Spreading the Word: Cheerleaders in London Buccaneers.com
Jul 14, 2009 - Their outfits drew looks, as is usually the case, frankly. In this case, however, some of the stares were born of confusion.
As it turns out, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders outfit is a real attention-getter in London, even more so than those wearing the uniforms expected. That’s true throughout the United Kingdom, actually…and that’s a good thing, because the half-dozen Buccaneers Cheerleaders who recently took a five-day promotional tour of the U.K. were there specifically to draw attention.
“Everyone loved us when we were there,” beamed Kelli Jones, one of the six Bucs Cheerleaders to make the trip in late June and early July along with Cheerleading Manager Sandy Charboneau. “At first, people didn’t really know why we were there or why we were dressed the way we were, because American football is not as big in Europe as soccer.”
Jones and her teammates were happy to fill in the blanks for any interested onlookers: They were in the U.K. to promote the 2009 American Bowl game between the Buccaneers and the New England Patriots. The Bucs and Patriots will face each other in London’s Wembley Stadium on October 25, marking the third consecutive year in which the NFL has staged one of its regular-season games at that site.
The first two American Bowl games in London — Miami vs. the New York Giants in 2007 and New Orleans vs. San Diego last year — were big hits among NFL fans in the United Kingdom. The league expects intense interest in the Tampa Bay-New England clash, too, and the Bucs’ Cheerleaders aimed to add to the growing excitement.
“We were there promoting the game, promoting the Buccaneers and trying to rally support for the game in October,” explained Jones. “So far I hear they’ve sold 70,000 tickets and they’re looking to sell at least 10,000 more. I think with our P.R. tour around U.K. we did a pretty good job.”
Jones and Charboneau were joined on the trip by fellow cheerleaders Anna Duncan, Roseanne Strobel, Tiffany Jimenez, Sara Tetzler and Stephanie Mookas. The Bucs’ most enthusiastic rooters have been globetrotters of late; another group of 12 cheerleaders recently returned form a tour of military bases in Japan and Guam.
The crew that went to Europe didn’t confine their efforts to London; they toured much of the United Kingdom, spreading the word about the Bucs’ impending visit from Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland to Brighton, Sheffield, Newcastle and other spots in England. When the Buccaneers return as a full team in October, their six visiting cheerleaders from the summer will be able to show the rest of the squad around. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders plan to arrive in London a week before the game to attend various events and promote the game again.
For Jones, the return visit will be a welcome one. Her advance trip with a handful of teammates was a five-day whirlwind of appearances and sightseeing, and unlike anything she had experienced before.
“I had never been overseas before, so it was very exciting me to make the trip,” gushed Jones. “I can actually say, ‘Oh, I was in London last week.’ How cool is that? It was nonstop but it was totally worth it. How often can you say you went to Europe and you got to see Scotland and all these castles and Buckingham Palace? Everybody can’t say that. It was an awesome trip. All the girls had such a good time.”
They made sure the people they met did, too. That was especially true during a trio of stops in Glasgow, Newcastle and Brighton, where the cheerleaders held clinics on their craft with groups of local children. Conducting such camps is nothing new to the cheerleaders, but it was a novel experience for the kids they encountered.
“It’s always fun to be around kids and see how excited they can be. I think that was probably the best part of the trip. Most of the kids were unfamiliar with American football, and cheerleaders in particular because cheerleading isn’t a big thing in the U.K. So they received us very well. They were so excited for us to be there. That was a lot of fun, hanging out with the kids. The surroundings were different, but kids like to have fun no matter where you are, so that was great. That was probably where we made the biggest impact.”
Whether in schools, on the streets or at Wimbledon — where they were interviewed for a British television network — the visiting cheerleaders did their best to represent the Buccaneers proudly.
“When we’re in uniform, we’re in a Buccaneers mindset,” said Jones. “It’s the Buccaneers, 24/7, no matter where we go. Just walking into a hotel, we know we’re representing the Buccaneers. That is constantly on our minds. We always knew what our purpose was while we were there: to represent the Bucs and the NFL as a whole in Europe. We’re trying to help spread American football around the world.”
That is the NFL’s ultimate goal, of course, and it has found a strong foothold in London. The games in 2007 and 2008 drew huge crowds, and the Buccaneers already have an impressive and loyal fan base in London. From the feedback she and her teammates received during their five days in the U.K., Jones believes this year’s game will prove to be very popular.
