates decided to keep on dancing. Under the direction of five-time Soulmates director Marla Viturello, they formed the Philadelphia All Pro Dance Team.

They still meet and rehearse, but not as often as before. They’ve performed at NBA playoff games, at Major League baseball games and indoor football games. They’ve danced for and supported causes and charities ranging from the Special Olympics to Breast Cancer Awareness.

Rumors speak of a July 15th deadline for a decision for the 2010 AFL season, but many deadlines have come and passed before with no final answer. In the meantime these ladies just keep on dancing.

Lauren had taken a year off from the Soul in 2008, while she settled into her new job as a middle school teacher.

Krysta is a Nutrition and Dietics Major at West Chester University.

Sunday a the convention was Marla’s birthday!

More photos of the Philly All Pro Dabcers at P-R-O here.

Amanda is a three-year veteran of the Sea Gals, and before that she cheered for the Houston Texans for a season. She graduated with honors from Loyola University New Orleans earning her BA in Journalism in just three years.

Miranda is a another three-year veteran of the Sea Gals. She ’s a Project Management Consultant with a BSE in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan.

Cheering in Seattle is a lot different than cheering in Houston’s climate-controlled Reliant Stadium. Last season the Sea Gals had to wear their holiday uniforms in the middle of a freak snow storm. Amanda says she couldn’t feel her toes after that performance.

And a couple of years ago, the Sea Gals had to perform in the traditional two piece “white uniform” for a Veteran’s Day tribute during a November night game with the temperature hovering around 30° F.

[Sea Gals at P-R-O]

[Seattle Sea Gals]