Click here for a few photos on NBCLosAngeles.com

I was fortunate enough to find a ticket for last Friday’s Redskins-Jets pre-season game. The New Meadowlands Stadium is impressive, but not as impressive as the Jets Flight Crew.

Before the game fans can meet members of the Flight Crew in the stadium store…

Or at the ESPN tent. (All horizontal photos can be clicked to enlarge)

The first ever Junior Flight Crew performed during halftime.

A Flight Crew line poses for an after-game photo.

[Flight Crew Gallery]

[Flight Crew Website]

When I arrived in Atlanta, I had an idea of the type of article that I was going to do, my customary event report.  I knew that James was going to cover each and every squad in attendance, but I wanted to do something different and I was searching for another angle.  So, when Saturday began, I took the opportunity to talk with each sponsor.  I wanted to find out a little more about their business and why they were here.

One sponsor stood out immediately. The Line Up is one of the leading designers of performance dance apparel.  I was impressed by the number of teams that wear their fashions and in talking to owner Deb Erickson, I discovered that many of the squads here would be wearing her designs.  I figured a little article covering the Line Up’s fashions might be in order, so I spoke with the organizers of PRO and received clearance to pose a few girls in their Line Up designed uniforms.

First up is the N.Y. Jets Flight Crew (NFL) and Houston Texans (NFL).

Continue reading P-R-O Convention Sponsor Spotlight: The Line Up

The P-R-O Convention is the premier professional cheerleading and dance convention.  Held annually in Atlanta, Georgia, P-R-O features instructors from NFL, NBA, MLS, and the WPFL.  Professional cheerleading squads and dance teams came from all over the country to attend the two day event.

The staff of All-Pro3 gave James and I complete access to the convention’s events.  In the second part of my article, we continue our coverage of P-R-O with a report on Sunday’s events.

Continue reading Cheerleader Heaven - The 2010 P-R-O Convention (Part II)

There’s a reason why its called Hotlanta and its not because of the weather.  Last weekend, more than 200 professional cheerleaders and dancers from across the country gathered in Atlanta for All Pro3’s 7th annual P-R-O convention, or as I call it Cheerleader Heaven.  Hot weather, hot cheerleaders and hot dance routines.

The P-R-O Convention is the premier professional dance convention and the instructors represent the very best in professional cheerleading and dance.  This year’s instructors included:

Sandy Charbonneau - Armed Forces Entertainment
Raquel Torres-Garcia - San Antonio Spurs (NBA) and Silver Stars (WNBA)
Denise Garvey - NY Jets (NFL)
Alto Gary - Houston Texans (NFL)
Tamara Jenkins - FC Dallas (MLS)
Stephanie Jojokian Washinton Redskins
Heather Karberg - Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
Stacie Kinder - Tennessee Titans (NFL)
Shannon Kingsley - Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
Tami Krause - Minnesota Vikings (NFL) and Minnesota Swarm (NLL)
Brandii McCoy - Charlotte Bobcats (NBA) and Charlotte Checkmates (AHL)
Tracey Rutledge - All-Pro3 and former Atlanta Hawks
Michelle Stover - Washington Wizards (NBA)
Derric Whitfield - Houston Energy (WPFL)

The organizers of P-R-O gave James and I complete access to the convention’s events and in this article, I will provide our readers with a first hand look into the premier professional dance convention.  We have a lot to cover so, let’s begin with Saturday’s report.

Continue reading Cheerleader Heaven: The 2010 P-R-O Convention (Part I)

4200 miles.  200+ Cheerleaders.  7600+ images.  Coverage of the 2010 P-R-O Convention begins on Friday…technical issues notwithstanding!

Calendar Crew Departs Sun-Kissed Aruba
New York Jets
6/5/2010

Hi, Jets fans!!! I’m in beautiful Aruba with the gorgeous Flight Crew! I am so excited to tell you all about my amazing day! My photo shoot was surreal. It was at the beautiful Tierra Del Sol, a resort with a golf course, pool with a waterfall and simply amazing homes.

For my actual photo shoot I was standing about four feet off the ground on a rock ledge with a gorgeous tree which had bright orange flowers on it. I truly had an amazing time. I really do not even have words to explain how wonderful my day was!

I also have to tell you guys how wonderful the whole crew has been. Our makeup artists and hairstylist are a dream team — they truly do amazing work! The photographer and his crew are so great. They really make you feel like a princess. I am so excited for all of you to see this calendar.