“I’m told the previous two games have been sold out, and I think we drummed up some more support with our media blitz,” said Jones. “We at least got the word out, so hopefully that will lead to some word-of-mouth and some added interest. I think it’s going to be a pretty big deal by the time we get there.”
Former New Orleans Saintsation Lynn O’Brien runs her own Cheer and Dance Camps. But the most important thing Lynn wishes the girls would take away from the camps is not cheer and dance technique. She wants each girl to walk away from her clinics and classes with a smile, pride, and knowledge that they can use in the future. Lynn says, “It is a rough world out there, especially for girls.”
Lynn with a dance camp class
Before we get back to the camps, here’s a little about Lynn. She danced on her high school dance team, the Goldenettes at Turner High School in Kansas City, Kansas. She was also a UDA All-Star Dancer. Lynn had always wanted to cheer for the NFL growing up. After high school she met her then boyfriend (now husband) David and moved to New Orleans after dating long distance for two years.
She started college at the University of New Orleans and worked as a waitress. One of the girls she met waitressing was on a dance team, the “Dominators of Dance”, that performed at Mardi Gras Parades. Lynn tried out and made that team. Unfortunately her friend that had introduced her to was kicked off the team for not perfecting a signature move. Lynn consoled her friend by saying, “Don’t worry, we’ll try out for the Saints”. Two months later they both tried out and made the team.
Since she had always loved pro football, Lynn says have that one of the most exciting parts of being a NFL Cheerleader was being so close to action. During one of the very first games she cheered at two players tackled with terrific force and impact just two feet from her. Lynn says that most of her teammates moved away, but she was too busy watching to see if the Saints still had the ball.
Her proudest moments as a Saintsation would come while visiting small towns outside of New Orleans. The people, the kids and the entire town were so grateful for the Sainsations appearances. Lynn says she felt such a great sense of pride when she stood under the hotel’s marquee that read “Welcome Saints Cheerleaders”. She says, “I know it’s a small thing, but you can’t take small things for granted.
Lynn on the set of Kansas City LIVE
Today Lynn runs Lynn O’Brien Cheer and Dance Camps. There are five-to-eight week long camps over the summer, as well as two day clinics and weekly classes. Lynn decided to start the camps just after she had her fist child, David. She was not ready to leave him for a long period of time and really wanted to dance again. She had an idea to hold a cheer camp where she would utilize her talents both as a dancer and as a teacher.
During the first camps the girls seem to really open up to her and talk about pretty important things. Lynn had 5 year-olds telling her they think they need to go on a diet! She realized the impact she could have on their lives. These girls really looked up to her, really listened to her and she had to take advantage of that.
A typical class begins with stretches, dance and cheer technique. Then they move on to free dance, where Lynn talks to the girls about moving to the music, if the music goes fast, dance fast, if the music moves slow, dance slow. Most importantly, Lynn tells them dance in a way that makes you feel good. She encourages the girls to use dance as a release of feelings. She advises, if you are happy, sad, mad, scared, just put on music in their room and dance and soon you will feel better.
Then they have “girl talk”. Lynn explains to the girls that now that they are on a dance team (cheer team) together they are best friends. They can rely on each other to learn and lean on. She brings up a topic and let the girls comment on their experiences and their thoughts. Some “girl talk” topics include: body image, giving to our community and those in need, standing up for yourself, healthy eating, smoking prevention, taking care of yourself, a positive body image and role models and much more.
Lynn gives all the girls her e-mail address and phone number in case they want to talk or just let her know how school is. She says she gets great e-mail updates and questions about issues the girls are facing at school.
Lynn says she is especially pleased when parents tell her stories of how their daughters came home and taught the family a lesson that Lynn taught them. One example Lynn cites is a mom who told her 6 year-old daughter had another girl that was being mean to her and mom asked her how she dealt with it. The girl said “I put on my best cheerleader smile and said, I am sorry you are having a bad day, but I care about you.” Her mom said, “You sound just like Ms. Lynn.”
Lynn says that each girl at each camp, class, and clinic holds a special place in her heart. She has had over 350 girls participate in her camps in the past five years and she can tell you something about each of those girls.
Lynn’s three-year old daughter Maddie is now participating in the camps and classes, and they have a great time making up the dances and learning from each other.
