Cassie Russo Named Soulmates Choreographer

The Philadelphia Soul named Cassie Russo as the Soulmates Dance Team Choreographer for the 2012 season. Her first official duty was overseeing the second open call event at Philadelphia Airport Hilton on Sunday, November 27.

“With passion, dedication and a true love for the sports and entertainment industry, it is a distinct honor to represent the Philadelphia Soul organization,” said Russo. “I am beyond thrilled and excited to get started, we are ready to work to our highest potential and beyond.”

Russo is the owner of CaRu Entertainment (www.caruentertainment.com), a dance studio and performance center in Pennington, NJ where she is a professional choreographer, performer and dance instructor.

Her previous sports dance team experience includes: co-founder and choreographer of the Unofficial Dancers of the New York Giants, co-founder and choreographer for the Fight Vixens Dance Team for the Philadelphia Fight Rugby League, dancer for the Philadelphia Angels Dance Team for the Philadelphia Wings and a dancer on the New York Titans Dance Team for the Titans Lacrosse team.

In addition to sports dance team choreography, she has choreographed for competition teams, musicals, the East Coast Pro Dance Convention and the New York Columbus Day Parade. As an Angels Dance Team member she appeared on Good Day Philadelphia and as a Titans Dancer, she appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show and Live with Regis and Kelly. Russo is a graduate of DeSales University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance and Liberal Arts.

Amanda Gardella Selected as New Director of Ironmen Dancers

Former Ironmen Dancer Spent Last Season with the Knicks City Dancers

Amanda Grace“With the 2009-10 season right around the corner, the New Jersey Ironmen formally announced Amanda Gardella as their new Director of the Ironmen Dancers today.  A former Ironmen Dancer herself, Gardella spent this past season at Madison Square Garden as one of the renowned Knicks City Dancers.

Everything in the past year has definitely happened really fast, and I am thrilled that this opportunity came about,” Gardella commented.  “Everything happens for a reason, and I am ready to give 150% of my heart and soul into this.  Look for us to do big things!”

A native of Middlesex, New Jersey, Gardella has been dancing since the age of 10 and has been teaching dance at the Broadway Dance Theatre in North Plainfield for the past seven years.  She has additionally been choreographing in competitive dance for the past four years.  Not only was she one of the original Ironmen Dancers during their inaugural 2007-08 season, but she also spent that year with the Sirens, the official dance team of the New York Titans of the National Lacrosse League.  After making her way through a talent pool of over 500 hopefuls over two days of trials last summer, Gardella earned her way into the National Basketball Association as a member of the Knicks City Dancers in Manhattan.

“The Knicks built the foundation that will enable me to lead this dance team to success,” she remarked.  “Making the Knicks needed to happen for me to gain the knowledge and experience for this opportunity, and I am very grateful for my time with them.”

With auditions tentatively scheduled for August, Gardella has already begun developing her vision for the Ironmen Dancers.

“I plan on us having high energy performances, and I guarantee great entertainment at every game,” she stated.  “In addition to being professional and talented dancers, I am looking for girls that will be committed to the development of the community.  I want us to not only represent the Ironmen well, but I also want us to have a strong connection with both the fans and the entire community.”

amandaknicks

[NJ Ironmen Dancers]