Thanks, Jets fans, for all your support. See you soon!

Hey, Jets fans!!! It’s Crystal and I’m relaxing by the pool at the gorgeous Marriott and Stellaris Casino here in Aruba after my first ever calendar shoot.

My day started bright and early with me getting my hair and makeup done at 6 a.m. I was so amazed once they were done and I was handed a mirror. “Is that even me?” It was a true transformation (in a good way). The makeup and hair staff were so awesome.

Once I was done, I was whisked away to my location at the California Lighthouse, which is a must-see landmark here in Aruba. Even though it was early, I was so excited to get started and hopefully deliver an awesome picture.

I started off a little nervous but Steve, the photographer, made me feel very comfortable and encouraged me to just let my personality shine through. So I took a deep breath and let go and made it happen. I got so into it that he even took several shoots of me jumping.

Overall it was one of the best experiences I ever had and I can’t wait for you Jets fans to see the final 2011 Jets Flight Crew Calendar. Till then, see you on the field.

Hey, Jets fans! It’s Adele reporting from the beautiful island of Aruba! I just got back from my photo shoot at Arashi Beach and it was incredible!

After I finished getting my hair and makeup done by Alberto and Paul, I couldn’t believe how glamorous I looked. I barely recognized myself when I looked in the mirror! I asked them both for tips so that I could try to do my hair and makeup the same way. Of course it will never come out nearly as good as how they did it, though!

When I got to the location of my shoot, the excitement hit me all at once. I jumped out of the car with the biggest smile on my face. I walked into a rocky cove overlooking the water under a beautiful sky. I had to be escorted out there because the rocks were jagged and some of them were wobbly. I had to balance really well during my shoot because of how strong the wind was. If we had one really strong gust of wind I would’ve flown right over the side into the water. Good thing that didn’t happen!

It was a bittersweet moment when all was said and done. Steve is an incredible photographer and I am so excited to see how the pictures came out! Now I’m off to the pool to go soak up some sun! Stay tuned everyone! I’ll see you all soon! Cheers!

Hey, Jets fans. It’s Ryann keeping in touch with you on our last night in Aruba!! We just finished our last shoot for the 2011 Swimsuit Calendar. I had the opportunity to shoot a sunset shot on the beach just outside our hotel. I can’t begin to explain how beautiful it was and how lucky I am to even be here!

The entire crew was absolutely amazing. The hair stylist and makeup artist were wonderful! Every girl was breathtaking during her shoot. Steve was incredible to work with and all the girls are psyched to see the Jets Flight Crew’s 2011 Swimsuit Calendar. See you on the sidelines!

Hey, Jets fans, it’s Linda from the Flight Crew. We just got back from our amazing trip in Aruba for the 2011 Swimsuit Calendar shoot. It is very sad to be home, but we all had such a great time. I had my photo shoot on the last day of the trip along with Ryann and Ashley. We were the final sunset shots. Seeing each and every girl shoot day after day made me extremely pumped to finally have my chance to go.

3 p.m. finally came about and it was time for hair and makeup. Two hours later, I had no idea who the girl was staring back at me in the mirror. I had a super dramatic look going on. Dark, smoky eyes, bright red lips, and the best part of it all was the 22-inch-long ponytail that I had cascading down my back! I was honestly praying all week for the chance to be ponytail girl.

I shot on the beach at the resort at sunset. It was beyond beautiful. Ryann, Ashley and I kept swapping in and out of the frame so we could all catch the perfect natural backdrop. I got to take a sneak peak of some of the shots and was blown away!

This was an unforgettable experience and I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it. Be sure to purchase the 2011 calendar ASAP. It is going to be a masterpiece!!

Hey, Jets fans! It’s Mandisa blogging my calendar shoot experience from Aruba. My day to shoot started at 7 a.m. in the hair/make-up chairs. After getting dolled up, myself and my fellow Flight Crew member, Jenniphure, headed to the beautiful Tierra Del Sol. It was such a great location for my shoot. I didn’t want it to end because I was having so much fun and the production crew made me feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. We even found a bunch of exotic flowers to add to my shots — they were absolutely beautiful!

I’m sure by now you all must be anxious to see the photos! I promise you will not be disappointed! Thanks for reading and I’ll see you on the field! Go Jets!