Lynn also has a clinic for the winter that is held one week before Christmas. The girls learn a fun Christmas dance, rockin’ around the Christmas tree, two cheers and we will talk about the importance of giving. And there are more clinics coming during Spring Break. And between camp, classes, teaching pre-school and raising her own children Lynn spends an astounding amount of time with kids, so how do she do it all and keep her sanity? Lynn says she adores children, her own and others. “Kids are amazing and have nothing but love to give. I have never loved a job so much. I love how excited the girls are, the way they look up to me, the impact I have on them. I also appreciate the parents. I think I would go insane without kids. I have a very goofy personality. I need to be crazy and silly and I just don’t think adults would get that.”
Lynn speaking about her Cheer and Dance Camp from Kansas City LIVE! Learn more about Lynn’s camps at LynnObrienCheer.com.
Date: August 1st 2009 Time: Registration - 9:00am, Audition - 10:00am
$10 registration fee at audition - Cash Only Location: Shops at Houston Center
Shops at Houston Center
Houston Aeros
Attn: Aero Dynamic Auditions
1221 Lamar St. Suite 1100
Houston, TX 77010
Applications must be received by July 20
REQUIREMENTS
Must have a full/part time Job or attend college full/part time
18 Years of Age by August 1st 2009 (NO EXCEPTIONS)
Reliable Transportation
Must attend all practices (Tuesdays & Thursdays), games, community and charitable appearances
WILL I NEED TO CHOREOGRAPH MY OWN DANCE?
Yes. You will be required to make up your own dance with your own 1 minute song choice (Please have edited music).
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Dance shorts to show your legs (required for uniforms)
Midriff-baring top (Dance or Athletic Bra-Top)
Dance or Athletic Shoes
Select attire that is eye catching and unique
HOW SHOULD I WEAR MY HAIR AND MAKE-UP?
Have your hair and make-up performance ready; please make sure to have your make-up to accent your natural beauty. Your hair should be fixed to the style it is currently in and not to hide your face.
HOW WILL THE AUDITION PROCESS GO?
Registration will start at 9am in the Park Shops Mall and you will be given a number when you register. You will then proceed to the photography area where you will be photographed with our photographer.
At 10am the auditions will begin and we will start to call out numbers randomly for each individual to perform their own 1 minute choreographed dance.
After every participant performs we will have a 30 minute lunch break.
You will then learn a 1 minute dance routine choreographed by a dance instructor and perform in groups in front of the judges.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Your 1 minute choreographed music on a CD
Valid Drivers License
$10 Registration Fee (Cash Only)
Water
Snacks
IS BEING AN AERO DYNAMIC A FULL-TIME JOB?
No. Being an Aero Dynamic is time consuming and requires commitment to the Aeros for a full season. Aero Dynamic dancers do have full time jobs or attend college and is a volunteer position.
AUDITION LOCATION
Shops at Houston Center
1200 McKinney St., #545
Houston, TX 77010
Parking is available in the Shops at Houston Center garage at the corner of Austin and McKinney or at the parking meters on the streets around the building. Please bring cash for parking, an ATM is located in the Shops.
The Philadelphia 76ers will hold the final round of auditions for the 2009-10 Sixers Dancers at Chickie’s & Pete’s (1526 Packer Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145) on Monday, July 13. The 30 semi-finalists that advanced past the first-round of auditions will compete for a spot on the team beginning at 7:00pm
The event is free and open to the public.
All finalists will perform as a group followed by performances in groups of four. The Sixers Jr. Dancers and Alumni Dancers will perform as well throughout the evening.
Sixers public address announcer Matt Cord will emcee the event. Special guest judges include CBS-3 sports reporter Don Bell, NBC-10 anchor Dawn Timmeney, NBC-10 sports reporter John Clark, CSN anchor Marshall Harris, 100.3 the Beat’s radio hosts Charlamagne and Pooch, 610-WIP radio broadcaster Hugh Douglas, one of the East Coast’s top advertising and editorial photographers Michael Spain-Smith, and Pete Ciarrocchi of Chickie’s & Pete’s.
Under the direction of new Coach and former Sixers Dancer Dayna Nadler Hafetz, the Sixers Dancers are entering their 14th season as an integral part of the 76ers game entertainment package. The Sixers Dancers represent the 76ers organization at home games and many of the promotional and community appearances throughout the year.
During her seven years as a Sixers Dancer, Dayna had the opportunity to perform at both the NBA All-Star Game in 2000 and NBA Finals in 2001. Also during that time, she has performed alongside Will Smith, Destiny’s Child, Pink, Ludacris, and appeared on MTV’s Rock and Jock, ESPN Pro Dance Special, as well as various Comcast commercials and television specials.
CHARLOTTE — They don’t wear shoulder pads and helmets, and their uniforms are more likely to have sequins than numbers. Yet finding the right chemistry among its members is as important among the Panthers’ cheerleading squad as it is for the team itself.
So when TopCats manager Tina Becker and choreographer Richelle Grant began whittling down the 175 aspiring cheerleaders to the final squad of 27 over the last two months, they devoted at least as much focus to creating a seamless unit as to evaluating the precision of dance steps. Through interviews, rehearsals and simple observations, they watched and listened to the potential TopCats, trying to not only select the best women for the job, but to create the best team.
“The 35 (finalists) we have at the end, they’re all talented,” Becker said. “It’s often a question of whether this girl can get along with that girl. It’s a puzzle. They all can dance, they all can cheer; they all love the Panthers. That’s why they’re (among the finalists). Then it’s deciding who’s going to be the best group of women to represent us and all be on the same page.”
The decisions became more difficult as the process progressed. From an initial group of 175 applicants, only 70 made it to the next round, where each was interviewed by a four-person panel.
“Interviews will make or break you,” Becker said. “You may be an amazing dancer, but if you come in and have nothing to say … ”
Becker didn’t finish the sentence, but she didn’t have to; the implication of a poor interview was clear.
“The dancing is great, but to me the community outreach and the appearances are way more important — to see if you can speak intelligently and comfortably.”
The 27 TopCats for 2009 have gone through one of the most thorough processes of any dance team in the NFL.
“The environment is very supportive and fun, and we want to make sure we pick the right people each year to portray that,” Becker said. “That’s why our process is longer than normal, because we need to know (more about each candidate).”
Interviews provide a glimpse into a potential TopCat’s personality. Auditions reveal their dancing skills. But the other component of evaluation comes at rehearsals. There, the primary purpose is to learn dance steps for the auditions, but a different kind of evaluation is also in play.
“You can impress me that first time in an interview and kind of get through it. But to see you six or seven times in the locker room, I’m really going to get an idea if you’re a good fit,” Becker said. “During rehearsals, we get to know them in a group setting and learn about their personality — whether they are team players; whether they get along with everybody.”
In that environment, Becker liked what she saw this year.
“What’s cool about this team is that the girls come with the perception that everyone’s catty, that it’s an intimidating environment because everyone’s competing,” she said. “Overwhelmingly, when we talk with the girls that audition for the first time, they speak of how amazing the girls that have been here are — how welcoming, warm and approachable they are. Those are the type of girls we pick - and they’re there for a reason.”
As the franchise has grown over its 15 years of existence, so have the TopCats, whose membership reflects a growing maturation of the team and its supporters.
“Now, girls come in and say, ‘I grew up watching the Panthers; I grew up watching the cheerleaders on the sidelines, and now I’m old enough to actually be one,’” Becker said. “It’s so cool that we’ve actually gotten to that point now where these kids who came to game and watched us can actually participate in it.”
The 2009 TopCats:
Ann Alston
Caiti Berg
Jennifer Bobbitt
Kimberly Coon
Cynthia English
Sara Gormel
T’fani Hixon
Megan Hodge
Leslie Holmes
Melanie Jackson
Kristen Kirkland
Kayla Lewis
Lisa Mach
Brittany Massey
Tara Mull
Carolyn Nicholson
Chika Nwankwo
DeAnna Platt
Michelle Rock
Stacey Sanderson
Chelsea Schatz
Jeri Smith
Kelli Triplett
Dana Waring
Katie Williams
Shelby Williams
Erin Willis
Addition by subtraction…that’s what coaches call it when they add to their arsenal (either roster wise or staff-wise) by recruiting from their enemies. *strokes non-existent beard* Hmm so if it works for coaches…can it work for fans as well? Here I have former star member of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders from the 2008 season, Ashley White. Ashley is a former University of Miami Hurricanes Cheerleader, and former anchor for WPLG (Miami’s ABC affiliate). However, Ashley is a Georgia native (and has returned to Atlanta), so you can already guess where I’m headed with this right? Thats right, Falcons Chick is about to woo Ashley into trading in the teal and orange for red and black…or die trying.ash
Falcons Chick: So Ashley, what exactly is the duty of an NFL cheerleader, I mean aside from the sideline dances?