Con ta bai, Jets fans! Greetings from Aruba! It’s Ashley from the Flight Crew. I’m here on the plane waving goodbye to the breathtaking island of Aruba but holding on tight to the memories I’ve gained from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I had a really fun and exciting ending to my trip. From my sunset photo shoot last night to catching some final sun rays this morning, to ending with a tubing adventure on the clear blue waters with Laura D.

After anticipating it the whole week, I was a part of the final photo shoot of the entire trip. My shoot was located right on the beach at the Aruba Marriott Resort at sunset. Ryann, Linda and myself were capturing the sunset in our shots, and in order to do so we took turns getting in front of the camera. Each one of us would shoot for five minutes at a time, then stand by and cheer on our fellow Flight Crew cheerleaders.

I really enjoyed shooting this way because it gave us each a moment to step away, get some feedback, and touch up any hair or makeup before getting right back in front of the camera.

Thank you so much for reading about my exciting time in Aruba, but it’s time for me to rest before the final descent to our home sweet home — New York! See you on the field!

Jets fans, hey! It’s Jenniphure writing to you from sun-kissed Aruba. As I sit here on my balcony at the Aruba Marriott watching the sunset, I am still exhilarated from my photo shoot for the 2011 Swimsuit Calendar!

As I headed down to hair and makeup early this morning, my stomach was in knots. Alberto (the hair stylist) and Paul (the makeup artist) got right to work and within an hour I was transformed. When I first saw myself in the mirror, I had to hold back the tears. I could not believe that was me! Never have I felt so beautiful!

Before I knew it, I was off to Tierra Del Sol, the location for my shoot. I didn’t know much about the location before I got there, but when I walked through the gates the backdrop was exquisite! It wasn’t your typical beach scene, but it was amazing! I was wearing a blue, green and white swimsuit and they had me shoot next to a cactus — it was so unique!

My emotions were all over the place. I was super excited but also was beyond nervous because it was my first photo shoot. Once I got in front of the camera the positive energy and encouragement from Steve (the photographer) and his crew put me right at ease.

It was an incredible day! I can’t thank everyone involved in the shoot enough for making it such a great experience. As a rookie, it is an honor and a dream come true to be here shooting with all of these beautiful women. I can’t wait for the season to get started … see you on the field! Go Jets!!

Blogs from Day 2 of the Aruba Calendar Shoot
New York Jets
6/3/2010

Hey, Jet fans! It’s Flight Crew Cheerleader Nicole here, touching base from the beautiful island of Aruba!

It was such an honor to be part of this incredible experience, and I wish the new stadium was built right here in Oranjestad! I just wrapped up my shoot today. I was on location at Mangel Halto beach. The scenery was breathtaking and if the sun wasn’t so strong I would have stayed all day! As usual, the New York Jets have provided us with a top-notch crew, all of whom were amazing to work with. The Jets are a high-class organization and as a cheerleader I take so much pride in representing the green and white!

The ultimate goal of this trip is to put together the best NFL cheerleader calendar around, and we are making sure that happens. After all, the number one football team must have the best cheerleaders on the sideline, right? This calendar is going to be unbelievable.

See you back in New York! Go JETS!

Hey, Jets fans! It’s Jessica S! I am here in Aruba having a blast shooting our 2011 calendar. This is the most exciting thing that can ever happen in my life. I had my photo shoot today at Andicuri Beach. My bathing suit was a bright blue color and I had long curly hair. My makeup was done with a lot of gold colors. When I arrived at the location I was told I was going to shoot on a cliff! I was so excited that I was going to be standing on a coral cliff in front of the clear blue ocean.

I can’t describe how excited I was today shooting the calendar, and I hope all you Jets fans get the chance to experience what I did today by looking at all of the pictures. I am looking forward to the release of the 2011 calendar and the start of a new season!! J-E-T-S!!

Hey, Jets fans! It’s Jennifer! I’m on location in beautiful Aruba shooting the 2011 Flight Crew Swimsuit Calendar! I’m so honored to be a part of the most amazing experience of my life!

Today, after being treated like a princess getting my hair and make up done, I traveled about 30 minutes to a remote location called “The Cliffs at Andicuri,” where I posed in my black and white Zebra bikini in front of black rocks with waves crashing on the shore. It was so amazing and I can’t wait for all you fans to see it!