Ash: The duty of an NFL cheerleader goes beyond simply dancing for their team on the sidelines. We’re the players number one fans! Aside from being required to attend every practice and game, we’re required to do a minimum number of appearances, talk to news media, teach junior training camps and let’s not forget we each are either employed full time or attend school full time.
Falcons Chick: Did you already know a lot about football before you started cheering for MDC or were u cheering and learning as you went along?
Ash: No, I knew almost everything there was to know about football. Growing up in Georgia football is a must-love sport. My father and brothers watched college ball every Saturday and NFL games every Sunday. You really didn’t have a choice but to learn and love the game of football. As I got older I grew to appreciate it more, especially since I cheered for the University of Miami and then in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins!
Falcons Chick: Now that you’re back here in Atlanta, who exactly will you be cheering for on September 13th (The Falcons season opener against the Miami Dolphins at 1pm in Atlanta)?
Ash: My hometown team has always been the Atlanta Falcons but I have grown to love the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins still hold the first and only Perfect Season! Not only was I an MDC (Miami Dolphins Cheerleader) but watching them play every Sunday for the past couple of years I fell in love with the organization. I’m so much more than a fan… I am looking forward to wearing my orange and teal proud!!! My friends may give me a hard time but I’m still gonna shine in my MDC apparel!
Falcons Chick: *going for it* So when can we expect to see you hang up that MDC uniform and pull on a Falcons one, or is that against some kind of unwritten NFL cheer code?
Ash: It’s definitely not against any unwritten code…I have cheered with girls who came from and left for other NFL teams. But, I couldn’t cheer for any other NFL team. I think I would always compare the two squads, not even intentionally. I will always be a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader. The epitome of NFL cheerleading is the Miami Dolphins, forever and always!
Falcons Chick: Who is your favorite Atlanta Falcon?
Ash: My favorite Atlanta Falcon Player …Matt Ryan! The greatest rookie quarterback in NFL history!!! I think he brings so much to the table and being back in Atlanta I’m anxious to see him lead the Falcons to even more wins! Plus, he’s such a cutie!!
Falcons Chick: Who really needs sun and sand, and the ocean…aren’t you happy to be back in Atlanta?
Ash: Absolutely!! I’m glad to finally be home after living five years in the Magic City! I miss a lot about Miami. Mainly, my fellow MDC’s. We spend nine months out of the year together during each season, about four days a week and anywhere between 9-15 hours a week. In addition to being together a lot for practices and appearances, we all hang out together outside of Dolphins! We become family. And for me, they’re my Miami family! I really miss them but being back home tops that!
Falcons Chick: What is your feeling on the Pink Jersey? (You know…the jersey NFL apparel geniuses have deemed ‘for women’?)
Ash: To be honest, I hate the pink jersey’s. When someone sports pink it doesn’t let anyone know who you’re actually rooting for unless you get close enough to see the white writing and logo. Why not wear your teams actual colors? When I look up into the stands from the sidelines I want your jersey to scream orange and teal (*ahem* or Red and Black) … not that your favorite color is pink!
Falcons Chick: When (not if) the Falcons go to the Super-Bowl, which is held in Miami next year, can I expect to see you in Red and Black?
Ash: Only if my beloved Miami Dolphins aren’t playing against them will I wear Red and Black! The Dolphins were the AFC East division winners this past season after coming back from finishing as the NFL’s worst team in 2007 so I have high hopes for the Dolphins and of course would love to see them play in Miami at the Superbowl! (We’ll see about this *evil laugh*)
Thanks to Ashley for the interview, I definitely look forward to the game September 13th, May the girl with the cutest shoes’ team win.
An unprecedented number of glittered faces, dance shoes and fluorescent tights filled Baltimore’s Merritt Downtown Athletic Center last weekend for the first step in becoming a Ravens cheerleader.
And now, the work really begins.
Ravens cheer coordinator Tina Galdieri was joined by a select group of judges - a diverse 20-member panel that included Ravens corporate sales account executive Brad Downs and Mickey from 98 Rock - to whittle a list of nearly 200 potential rookies and 35 returning veterans down to the 70 names she brought back Tuesday for an intense round of interviews.
It’s all part of finding what Galdieri calls “the total package.”
Sure, a cheerleader needs to look good in a small outfit - or in the Ravens’ case, a swimsuit.
Of course, cheerleaders have to be able to dance.
Those factors make the first two days of evaluations relatively easy when it comes to the final piece of the puzzle - personality.
“It’s an overall package, kind of hard to explain,” she said. “You obviously need to have the look and be able to fit into what the Ravens cheerleaders wear on a regular basis. You definitely have to have some skills - both in cheer and dance.
“And then, it’s about personality and character. What have you done in the community? Are you comfortable being out in front of people. It’s an in-depth process.”
Galdieri personally interviews each candidate for 15-20 minutes and asks the tough questions. With somewhere between 150 and 175 appearances throughout Baltimore and the surrounding area expected this year, the cheerleaders need to be prepared for every situation.
“I can’t keep sending the same ones every time,” Galdieri said. “I want to have confidence with all of the cheerleaders, so it’s a difficult job looking through all the cheerleaders to find them.
Galdieri expects to have the squad finalized by the beginning of April, but the road has been long even to this point.
It started with two cheerleader clinics in February, where anyone with dreams of wearing an official sequined Ravens logo can come to practice for the actual tryouts.
Cheerleader veterans led the recruits through lessons ranging from a simple pirouette to a more complicated dance routine. The girls were also given tips on what to wear to tryouts, from the sports bra down to the white tennis shoes.
“We encourage all the tryouts to go to the clinics, because you really get a sense of where you’re at and what this competition is all about,” Galdieri explained.
That’s what Meghan D. did last year when she tried out as a rookie, and obviously, it helped. She went from sitting on the fence to a spot in the 2008 swimsuit calendar after attending the final clinic at the urging of a friend.
“Last year, I went to school at Mount St. Mary’s with Erin, who has been on the team two years now,” said Meghan, who is a third-grade teacher in Havre De Grace, Md. “When I graduated, she emailed me one day and said, ‘You know there’s only one clinic left, right?’ I ended up going, and even though I was still so nervous at the tryouts, it really helped.
“Now, I know a little bit more about what to expect, but you still get some of those nerves.”
Even the seasoned veterans get a little nervous, as well.
Leslie A., who contributed to the “Ravens Spirit” blog on BaltimoreRavens.com, said that last season would be her last after a six-year run on the team.
But, she couldn’t help herself after watching the Ravens advance to the AFC Championship. Leslie knew that even as a veteran, she would still have to impress the judges regardless of her previous tenure.
“It never gets any easier for me,” Leslie said with a laugh. “You just have to be at your best every year.”
Galdieri, however, was happy to see Ms. October back for another shot.
“I said, ‘I think you still enjoy it and don’t have an attitude like you’ve been around here and don’t need to work,’” stated Galdieri. “Usually, I can tell when people start turning negative about things. That’s when they want to give it up. Not with Leslie. She’s still been very upbeat, still in great physical condition.”
Both Meghan and Leslie did make it to the group of 70, which will get cut further by Galdieri and Co. before to a final practice round March 24.
It may be a taxing route to becoming a member of the Ravens’ cheerleading team, but to everyone involved, it is also worth it when the final product runs out of the tunnel at M&T Bank Stadium.
“We’re never lowering our expectations,” Galdieri said. “We’re trying to get better as a squad every year.”
Former Philadelphia Eagles’ cheerleader Alyssa D’Egidio gives tips on how to nail this year’s audition.
Astounding dance ability and physical fitness will separate the good from the bad at the 2009 Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleading Open-Call Auditions but there are other elements that are often overlooked by many aspiring cheerleaders.
A contestant can have years of dance experience and six-pack abs but something that usually lowers contestants’ scores is their appearance.
When envisioning a professional cheerleader, there are a few key things that come to mind—polished hair and flawless make-up. Contestants may be able to dance like a “Pussycat Doll” or have a body like Giselle but if their hair is not up to superstar standards, scores are going to drop.
There are some simple things an aspiring cheerleader can do for her appearance that will wow that judges.