Looking forward to another great season! Thanks for all your love and support! See you at the games! Go Jets!!

Hi, Jets fans! It’s Laura D in beautiful Aruba shooting the 2011 Swimsuit Calendar! It is an honor to be here and I am so excited to be a part of this amazing experience. Today was my photo shoot and it went great! I was at a location called Mangel Halto. To get into the area where I was shooting I had to walk through mangled tree trunks that looked like an opening to a cave. It leads to the ocean, and the shallow area near the trees was where I shot.

As we got started, a huge pelican landed behind me! We were trying to get him into my shot and all of a sudden he flew onto a branch right above my head! The photography crew told me to keep staying focused and they tried to keep the pelican in my shot! We ended up getting a few great photos with him and it was such an incredible experience.

I can’t wait to see how amazing the swimsuit calendar will be! See you back home!

Hey, Jets Fans! It’s Jasmine writing you all the way from Aruba. I want to first let you all know we are having a wonderful time and it’s such an amazing experience.

My day started off with hair and makeup, then I was off to my destination shoot with Jessica S and Danielle B, which was at the Andicuri cliff overhang. I started off my shoot under the cliff with the ocean in the view behind me! Then I also got some shots with me next to the cliff, which was so much fun. The location was perfect for my swimsuit and I really can’t wait for you all to see the 2011 Swimsuit Calendar.

See you all back in New York!! 1, 2, Flight Crew!!!

Hey, Jets fans, it’s Flight Crew Cheerleader Danielle B. I’m sure you already know, but I’m blogging from one of the most beautiful places in the world … Aruba! If any of you have been here before, you know how amazing it is. Beautiful breeze, warm sunshine, and blue skies every single day!

Yesterday, I had my photo shoot for our 2011 Flight Crew Swimsuit Calendar, and I was lucky enough to get the chance to shoot on a beautiful destination off the resort. I got to shoot at what is called the natural bridge of Aruba — it’s actually a national landmark!

To get there, however, we had to go off-roading through the desert! There were cacti everywhere and I’ve never actually seen a real cactus in person so that was pretty cool!

When we finally got to the location, I was absolutely speechless at the site in front of me. A bridge of solid rock with water splashing up underneath was where I took my pictures. Steve, our photographer, gave me a sneak peek of what the pictures looked like and I was very excited when I saw them! I can’t wait to see the finished product because it is going to be the best calendar in the NFL!

Well, Jets fans, that’s all for now! Time to soak up the sun! See you all back at home! Go Jets!

Hey, Jet fans! Here I am on our 4th day in Aruba! I can’t even begin to tell you what an amazing trip this has been. I had my turn to shoot for our 2011 calendar yesterday. I woke up at 4 a.m. and had my hair styled at 5 followed by makeup. Let me tell you this crew is so wonderful and professional to work with.

We headed down to our location, which is called Mangel Halto. I shot in the archway of the tree roots which led to the ocean … I can’t even describe how incredible the location was!! Can we say exotic?!

Steve, our photographer, took amazing pictures as always. Every single girl that has shot so far has been so beautiful. You will not be disappointed in our new calendar!

Well, I’m off to enjoy the rest of the day and do some fun water sports. See you guys soon!

Hi, Jets fans! I am having a fantastic time in Aruba with the team. We are all working hard to create the most exotic and beautiful calendar for you! I absolutely loved the location I shot at yesterday. Initially we weren’t supposed to shoot at sunset but time was on our side and we ended up taking some really captivating pictures before the sun was gone for the day. Beneath me was black sand and rocks which photographed really nicely against my teal bathing suit.

I hope you all enjoy the final product once it hits the stands. I know we enjoyed the experience of this trip and we will remember the memories for a lifetime. See you on the field everyone! 1, 2, Flight Crew!

Hey, Jets fans, Samantha here. I am writing from the beautiful island of Aruba. Today was my shoot for the 2011 Swimsuit Calendar and words cannot describe how I felt. I started the day with my hair and makeup and I felt so glamorous!

After that, we made our way to my shoot location named “Natural Bridge.” I got to stand on top of the bridge that was naturally made and eroded throughout thousands of years. The view was incredible and I loved the wind blowing threw my hair. The crew made me feel so comfortable and I am so happy with the way everything went.

I can’t wait for the calendar to come out — it is going to be amazing! See you soon! Let’s go Jets!