HAIR Put The Scissors Away: If your hair is long don’t cut it. Most cheerleaders have shoulder length or longer hair, which judges tend to admire. Melvin Silverman owns Salon De L’Etoile– the official salon of the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders. “In the last two years, none of the cheerleaders have had short hair,” he says. If your hair is short, don’t fret because there are options. Some women feel they look better with short hair and if you’re one of them then go with what feels and looks best on you. If you want to quickly change your look then try some of these options:
Jessica Simpson Hair Extensions: This easy fix to lengthening hair is inexpensive and results are instantly drastic. They can be ordered on the Internet in various colors, lengths and styles. All you have to do it clip them in securely and the extensions will blend in your natural hair.
Salon Hair Extensions: If you want something a little more permanent, many girls pay for hair extensions done at salons. Lauren Gerner, a stylist at Giovanni and Pileggi Salon in Philadelphia, highly suggests that cheerleader hopefuls get extensions if they have short hair. “The only requirement is that hair has to be at least four inches long,” she says. “The extensions should last about four to six months depending on how fast hair grows.” Great Lengths hair extensions will cost in the range of $1,000-$4,000. One of the advantages is that treatment for the extensions is almost the same as normal hair except products with silicone and sulfate cannot be used. Flat irons, curlers, etc. are all usable on these extensions. Salon De L’Etoile also offers services for hair extensions.
Color, Color, color: Whatever your natural hair color is…amplify it. If you have dirty blonde hair, go blonder. If it’s mousy brown, put in an allover dye to make it shiny and really powerful. Whatever the color, make it stand out. Eagles fans that sit higher at the stadium have a hard time seeing the cheerleaders and by having a really great color is helpful for them to distinguish between cheerleaders. This said, avoid odd hair colors or too many different shades. “When they color their hair, with the right conditioner, the hair will shine more,” says Melvin. “ Hair colors add a lot of excitement and makes the girls look a little more attractive.” He suggests brunettes sticking to brown shades while blondes should be very light or bleached.
Style: On the day of the audition, don’t style your hair like you would for everyday things. Hot rollers, curling irons and flat irons are your friends. Although you will be flipping your hair around during the audition, judges take a minute to look at your overall appearance. At this point your hair should look polished. Melvin Silverman suggests, “Moroccan oil or high sheen spray will help it from tangling.” He also adds that there are distinct ways the cheerleaders like to style their hair.
“Seventy percent of the girls wear their hair flat or straight ironed which helps it last throughout the game while 30% of girls will want their hair curled.”
Tease Please: Have a straight part in the front of the head and tease the back. Teasing will add a lot of volume.
“Take a section of hair around the crown of your head and hold it in the air with one hand,” Melvin said. “With the other hand, use a comb to tease the root up and down.” This will add a little lift and dynamic to your do.
Caution: Melvin Silverman cautions cheerleader hopefuls from showing up with their hair anything but down.
“The cheerleaders can’t wear their hair in pony tails or half up,” he said. “ It should be down and flowing so they can swing it around when dancing.”
MAKE-UP
Natural Foundation: Salon De L’Etoile also provides make-up artists to the cheerleaders. Professional cheerleaders shouldn’t look like they have caked on foundation, but on the other hand they shouldn’t appear as if they are going to the gym. Make-up is a must. It enhances the eyes, lips and cheeks in order for the judges to notice. Foundation should look natural and blend nicely into the skin.
Glamorous Eyes: Melvin Silverman says that dramatic eyes are a must Contestants should spend the most time on their eye make-up.
“Fake eyelashes to are worn by most of the cheerleaders,” said Melvin. “Use natural colors like browns, blacks, smoky grays and lots of black eye liner.”
Luscious Lips: Lips should be very subtle but still evident.
“Pinks are commonly used and subtle,” Melvin said. “Lip liner two shades darker than the lipstick should be used to blend the lips.”
Caution: Sparkles are a no-no. No blue eye shadows and bright red lipsticks either.
Make-up and hair are essential parts of a contestant’s appearances and will either help or hinder a contestant’s chance of getting through the auditions. Use these simple beauty tips to polish your appearance and impress the judges. Check back for more tips on what to wear for the audition.
Under the direction of new Coach and former Sixers Dancer Dayna Nadler Hafetz, the Sixers Dancers are entering their 14th season as an integral part of the 76ers game entertainment package. The Sixers Dancers represent the 76ers organization at home games and many of the promotional and community appearances throughout the year.
Former Philadelphia Eagles’ cheerleader Alyssa D’Egidio gives tips on how to nail this year’s audition.
